N.Y. Times' McCain story looks shoddy (Dow Jones Commentary)

Dow Jones Marketwatch ^ | 02-21-2008 | Marketwatch.com

[montag813]

Commentary: Insufficient sourcing weakens paper's argument

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - The New York Times' front-page story on John McCain on Thursday was an example of shoddy journalism.

The piece raised the possibility that McCain had had a fling with a lobbyist 31 years his junior. It offered no legitimate basis, other than the whispers of unnamed sources - the most questionable form of reporting in a democratic society.

McCain said in a televised press conference Thursday morning from Ohio that the story was "not true" and added that he was "very disappointed" in the Times. McCain was no doubt worried that the speculation would hurt his chances of rallying evangelicals and other conservative Republican voters who have been cool or downright hostile to his campaign so far.

The Times' story is weakened by insufficient sourcing since it is based on anonymous sources. Because the paper didn't name them, it opens the possibility that a former McCain aide is using the Times to get revenge on the presumptive Republican candidate or help one of his political enemies.

[Bob J]

I think this story will overall help McCain. It’s too shoody to be taken seriously but it’s salaciousness will help dispel doubts about his age and virulity...with those to whom it may be important.