John McCain War Room in Full Attack Mode over Sexy Lobbyist Bombshell
The Senator, The Lobbyist And The Times
Carl Lavin 02.21.08, 11:28 AM ET
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There are basic War Room rules when you are under attack and the McCain team is in full War Room mode in response to a detailed New York Times piece posted late Wednesday. The article focuses on speculation about a possible romantic relationship between Sen. John McCain and Vicki Iseman, a lobbyist for Alcade & Fay, a firm based in Arlington, Va., that represents the cruise line industry, the city of Miami and a variety of municipal and other clients.
Here are some pages from the War Room rulebook:
1. Attack the messenger. Within an hour after The Times posted the article, the McCain campaign was out with a statement denouncing the work of four reporters as a ” hit and run smear campaign” and “gutter politics.”
2. Denounce the attack as old news. In December, Matt Drudge on his drudgereport.com carried the first word that this article was in the works. The McCain team denounced it then and others picked up news about many of the allegations and the campaign’s response. Two months later, McCain supporters will be quick to criticize journalists for digging up what they will call “old news.” Look for supporters and critics alike to sift through files for any previous mentions of the lobbyist and the senator, with supporters hoping to add heft to their argument that this has all been discussed and dismissed in the past.
3. Circle the wagons. The best defense is a strong offense. Look for some high-profile joint appearances and endorsements. The biggest GOP voice–and one that still carries weight with the faithful–is the voice of President George W. Bush. Pressure will increase to accelerate his official endorsement of McCain.
4. Wife, front and center. Cindy McCain, the senator’s wife, has been a regular on the campaign trail. She was there at his side Thursday morning in Ohio, and voters should expect to see the two of them glued together for several days.