MSNBC / NYT writes about "What happened to McCain in S.C. 2000" (Karl F**KING ROVE "happened")

[Amerigo Vespucci]

I mean, give the "Architect" some love. Give the guy who ORCHESTRATED IT and MADE IT HAPPEN proper credit.

:grr:



McCain back at scene of collapse in S.C.
His experience in the state is a symbol of the brutality of American politics

By Jennifer Steinhauer
Updated: 2:46 p.m. PT Oct 18, 2007

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21367075/

CHARLESTON, S.C. - When Senator John McCain and his wife campaign in South Carolina these days, people pull them aside to apologize for what happened during the presidential primary here in 2000. With its early date, Southern location and reputation for road testing conservative credentials, the South Carolina primary is a proving ground for any Republican who longs to be president.

But as Mr. McCain seeks the Republican nomination again, the state is also a painful symbol of the brutality of American politics, the place that derailed his 2000 bid and, ultimately, helped reshape him into the candidate he is today. “He would tell you he’s the same guy and they’re over it and I think on many levels they are,” said John Weaver, Mr. McCain’s former chief political strategist. “But it changes you.”

A smear campaign during the primary in February 2000 here had many in South Carolina falsely believing that Mr. McCain’s wife, Cindy, was a drug addict and that the couple’s adopted daughter, Bridget, was the product of an illicit union. Mr. McCain’s patriotism, mental well-being and sexuality were also viciously called into question.

The McCain team had trouble nailing down the origin of the dirt. Karl Rove, Mr. Bush’s political adviser, and the entire Bush team strongly denied involvement, though it was clear Mr. Bush was the beneficiary. When the McCain camp did fight back, it chose Mr. Bush as the target — and a method that backfired.