The McCain Story Isn't True Yet They Don't Want To Sue

[Me.]

Bob Bennett has all kinds of reasons for not suing...don't want to keep the story going...McCain is a public figure...McCain is running for pres and they don't want to distract.

Any buyers?

[Thrill]

1. They have yet to deny the story is false

They just said he hasn't had an affair with her.

[Me.]

3. They've Danced Around It

And intimated it isn't true but Bennett seemed to be spinning his head off

[Thrill]

5. The real story isn't whether he was banging her

Its the question of him changing his votes to help her clients get what they want. Thats the big story.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

10. That's exactly it.

I don't care if they had an affair, or if it was a harmless flirtation, or if they were just good friends. He did favors for her, using his position. It would be no different if the lobbyist were a male golfing buddy.

[Avalux]

2. The Times has more, I'm sure of it.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[Me.]

4. Yep

I'm waiting for their next move

[Mz Pip]

6. Suing

involves disclosure, deposing witnesses and probably more investigations. I doubt they really want to go there.

[Me.]

8. 'Zactly

A lot to lose which leaves the question of why they're not hanging over their heads

[onenote]

7. its nearly impossible to win such a suit if you're a public figure

They would have to prove that the Times either knew the story was false or acted with reckless disregard as to the truth. That would be impossible in this case since (1) the story itself is careful not to directly claim that there was, in fact, an inappropriate relationship and (2) the Times clearly researched the story and has sources for what it writes (whether or not those sources turn out to be reliable is not relevant).

So it would be a waste of time and money to sue. So yes, I'm buying.

[Me.]

11. I Get Your Reasoning

But am wondering if the 'for appearances sake' aspect would come into play here

[onenote]

12. It wouldn't do him any good - and could do him harm

The Times would get the suit dismissed pretty quickly. And losing the suit would be worse for mccain than simply calling the times names.

[David Zephyr]

9. A lawsuit would be bad for McCain because people go under oath and talk.

It could open cans of worms he doesn't want open.