First — the story broke in May.
Second — there is a video that was used in the story.
FINALLY — The reporter claims his source asked that the tape not be distributed.

End of story, people. Seriously.

The whole reason it’s coming up now is obviously political, and seen by many of both party’s persuasions as a last-gasp attempt by McCain to somehow shock America into believing Obama is X or Y or Z or F or … blah blah blah.

Since when do reporters need a video before they write a story?

Anyone who thinks the LA Times is telling the truth is seriously naive.

The source said not to disclose the tape, simple as that. This should be an “end of story” except that Jane’s ugly politics are involved. The reporter has to hold his end of the bargain. Read Ben Smith’s explanation on Politico for more info and maybe you’ll realize how partisan and negative you sound.

But — again, I’m amazed — why is this even an issue? It’s completely and utterly trivial and has nothing to do with the candidate. Guilt by association is complete and utter BS and I’m sick of both sides playing this ridiculous game. By the way, you do realize that McCain has ties and has GIVEN MONEY to this person and his organization as well, right?

As Hank Williams (the first — and only) once said, “unless you’ve made no mistakes in your life, be careful of the stones that you throw.” We would all do well to avoid jumping on non-stories like this.

To make my point CRYSTAL CLEAR: I wonder how many people are going to be emulating Ashley Todd on Halloween tonight? I’ll bet it’s more than would be doing so if the story had only ran on Drudge. In my opinion, this blog (and the guy that posted the story) should carry a bit of that shame with them.

So let’s stay off the completely and utterly trivial, people. Let’s get back to where the candidates differ on policy and how it’s going to affect us locally. Stay on target or risk looking the fool.

I just received an up close and personal dose of that. I wrote about it, here…

http://bearingdrift.com/2008/10/25/virginian-pilot-rejects-anti-obama-ads/#comment-8872