In all the discussion of the Keating 5 scandal and McCain's involvement there in I have yet to see the real point made.
Most try to point towards the influence peddling which that was probably far more relevant when discussing the motivations of the 4 Democrats involved but that misses the point with regard to McCain.
The point isn't about a quid pro quo of influence for money. I mean honestly with Cindy McCain's wealth do we really believe that McCain would need Keating to pick up the tab for him to go on exotic vacations? Or finance his elections? In one respect McCain's claims of innocence while defending himself against such accusations are credible.
McCain didn't pressure regulators in return for favors from Keating he did it because he believed that regulators should lay off Keating on ideological grounds. This explains why he was only admonished for poor judgment since the focus of the investigation was regarding the influence peddling.
What people miss is the far more relevant point which is that McCain didn't require payment to take the actions he took those actions were perfectly consistent with his ideological outlook.
The question that should be directed towards McCain isn't whether he engaged in quid pro quo but rather does he believe that the rich should be above the law?
At least the other four have the excuse of greed for abandoning their ideals McCain just lived his.