Look, I think all this stuff about past relationships is bogus, and we need to focus on the ridiculously bad policies John McCain is putting forth. But, as long as he wants to raise relationships in every ad and speech, maybe he could answer this one.
From the Washington Independent:
Sen. John McCain’s wife and father-in-law continued a lucrative business partnership with disgraced financier Charles H. Keating Jr. for 11 years after the GOP presidential nominee said he ended his close friendship with Keating in March 1987.
Cindy McCain’s business partnership with Keating in a real-estate development between 1986 and 1998 netted her a tidy profit, in addition to years of significant tax benefits. Her father, who died in 2000, earned similar returns.
So, at least we know how they made a lot of their money for the newest of their dozen houses and cars and private plane and all of that.
Now, after a week of implying Barack Obama is a terrorist, John McCain now says it's not about knowing Bill Ayers, it's about whether he and his campaign have been truthful.
Ruh Roh.
On Monday, McCain’s attorney, John Dowd, said in a conference call with reporters that McCain was not aware of his wife’s and father-in-law’s investment with Keating at the time it was made. "John was unconnected to that and unaware of it at the time and did not participate in it," Dowd said.
However, during the Keating Five Senate Ethics Committee hearings in 1990-91, McCain testified that he was aware of the family investment with Keating in early 1986.
Under questioning from Dowd, McCain said he learned of the investment from a Hensley & Co. executive.
"I was told ...they were going to invest in a shopping center and that the investment –- the project — was being put together by a subsidiary of American Continental," McCain told the ethics committee. "He [the executive] later told me that had happened. And I had no interest in it and just noted in passing that this investment took place."
Hmmm... So on Monday the Dowd and the McCain campaign said John McCain didn't know anything about this. But back in the day, McCain told Dowd that he did know about it.
Seems that someone isn't being completely honest with the American people. Seems to me that there are a lot of unanswered questions. Seems to me that, to paraphrase McCain, "The American people have a right to demand the truth."
So, let's have it, Senator McCain. Did you or did you not know that your family kept its relations with Charles Keating, and made deals that paid for the houses you live in and the cars that you drive?
Or, you know, maybe we can get back to talking about the economy if you'd like.
Note: As always, I encourage everyone who wants to see this covered to send to your favorite media outlet, blog, etc.