Do not underestimate the power of the gossip rags in driving news stories. They often appeal to a group of readers that is less politically educated, and is therefore less likely to have already made up their minds. Moreover, a story that hits the gossip rags is a story that has broken through the world of blog-addicts and political junkies to a much larger audience.
Which is why it's good news that the notorious perezhilton.com has picked up the story of Cindy McCain's lies regarding her ignored and neglected half-sister:
Almost all politicians have been infected by the liar bug. And, now, so have their families!
Cindy McCain has been hanging out in D.C. too much cause she's caught the bug.
Mrs. McCain has gone on and on about living life as an 'only child.'
One LITTLE problem!!!!
She has a half-sister who she's known about, according to National Public Radio. In fact, Cindy and her sister hung out from time to time when they were growing up.
I like Perez's conclusion:
When NPR asked the McCain campaign — specifically, Cindy McCain — to comment or respond, neither replied.
What's up with that????
We think Cindy would suck at being first lady.
First ladies need to give off that trustworthy vibe!
Don't laugh, but the fact that this story has hit Perezhilton.com could indicate that it will have a more than trivial effect on McCain's favorability ratings and standing in the polls.
Update [2008-8-19 22:29:23 by pontificator]: For fun, check out Perez's comments section. Funny stuff.
Update [2008-8-19 22:29:23 by pontificator]: According to Alexa.com, Dailykos.com has a traffic rank of 4,101 while perezhilton.com has a traffic rank of 441.