The Obama campaign with the full support of the main stream media seem to feel they have found a chink in the armor of McCain over the Republican's stumble in his response to a reporter's query as to how many houses he and his wife own. Not only did the Obama campaign generate a tv ad that has received generous free play on network and cable shows in the guise of reporting news, but has found its way into almost every interview with a democrat spokesperson. It's not clear if the aim is to paint McCain as out of touch with average Americans or as suffering from the forgetfulness associated with old age.
Thanks to YouTube, it is possible to review the original exchange between the reporter from Politico.com. After seeing and hearing the question-answer it is reasonable to come away with a different impression than that presented by McCain's detractors.
The viewer will note that McCain begins his answer by seemingly correcting the reporter's use of the word "houses" saying "well, there's the condo...". He then stops, thinks for a moment and tells the reporter he will have his staff find out the answer and get back to him.
For a politician regardless of party, this is a standard and generally safe response utilized regularly with no adverse fallout. It is not surprising that McCain would use this default if unartful answer. He would have clearly been better served if he explained why he couldn't give a more precise answer spontaneously. For anyone who has dealt with legal and financial matters however it is not surprising that he was reluctant to give an exact number.
As it turns out, Mrs McCain, through several of her corporations has purchased seven or in some reports eight properties mostly condominiums for her children to live in and others as investments. As a legal matter, there is the question of ownership. Are these owned jointly by Senator and Mrs McCain or are they owned, that is, titled by the corporate entities? Had McCain answered with a number there is little doubt that the media would have been quick to point out any discrepancies.
The McCains have 2 homes, one of which is not technically a "house" but a condo in Virginia and his ranch in Sedona, Arizona. What would have happened if he had simply anwered "two" to the question? Even though in his mind, this could well have been the correct answer as he didn't live in the other properties.
In this post-Clinton era of parsing every word, politicians of both parties have to think, often too carefully, when answering questions. It is not in the interest of the country however to play the gotcha form of journalism.
The Edge
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