Mark McKinnon, one of John McCain's top advisors just emailed The Brody File and told me the following in regards to the controversial New York Times story on John McCain:
"The story is a total smear. It's speculation and rumor based on unnamed sources with an axe to grind. The New York Times has lowered its standards to the level of the National Enquirer. And voters will see it for what it is, including evangelicals. All they need to hear is three words: New York Times."
And folks that is the calculation here. In conservative world, if the New York Times does a "hit job" on you then you wear that as a conservative badge of honor. This story could actually HELP John McCain. What do you think? Leave comments here and I'll post them later today.
Also, will The New York Times talk about this story? Early indications suggest they may not. Read more about that here.
I'm in Austin Texas to cover the big Democratic debate tonight but I'll have more on this throughout the day.