Cherchez La Femme - The McCain Affair

As an outsider, I find it surprising how often US political debate descends to the level of cherchez la femme. This is particularly apparent during Presidential campaigns. Dukakis had his dangerous liaisons, Bill Clinton had Gennifer Flowers; and now John McCain is purported to have had (literally) a former female lobbyist, Vicky Iseman. Discovering that a candidate has had an amour proper is regarded as the ultimate smoking gun; one that has the potential to annihilate entire careers.

The French, of course, would laugh at this absurdity. Nicolas Sarkozy positively flaunted the gorgeous Carla Bruni (until he later ruined it by marrying her) and his people loved him for it. But in America, having, or admitting to, a brief lapse in hormonal judgment is regarded as the kiss of death. This is particularly hypocritical in a nation where a recent survey revealed that more than half of all couples in America are living together (primarily for sex) without a marriage certificate.

My question is. Suppose McCain did have a brief fling with the lady in question. So what? Why does he feel the need to vehemently deny it? How does it make him less efficient to lead and govern his country? Why do his country’s citizens hold him up to a moral standard many of them do not possess themselves? It’s like saying George Bush would not have invaded Iraq if he had had an affair. George Bush, in fact, is the cornerstone of my argument. Even his critics would admit that the man has impeccable morals – at least when it comes to marital fidelity – and is, besides, a devout Christian. And yet, look what a mess he’s made. Bill Clinton, on the other hand, was a known philanderer, but a very shrewd and capable President. I rest my case.