Web Letters: The McCain-Follieri Love Boat

The Maverick and the Celebrity Con Man

By Mark Ames & Ari Berman

September 11, 2008

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Shocking! A photo/video that's over two years old (August 2006) and provides irrefutable proof that John McCain appeared in the precise location that local press reported he was, where his aides acknowledge and confirmed he was. The fact that a Hollywood "movie star" type was on board speaks volumes about his character.

Although it would be impossible to ever approach the insidiousness of Mr. McCain's actions in socializing with this "Anne Hathaway" character, it would be interesting to know whether further investigation may reveal that any other current presidential candidate has similarly ingratiated himself to or otherwise spent time in the company of Hollywood celebrities. Of course, the more disturbing aspect of this fine report by The Nation is the noted fact that Mr. Follieri was criminally charged only a short twenty-two months (June 2008) after this photo was taken!

At this point, we are left to wonder whether crack investigators within the Obama campaign team may also be able to unearth a photo of Mr. McCain in the vicinity of one Orenthal James Simpson within the two years prior to June 2003. Although it was only reported that Mr. McCain enjoyed "birthday cocktails" while on the yacht, perhaps it should be further inquired whether Mr. Follieri--in a presumed effort to influence a politician--may also have provided financing for an above-market purchase (through his "then-girlfriend" or otherwise) of a parcel of real estate in a transaction cleverly structured so as to enable John Sydney and Cindy Lou McCain to acquire one of those seven homes that they otherwise may not have been able to afford! In any event, we can all rest well knowing that The Nation would expose and express appropriate outrage at such conduct, and would never allow it to be "glossed over" with a casual statement that such a thoughtfully structured and timed transaction was simply "boneheaded." Shocking, indeed. Hope you enjoyed your so-called birthday cocktails, Mr. McCain!

C.M. Bruner

Washington, DC
09/15/2008 @ 1:05pm
Great article, Berman and Ames! Any idea who the blond woman is standing on the yacht to the left of Follieri and Hathaway? I clearly see blond hair and an arm being silouetted by Rick Davis's dark blue jacket. Not sure if shoes belonging to this person are visible.

Wouldn't it be interesting if this woman was Cindy McCain? or perhaps Vicki Iseman?

Keep up the good work!

Mary Richards-Kallman

Hancock, MI
09/13/2008 @ 8:53pm

Web Letters: The McCain-Follieri Love Boat

The Maverick and the Celebrity Con Man

By Mark Ames & Ari Berman

September 11, 2008

Washington, DC

Hancock, MI

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