A brand new book takes a scathing look at the cozy relationship between John McCain and the reporters who cover him: "Free Ride: John McCain and the Media" is coming out this week.

This comes from a Newsweek interview with co-author Paul Waldman

McCain's `Free Ride'

Why is that? Is it just that he's a likable 'straight talker'? Or are we all suckers?

It's both. You have to understand that the way McCain deals with the national media is a strategy. He realized that reporters want to be treated differently than the way most politicians treat them, which is very carefully and being measured with what they say, going off the record a lot. And that's frustrating for reporters. What McCain figured out was not to be careful, not to go off the record, to return their calls and talk about anything for as long as they wanted. And the results have paid off very handsomely for him, because he gets the benefit of the doubt all the time.

John McCain (R-AZ) has been campaigning as a supporter of the economic stimulus package. During the January 24 GOP debate, he pledge to support the stimulus package. Throughout his campaign stops, he told crowds, he woul vote for the stimulus package.
 McCain skipped the vote today in the Senate and the economic stimulus package lost by one vote in the Senate. The vote was blocked by the GOP and the Conservative Repulicans McCane needs in order to seal his nomination for the Presidency.
 The stimulus package was to provie money for the elderly, disabled veterans, the unemploye and small business.GOP leaders suspicious of McCain were watching this vote.
   McCain is known for his fierce indepence, his maverick status and as a man WHOSE VOTE CAN'T BE BOUGHT. McCain is now a man whose VOTE CAN BE BOUGHT.
  AMERICAN PEOPLE/ECONOMY 0    MCCAIN'S NOMINATION 1

WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!1