News organizations picked up the story of a McCain campaign volunteer in Pittsburgh named Ashley Todd, who said that a black man mugged her, sexually assaulted her, and scratched a “B” into her cheek because she had a McCain bumper sticker on her car. The police quickly pointed out “inconsistencies” in her story. Todd has now confessed that she made up the story. Yesterday, Fox News Executive VP John Moody, who is a Pittsburgh native, wrote that the incident’s credibility was inextricably tied to McCain’s campaign:

This incident could become a watershed event in the 11 days before the election.

If Ms. Todd’s allegations are proven accurate, some voters may revisit their support for Senator Obama. If the incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over, forever linked to race-baiting.

For Pittsburgh, a city that has done so much to shape American history over the centuries, another moment of truth is at hand.

Yesterday, before Todd had confessed, the McCain campaign put out a statement about the incident, saying, “We’re shaken up by this. It’s sick and disgusting.”

Why are you adding credence to this story about a sick little girl who needs attention.....this is a volunteer who got bored handing out stickers.........thats all ..............

Originally Posted by The Great Fumar

Why are you adding credence to this story about a sick little girl who needs attention.....this is a volunteer who got bored handing out stickers.........thats all ..............

Why shouldn't this be a story Fox News reported it...McCain's communications manager told the press the B stood for Barack. Fox's VP said if the story was true people should rethink their support for Obama.

And now right wing blogs say she is a Democratic plant.

The right completely went with this story....

I honestly don't see how this is tied to either candidate or party. It is a sad story about a sad girl who needs help. The fact she was a volunteer for McCain is irrelevant. The fact she claims the attack was made worse because she was a McCain supporter is a reflection on her, not on Sen. McCain.

Why this story was posted once is beyond me. Why it was posted twice is just sad.

Originally Posted by red witch

I honestly don't see how this is tied to either candidate or party. It is a sad story about a sad girl who needs help. The fact she was a volunteer for McCain is irrelevant. The fact she claims the attack was made worse because she was a McCain supporter is a reflection on her, not on Sen. McCain.

Why this story was posted once is beyond me. Why it was posted twice is just sad.

What ties it to the McCain camp is the McCain's Communications Manager for Pennsylvania is the one who told reporters that the B carved in her face was for Barack. Fox News, Hugh Hewitt, Sarah's Army and the Drudge Report all hyped the story.