New JFK hit by scandal

The Sun ^ | February 12, 2004 | BRIAN FLYNN

[new cruelty]

A SEX scandal is threatening to sink John Kerry’s bid for the US presidency.

Campaign sources revealed that a probe is underway into claims the Democrat front-runner had a relationship with a young girl aide.

Vietnam war hero Kerry, 60 — dubbed “the new JFK” — was on the verge of sealing the Democratic nomination to take on George Bush head to head in November.

But the revelation of the scandal on the Drudge Report website — which broke President Bill Clinton’s affair with intern Monica Lewinsky — has thrown the race open again.

The girl involved used to work for a news agency and recently fled the US amid rumours of an affair — reportedly on Kerry’s orders.

One of Kerry’s former rivals for the Democratic nomination, General Wesley Clark, had stunned reporters earlier this week by saying in an off-the-record briefing: “Kerry will implode over an intern issue.”

The source of the story was said to be Clark’s press chief Chris Lehane, who worked for Kerry before switching sides. Another Kerry rival, Howard Dean, has reversed his decision to quit the race because of the scandal.

Washington political analyst Craig Crawford said the relationship between Kerry and the intern was a reason why Al Gore shunned Kerry as a running mate in the 2000 election against Mr Bush.

Twice-married Kerry was believed to be relaxing with his wife Teresa, heiress with a £350million fortune, last night as his aides tried to deal with the crisis.

Affairs of presidents

EXTRA-marital affairs have a long tradition among occupants of the White House.

John F Kennedy is the most famous presidential philanderer. He had affairs with actresses Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Kim Novak and Angie Dickinson.

Bill Clinton was caught lying when he denied having sex with intern Monica Lewinsky. He was ridiculed when she gave details of their lovelife and Clinton narrowly avoided being thrown out.

Wartime president Franklin D Roosevelt was forced to abandon mistress Lucy Mercer after his wife Eleanor threatened divorce.

The third president Thomas Jefferson had a 40-year affair with slave Sally Hemings.

And Dwight Eisenhower had one with his secretary Kay Summersby.

[Hon]

"He has only been married once. The Ketchup lady made him annul the first marriage before she would tie the knot. So therefore, legally that marriage never took place. Just like a typical dim."

Not quite true on several counts. One, they were married in a civil ceremony before they asked for an annulment. Two, it's not clear that they have gotten an annulment.

[stocksthatgoup]

EXTRA-marital affairs have a long tradition among occupants of the White House.

[New Horizon]

Bill Clinton was caught lying when he denied having sex with intern Monica Lewinsky. He was ridiculed when she gave details of their lovelife and Clinton narrowly avoided being thrown out.

Thrown out of what? The Oval Orifice? Everybody knew that was never going to happen. Come on!

[plain talk]

Twice-married Kerry was believed to be relaxing with his wife Teresa

Have a nice Valentine's Day, John, and don't forget to stop by the supermarket and get a nice mushy card and some roses. Maybe that will help.

[VadeRetro]

And Dwight Eisenhower had one with his secretary Kay Summersby.

In Europe, during the war.

[Choose Ye This Day]

Is it me, or does there seem to be a lack of substantiating details to this 'scandal'? There's no "there" there, yet. So far, it's much ado about...not much.

Kerry wanted her to work for him a few years back. So far, that's all they've got? What's the big deal?

Don't get me wrong, I certainly doubt Kerry is above horndogging and philandering. I just think it's premature to try to create some big ruckus over something that hasn't even been verified. Let's wait until we have some dates and times, at least, before we go nuts.