Bennett demands on several occasions. Where there is clear corruption, most of these questions can be answered. The Riady family gave millions to the DNC to get, at a minimum, access for John Huang. But McCain imputes corrupt motives to Bennett without providing any equivalent details. It is not hard to see why Bennett refuses to endorse his presidential candidacy.
Senatorial endorsements are unlikely to sway primary votes one way or the other.
And yet the Bennett confrontation ought to be disturbing for McCain supporters. Moreover, the Bennett story suggests a dark side to McCain's wonderful straight talk. Now McCain does battle with soft money and he avoids the difficult questions about campaign reform. Instead of grappling with these issues, McCain casts those who raise them as corrupt obstructors. But it also makes for enemies.