Guide Note

Rumors of a Cindy McCain affair circulated around the Internet on the evening of June 18, 2008. A large number of people searched for the term "Cindy McCain Affair" simultaneously, which inspired the rumor.¹

Fast Facts

1. Internet searches for "Cindy McCain Affair" took place around 9:00 p.m.¹
2. Affair said to have been with a Maryland divorce attorney²
3. Cindy McCain and McCain campaign did not respond
4. No name given for supposed Maryland divorce attorney
5. John and Cindy McCain married in 1980

"So there you have it. An internet rumor manufactured first by unknown blogs followed by respected news sites in response to perceived search demand for the story. It is a field of dreams on the Internet which proves that if you come, they will build it."—RightPundits.com¹

"Anyhow, the rumors swirling out there now suggest that Cindy McCain had an affair. Apparently some unnamed lawyer from Maryland has started blabbing about this. Why should we care if she's having an affair or not? It's not against the law—it's juicy gossip, that's why!"—Gabby Babble³

"Rumor on the web is that John McCain's rich wife Cindy had an affair with a Maryland divorce attorney. How do we know? Said divorce attorney is telling everyone so!"—GaySocialites.com²