Wonkette

This forbidden-lobbyist-love scandal is a stroke of good fortune for John McCain. Revelations that he may have landed a sizzling hot blonde half his age have brought a new aura of virility and sex appeal to the Spanish-American war hero’s ancient carcass. He is also being hailed by Christian conservatives for having the good taste to conduct a heterosexual extramarital affair. And now we learn the scandal has brought conservative talk radio’s most lovable personalities flocking to his bosom. According to Politico, “they have a common enemy” now. Meaning, of course, the terrorists. At the New York Times. MORE »

• Reliable Source: Barbara Bush sparks speculation that she’s engaged after she’s seen with a ring on the third finger of her left hand. [WP]
• Inside the Beltway: Laura Ingraham tells Brian Lamb to get “Queer Eye” to redesign the C-SPAN set. [WT]
• Page Six: Secret Service agent is assigned to investigate claims about Jenna Bush’s lost wallet; White House issues denials. [NYP]
• Cindy Adams: If Jeannine Pirro drops senate campaign in favor of running for attorney general, will Bill Weld run against Hillary? . . . Sen. Elizabeth Dole’s hair is lighter. [NYP]
• Rush & Molloy: Mike Wallace wants to question Bush: “What in the world prepared you to be the commander in chief of the largest superpower in the world?

• Washington Whispers: Condi enjoys globe-trotting. . . Rumor mill envisions Gore-Obama ticket in ‘08. . . Peter Pace, the new Joint Chiefs of Staff, encourages his minions to find balance in their life. . . 16% of Americans watch more than three hours of cable news per day, the Winston Group finds. [USN&WR]
• Cindy Adams: Stephanopoulos says Reid green-lighted Miers on behalf of Democrats. . . Woodruff says Fitzgerald is gunning for a conspiracy charge. [NYP]
• Page Six: Mary Cheney, Laura Ingraham, Major Garrett among guests invited by Mary Matalin and James Carville for book party. [NYP]