Maybe Good Politics, But Still Bad Science

The New York Times says that Senator John McCain’s statement about there being “‘there’s strong evidence” linking thimerosal for the increase in diagnoses of autism is “good politics”:

…the parent groups raising concerns about the dangers of vaccines have not wavered in their conviction, and if anything have become more skeptical of government pronouncements on the issue over time. Radio hosts, journalists and a new television drama have also taken up the issue. So if his goal was bucking the establishment — and turning a weather eye on the government — Mr. McCain’s remarks made good politics.

Maybe’s McCain’s statement is “good politics,” but it’s still “bad science,” and by an “anti-science sell-out who’s been spending too much time talking to activist moms. Is this the Times trying to compensate for their story about McCain and a certain female lobbyist?