The Editors on the media’s pre-celebrations:
Pelosi has held her caucus together to block major Republican initiatives over the last two years, while throwing every name in the book at her opponents (“immoral,” “corrupt,” “incompetent”; she’s even said they’re running a criminal enterprise). In the media’s typical terminology, this should make Pelosi a “partisan obstructionist,” and probably “mean-spirited” to boot. At least it would if she weren’t a liberal Democrat on the verge of taking over the House for the first time in twelve years.
In 1994, the media portrayed Newt Gingrich as a fire-breathing, radical right-winger. The week of the election, Time put a red-faced Gingrich on its cover with the headline “Mad As Hell.” By contrast, when Pelosi isn’t warm and cuddly, she’s a master politician. To wit, a recent profile of Pelosi that aired on NBC’s Today opened with these words: “She often introduces herself as a mother and grandmother, and is known for her trademark smile. But don’t be fooled. At 66, she is ambitious, effective, and has made an art form of staying on message.”
The media haven’t been able to conceal their rooting interest in this election. They visibly pant over the prospect of a big Democratic night on November 7, and if there is any doubt about its happening (they often portray it as a foregone conclusion), they are willing to help push Democrats over the top.
And it’s only going to get worse.