New York Times - double standard for party switchers (MEDIA)

When a Democrat goes over to the Republican Party New York Times reporters erupt with scorn. The defection in the New York state senate this week by two Democrats to the GOP is called a "coup" and "clownish."

The two Democrats-turned-Republicans are treated with contempt. They are mobbed by reporters shouting questions.

The party switch is described as "antics" and they are creating "gridlock". There's speculation about whether they can be got back to the Democratic Party and what it might take to buy them. The switchers are portrayed as completely opportunistic.

The reporting Democrat-to-Republican is unremittingly negative.

By contrast a month ago when Republican US senator Arlen Specter switched parties the same reporters treated the Republican-turned-Democrat with deference and respect as if changing your party is an entirely natural thing to do.

They sit down and ask polite questions. The questions are all based on a premise that the party change was done out of frustration with the unreasonableness of the GOP.

The switch is immediately accepted as a done deal and there's quiet analysis of the political consequences.

Nothing negative about a move in that direction.

The reporters would of course deny they're biased.

editor - TOLLROADSnews 2009-06-13