On April 10, the New York Times almost singlehandedly revived the political career of disgraced Anthony Weiner with an 8,300-word profile of the former Congressman, his wife, and their baby boy Jonathan. Clay Waters at NewsBusters noted shortly thereafter that Jonathan van Meter's profile, which revealed Weiner's intention to become a candidate in New York City's mayoral race while somehow avoiding still-open questions about Weiner's "underage girl problem," had its intended effect, as the major broadcast networks fell in line to "promote his political rehabilitation."
We all know that the attempted rehabilitation failed spectacularly, because the supposed personal rehabilitation which formed its basis turned out to be completely fictional. In late July, a Times editorial called for Weiner to withdraw from the race without owning up to the role the paper had played in his attempted revival. So it figures that the Times, which identified Weiner's demise as one of 2013's "political lowlights" earlier in the day, would ignore Weiner's "Look at me" Thursday Facebook post.
It is clear that the man still holds out hope for a revival of his political career, and hasn't shed his contempt for those who fundamentally disagree with him (bolds are mine):
What's Next? First, Let Me Say Thanks
... I do want to take stock a bit of 2013. It certainly didn't go as I had hoped. I continue to be deeply sorry that my personal mistakes undermined an amazing campaign that included too many amazing staffers to mention and hundreds of volunteers and many of you who kept active from afar with ideas, contributions and encouraging notes. (Even the snarky comments of our opponents weren't entirely humorless). Huma and I were buoyed by the kind wishes of countless friends and total strangers. And I must admit, it's easy to get cheered up when you are watching a little boy sprout before your eyes. Did I mention Jordan turned 2 this week?
What's next? I'll keep you posted on my plans. But I hope we keep the band together.
... we all have sought to make the argument that too often we progressives come to knife fights carrying library books. Although my Republican friends have to decide what to do with the tea party wackadoo wing of their party, it does not constitute a strategy to simply sit back and watch them immolate. Our team has to be a font of ideas and debate.
... This year lets (sic) fight to make this the country we want it to be and one that lives up to our common ideals about progress.
As of 8:45 ET today, Weiner's post was only getting roasted at about a dozen news outlets. Imagine how much derisive press attention an out-of-control egotistical Facebook post by a similarly disgraced Republican or conservative might get.
Coverage at the UK Daily Mail correctly describes Weiner's post as a hint of "Another Comeback Attempt."
If it appears feasible somewhere down the road, I suspect that we can count on the New York Times to participate in the revival attempt. After all, getting "progressives" into positions of power is all that matters.
Cross-posted at BizzyBlog.com.
