Where the AP is really coming from

Anyone who has any question about where the Associated Press stands in terms of politics should take a look at this campaign-style introduction of President Obama by none other than Dean Singleton, the chairman of the wire service's board.

A snippet, courtesy of the Weekly Standard:

As president, he inherited the headwinds of the worst economic recession since the great depression. He pushed through congress the biggest economic recovery plan history and what a government reorganization of two of the big three American automakers to save them from oblivion. He pursued domestic and foreign policy agendas that are controversial to many, highlighted by his signature into law of the most comprehensive health care legislation in history. The budget plan's proposed by the president on the one hand and republicans on the other hand are not even on the same planet. Many democrats believe his agenda doesn't go far enough and many republicans believe it goes way too far. While we fought be to doubt -- while we thought the 2008 white house race was rough and tumble, the 2012 race makes it look like bumper cars by comparison our country has become even more polarized. The 1 percent and the 99 percent are at each other's throats. Campaigns are now funded by secretive, multimillion-dollar super PACs. The only thing anybody seems willing to compromise on is -- I can't think of anything. [laughter] really, who would want this job in the first place?”

The culture that's fostered by the AP's chief permeates through the organization as well as the newsrooms of many of its contributing members. When it comes to politics, these people are not impartial amd cannot be trusted to give a balanced account, period. If you're reading an AP story about the campaign or goings-on in Washington, it's best to keep in mind the point of view from which the news organization is coming.