Media Show

by Lamar Seeligson Smith

                               MEDIA SHOW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2009

  Mr. SMITH of Texas, Madam Speaker, Judge Sotomayor has yet to answer
a question at a confirmation hearing, but the national media's verdict
already is in.
  Network evening newscasts used the term "conservative" to describe
Judge Sotomayor's

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critics more often than they used the term "liberal" to describe
Judge Sotomayor herself, despite her very liberal record.
  And there is a clear double standard in the media's coverage of Judge
Sotomayor compared to President Bush's nominees.
  After they were nominated, the national media referred to Justice
Alito and Justice Roberts as "conservative" far more frequently than
they have labeled Judge Sotomayor "liberal."
  In addition, the national media have heralded Judge Sotomayor's
impressive life story, despite ignoring the similar personal story of
former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales during his confirmation.
  The national media should set aside bias and treat Judge Sotomayor
the same way they treated previous nominees.