This image was lost some time after publication.

What we have here is what they call a teachable moment.

This email arrived earlier today, with the picture at right attached:

From: xxxx@aol.com
To: tips@gawker.com
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 12:35 PM
Subject: Nytimes tip

Looks like the nytimes may be biased after all...

Endorsement posters of scott stringer at 26th and 9th ave

Far be it from us to argue that the people constantly complaining about media bias are — how to put it? — fucking morons. But let us at the very least suggest that before you start criticizing things, you first obtain at least the slightest idea what you're talking about.

To wit: Newspapers have news sections. Newspapers also have editorial pages. Editorial pages are separate from the news sections, with different writers and different editors. And one of the things newspaper editorial pages typically do is endorse candidates. The editorial page of The New York Times on August 28 endorsed Scott Stringer in the Democratic primary for Manhattan borough president. The news pages did not endorse anyone. So Scott Stringer's election claim that he is endorsed by the Times is both wholly accurate and in no way a demonstration of any news bias at the Times.

Thus endeth the lesson.

Go tell your rightwing friends.