The Edwards Freeze Out's "Exhibit A"

I apologize for continuing to beat this drum, so to speak, but I would ask that you consider this New York Times story written today by reporters Adam Nagourney and Jennifer Steinhauer for a minute or two. It pertains to the efforts of the Democratic contenders for president and their courting of the Hispanic community.

The Times reporters devote a lot of space to the efforts of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as you might expect, noting also that former Arizona governor and presidential aspirant Bill Richardson is Hispanic. There is also mention of former Clinton administration HUD secretary Henry Cisneros, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa…hell, even Al Sharpton is quoted, taking the opportunity to provide the laughable observation that, somehow, Obama “has not been part of…efforts to make (racial) progress.”

This story is about 1,250 words in length. As noted, it pertains to the Democratic presidential campaign.

And John Edwards isn’t mentioned even once.

And I really don’t know what else there is to say.

And by the way, New York Times Public Editor Clark Hoyt and others, please don’t try to “toss us a bone” by saying that your mention of Edwards launching four new campaign commercials in South Carolina on “The Caucus” here is somehow supposed to lend balance.

Well, since the Times won’t tell us about Edwards’ Latino support (I know it’s dwarfed by what Clinton and Obama enjoy, but at least it’s there), I would ask that you read this.

And to learn more about the campaign in general, click here (and I can only add “what Atrios sez” about this).

Update 1/16/08: The beat goes on (sigh)...