Media Show

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.