Media Matters Daily Summary 05-31-09

AP calls Sotomayor comment "a rallying call for conservative critics," ignores similar comments by conservatives
The Associated Press reported that Sonia Sotomayor's "wise Latina" comment "has emerged as a rallying call for conservative critics" but did not note that such conservatives as Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas have made similar comments. Read More

Kristol miscontrued Paez comments, baselessly asserted he "rebuke[d]" Sotomayor
William Kristol baselessly asserted that at a 2001 law school symposium, Judge Richard Paez had "basically rebuke[d]" Sotomayor for her speech the previous night. In fact, Paez's comments were largely in agreement with Sotomayor's. Read More

NBC's Gregory purported to provide "wider context" for Sotomayor's quote but didn't provide enough
David Gregory purported to provide "wider context" for Sonia Sotomayor's "wise Latina" remark, but left out passages in which she explained that, like any judge, she has to work to overcome her own personal assumptions and biases to render a fair decision. Read More

On Sunday shows, GOP leaders divided on Limbaugh/Gingrich racism charge against Sotomayor
On the Sunday shows, Lindsey Graham, Mitt Romney, Jeff Sessions, and Ed Gillespie attempted to distance themselves from conservative smears of Sonia Sotomayor as a racist. Jon Kyl dodged questions on the topic, as did Mitch McConnell before he eventually stated, "It is certainly not my view." Read More