But neither NBC News nor The New York Times public editor knows it

Journalists' dim view of everything from politicians to human nature seems to taint every story.

It seems that a candidate whose words and deeds are so far beyond the pale have finally awoken the press to the truth-squadding that is its job.

Public editor Liz Spayd's inaugural column misses the mark by not explaining how the media really works — and offers little proof that the paper's critics can support their perceptions with evidence.

An investigation into how diminished government transparency leaves the public — and democracy — at risk, and conversations with Pulitzer winner Dorothy Rabinowitz and NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.