Even if I ever disagreed with Glenn Greenwald — which is highly unlikely — I would never challenge him to a word match. There are times when you know you just can’t win.

John King of CNN has yet to learn this.

Ponder how much better things would be if establishment journalists — in response to being endlessly lied to and manipulated by political officials and upon witnessing extreme lawbreaking and corruption at the highest levels of our government — were able to muster just a tiny fraction of the high dudgeon, petulant offense, and melodramatic outrage that comes pouring forth whenever their “reporting” is criticized. All this energized invective from King because CNN aired an “interview” with the GOP front-running presidential candidate consisting of one adoring question after the next, which I printed in full.

It’s not exactly a secret that the traveling press harbors bountiful, blinding love for John McCain. That love was glaringly evident in King’s “interview.” Judging by his response, King quite clearly knows this, too. It’s not actually that complicated. The next time you or your colleagues interview McCain, keep your affection to yourself; skip the part where you lavish him with praise; exercise journalistic skepticism; and just ask real questions.