A great number of U.S. political reporters are historically illiterate. National Review’s Charles C. W. Cooke rightly described the problem as widespread and “catastrophic,” arguing further that it is “rife among the journalistic class.”
On Friday, the Los Angeles Times masterfully outlined this problem as it failed horribly to find the historical aspect to Sen. Cory Booker’s 2020 campaign announcement.
“Cory Booker could also be the first bachelor president,” the paper tweeted Friday after the New Jersey senator announced he would seek the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Cory Booker could also be the first bachelor president. https://t.co/Nqw6jW88WB
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 1, 2019
James Buchanan must be rolling in his grave. He is famous for only two things: Being unmarried and being a bad president.
The LA Times was notified immediately of its factual inaccuracy, and it sought to clean up its mess with a follow-up note that reads, “….except for President James Buchanan who was never married. We apologize for the historical inaccuracy.”
….except for President James Buchanan who was never married. We apologize for the historical inaccuracy.
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 1, 2019
Close, but they still have some way to go.
Grover Cleveland also came to the White House in 1885 as a bachelor. He met his wife, Frances Folsom, during his first term. They married in 1886. So, good for you, Sen. Booker. You could be the third bachelor president.
Here’s a modest proposal: Let’s launch a GoFundMe account to buy the LA Times a set of encyclopedias.
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This article has been updated.
