I do wish the newly-elected Democrats well: I'm not filled with animosity or anything of the sort. They are our elected leaders, and we're all in the same boat. Whether I voted for them or not, they represent me: to wish them poorly is to wish our nation itself would do poorly.

Also, I'd like to state: I think it's quite reasonable and normal for Nancy Pelosi to use her grandchildren as a bit of a prop -- what politician hasn't mugged for the camera, surrounded with as much familial wholesomeness as possible? Much less during an acceptance speech?

As usual, my schtick is to simply observe and compare responses.

It seems it was just yesterday: John Roberts was nominated for the Supreme Court, and the national press was digging up every possible bit of dirt, even if it meant going after his family. Drudge reported the New York Times had been investigating their two adopted children, and had even consulted with their lawyers on how to unseal the adoption records.

When Roberts was confirmed, on the same day both the Los Angeles Times (link unavailable) and The Washington Post celebrated his appointment with rather brutal commentary on ...

... the way his children were dressed?

It has been a long time since so much syrupy nostalgia has been in evidence at the White House.... In a time when most children are dressed in Gap Kids and retailers of similar price-point and modernity, the parents put young master Jack in an ensemble that calls to mind John F. "John-John" Kennedy Jr.

Separate the child from the clothes, which do not acknowledge trends, popular culture or the passing of time. They are not classic; they are old-fashioned. These clothes are Old World, old money and a cut above the light-up/shoe-buying hoi polloi. ...

Dressing appropriately is a somewhat selfless act. It's not about catering to personal comfort. One can't give in fully to private aesthetic preferences. Instead, one asks what would make other people feel respected? ... the Roberts family went too far.

Nancy Pelosi is, of course, quite a bit wealthier than John Roberts. She actually does come from an influential family, and has an estimated net worth, I understand, of about $50 million.

Her father was a Baltimore mayor and powerful political boss. She and her husband hold extensive real estate and stock investments, including "a St. Helena vineyard worth between $5 million and $25 million, a $1 million-plus townhome in Norden (Nevada County), and minority interests in the Auberge du Soleil resort hotel in Rutherford, the CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, and the Piatti Italian restaurant chain." [1]

Not, as Seinfeld might say, that there's anything wrong with that.

I just find the contrast interesting.

So I don't mind the expected barrage of flattering puff-pieces, characterizing her political career as "from the kitchen to the Congress" (New York Times), calling her a role model, touting her courage, industriousness, etc. And I certainly wouldn't want those who hold themselves out as objective news sources to question her inclusion of her youthful progeny, much less, absurdly, their clothing.

On your day of victory, news coverage should indeed be positive and sympathetic.

I just wish they'd do the same for everyone.