Andrew Sullivan drives the wahmbulance to Pat Buchanan's doorstep.

I normally agree and in fact admire much of what Andrew Sullivan writes. Unlike phony conservative opportunists like David Frum, Sullivan approaches his words with a conviction not influenced by the winds of caprice. However, he is still a conservative and is prone to indulging in the last refuge of a conservative - whinng about the 'victimization' of right wingers.

That's why this post by Sullivan defending Pat Buchanan and his recent dismissal from MSNBC is so puzzling. Like with the outrage being expressed by some in the progressive community and of course the right over the mockery of Vic Toews' divorce and spending habits, Sullivan is reflecting a double standard when it comes to public outrage over things the far right says and does.

Every day brings an outrageous statement or deed from the right about progressives. Nobody bats an eyelash. But a progressive mocks or publishes factual information about a right winger and the shit hits the fan. Sullivan is way off base. MSNBC had every right to fire Buchanan. Buchanan added nothing to the debate. In fact, he degraded it.

Unlike the "compassionate and decent man" portrayed by Andrew, Buchanan's racism and unhinged bigotry was the actual "step backward from real debate on cable "news". I fear Sullivan is circling the wagons around someone he knows personally and has developed a relationship. In the world of journalism, that's a step backward. We need better journalism, especially when it comes from someone normally as sharp and as precise as Andrew Sullivan.