NY Times mocked for not mentioning embattled senator is a Democrat

The New York Times provoked mockery from conservatives on social media after the paper published a lengthy story on Sen. Bob Menendez’s (D-N.J.) corruption trial without providing his party affiliation on Tuesday. 

“For the first time in 36 years, a sitting United States Senator is facing a federal bribery trial,” read a Tuesday NYT tweet promoting the story. 

For the first time in 36 years, a sitting United States Senator is facing a federal bribery trial https://t.co/nXIemGgtFo pic.twitter.com/DRez2caliO

— NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) September 4, 2017

But the original 1,288-word story didn’t mention that Menendez is a Democrat at any point throughout the piece.

{mosads}The article was updated later Tuesday morning to include Menendez’s affiliation in the fourth paragraph after a backlash on Twitter, including from White House counselor Kellyanne Conway. 

In 1300-word story, NYT Fails To Mention Federal Criminal Defendant Bob Menendez Is A Democrat. https://t.co/SkpUr5lEh1

— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) September 5, 2017

Nowhere in this long @nytimes story about Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial does it note that he’s a Democrat. Shame on you, editors. https://t.co/d3mO5HDYk9

— David Martosko (@dmartosko) September 5, 2017

The New York Times wrote a 1,288 word article that never once informs the reader that the Senator facing a bribery trial is a Democrat. https://t.co/qJ742kB4en

— Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) September 5, 2017

Rs in my feed complaining @NYTnickc piece abt Bob Menendez doesn’t mention he’s a Democrat. I’ll admit: It’s … odd https://t.co/iWqoP2HQfi

— Evan Smith (@evanasmith) September 5, 2017

New York Times reporter Nick Corasaniti, who wrote the story, said that the omission was “an oversight.”

Thanks Evan. Not odd, just an oversight on my part after drafts. Adding back now.

— Nick Corasaniti (@NYTnickc) September 5, 2017

Menendez is charged with accepting expensive gifts, campaign donations and paid vacations from his Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, his co-defendant in the case, in exchange for Menendez using his influence as a senator to help Melgen on a personal and financial level. 

Menendez and Melgen have pleaded not guilty to all charges.