In the 2006 race for the Virginia Senate race held by George Allen, the senator made a fatal (political) mistake. His opponent had dispatched a student to shadow Allen and record everything he said in public in an effort to provide some political ammunition. He got that ammunition when Allen referred to him as a “macaca.”

The Washington Post ran dozens of stories on the comment, long after Allen had issued an apology.

Now, North Carolina isn’t the Post’s regular coverage area – but Washington, D.C. is. And this happened in D.C.

Will the Post or other national media cover this assault? Or will they stick to the narrative that somehow the Tea Party types are the ones with violent tendencies?

UPDATE!

Etheridge has apologized.

I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina , I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.

Sort of a non-apology apology if you ask me. He’s “always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect,” except when he doesn’t.