The treatment of Newt Gingrich by mainstream reporters over the years is a pretty good example of how no Republican will ever not receive the Distinguised Elder Statesman treatment. They all know how horrible he is, and have from the beginning. It isn't a secret, and it's a very long rap sheet!
How the treated him as Speaker is one thing, but more than that it's been 20 years since he's held elected office, and, well...
