Why is this noteworthy

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

On the AP wire yesterday. In today's paper today ...

Why is it mentioned the guy is a Democrat?
Katie Couric is an editor?

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Democrats usually want everyone to die, except transgenders.

 

[Ace]

Often when you mention a politician, you list his or her party.

 

[MisterCreosote]

EVERYTHING is political in 2016 America.

And, everything is black and white with clearly drawn battle lines and no nuance whatsoever.

Good to see the media finally catching up.

 

[Batman]

Often when you mention a politician, you list his or her party.

My first thought, too, but it could have been accomplished by saying "Democrat Mayor John Cranley" or "Mayor John Cranley-D".
Where they put it makes it seem like they're trying to make a point about something. It's quite misplaced. And really not necessary.

After looking at it some more, I wonder if it was something a copy editor (if those still exist anywhere) put in. Looks like adding ", a Democrat," might have been enough to add a line to a story that was a line short.

 

[Riptide]

My first thought, too, but it could have been accomplished by saying "Democrat Mayor John Cranley" or "Mayor John Cranley-D".
After looking at it some more, I wonder if it was something a copy editor (if those still exist anywhere) put in. Looks like adding ", a Democrat," might have been enough to add a line to a story that was a line short.

Well, shoot, if you
just need to add one line:

Isaac and Mayor John
Cranley said they regret the
loss of life. But Cranley, a
Democrat, also stressed the
importance of protecting
the public from assholes with guns.

 

[Doc Holliday]

That's pretty standard reporting for people who hold public office. Ever notice when Congressmen or Seantors are referred to with something like Nevada-Dem. or Penn.-Rep.??? While it's not really relevant to this story, it's a standard practice by newspapers. Surprised you wouldn't know that Orville.

 

[Flip Wilson]

If it's a story about politics, absolutely include it. This was a police story. It was not necessary.

 

[Doc Holliday]

If it's a story about politics, absolutely include it. This was a police story. It was not necessary.

Fair enough.

 

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

We only reported political affiliation (Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va) with regard to national politics, or campaign-related stories.
With local politicians, mayors, county commissioners, council and wardsmen, in day-to-day stories, we never listed political affiliation. Honestly, this story is the first time I've seen something like this done for a local politician, muchless in a story where he's the only politician quoted.