is the subject of this piece by Jonathon Chait (The New Republic Online: Sullivan v. The New York Times)
Sullivan first condemned Krugman January 18, then continued on for days, posting twelve items. After that massive output, he wrote, “No more Krugman, I promise.” Alas, he failed to keep the promise, mentioning Krugman in 22 more items before once again promising, “I’m gonna lay off (unless I can’t help myself.).” Unsurprisingly, he couldn’t help himself and has since gone after Krugman in 17 subsequent items.
The use of the numerical method fits this case neatly. I commented on the obession some days ago, both here and elsewhere because it was so blatant. Joshua Marshall had an “All Enron, All the Time” theme for a while himself, though not nearly as severe as Sullivan’s. I pointed this out to Marshall, and he sent me a civil reply and cleaned-up his act. Sullivan’s response to a similar pointer was to send no reply and continue on his merry way. I used to respect Sullivan, despite his quirky ways, but I have to wonder when his behavior is so crude in comparison with that of a man whose politics I don’t even agree with. Intelligence knows no ideology, apparently, nor does boorishness.