August 10, 2011 05:23 PM UTC

Was This Really Necessary?

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• by: Colorado Pols

We chuckle at unflattering photos as much as the next pundit, but as Reuters reports:

Ever the provocateur, Newsweek editor-in-chief Tina Brown has raised eyebrows once again with her latest magazine cover, this one featuring an unflattering shot of presidential aspirant Michele Bachmann.

Is it an example of liberal bias? Is it sexist? Or, as Fox News asked, does Newsweek hate Michele Bachmann?

In response to the last question, there is no doubt Newsweek will love her if the controversy boosts sales of the magazine — but nothing suggests that will happen…

Newsweek has been playing catchup to the online publishing world for a number of years, and has frequently resorted to grabbing controversy along with headlines with its covers to stay “relevant.” The fact is, far-right Rep. Michele Bachmann can be portrayed in an unflattering light any number of ways–but unless the goal is to inspire a sympathetic reaction among potential supporters, criticism should probably be kept focused on her record.

The actual story is well-written and sticks to the facts, but unfortunately for its author Lois Romano, they only thing people will ever talk about here will be the godawful cover photo.