CNN is running a package by reporter Jim Acosta that is full of baseless conservative spin about Sonia Sotomayor.

First, conservative Wendy Long is shown on-camera claiming that Sotomayor is “very much a liberal judicial activist.” Long doesn't explain what that means, give any examples, or explain why it would be a bad thing. Nor is she asked to do so. Nor does anyone point out that, by one study, Clarence Thomas is the most “activist” member of the Supreme Court. Long is simply allowed to offer a baseless and empty talking point.

Then, Acosta presents “Exhibit A” in the Right's case against Sotomayor: a video clip of the judge saying the court of appeals is where policy is made. Acosta notes “Sotomayor's critics say that's judicial activism. In other words, legislating from the bench.” Acosta does not, however, note that those same critics are in favor of judicial activism - as long as the judges in question are conservatives. More importantly, the clip - and the conservative arguments Acosta passes on - take Sotomayor's comment out of context. In reality, she was simply explaining the difference between district and appeals courts. But Acosta didn't include that explanation, much less make clear that it is the truth, and the conservative complaints are misleading.