WaPo ombudsman Deborah Howell does readers a service this week when she highlights great journalism from the previous year, as she meditates on “what makes a good reporter.” Answer? “Endless curiosity and a deep need to know what is happening. Then, the ability to hear a small clue and follow it.”

We have to say that it was telling that in her column, which singled out nearly a dozen journalists for good reporting on a wide array of topics, Howell doesn't site a single example from the just-complete campaign season.

Can't say we blame her.