Why is it that when a  journalist asks a Democrat to comment about routine Republican bigotry, they reflexively pearl clutch and express “disappointment” and “surprise”?

Seriously? You’re disappointed and surprised a Republican is a bigot? Puhleeze! How about responding to these questions by saying: “Yeah, I’m not surprised at the bigotry. This is how the party has been operating for decades. Bigotry appeals to a minority of Americans and, sadly, it wins elections... if it ain’t broke...”