Here's the March 2, 2004 exchange between Schultz and "Today" show interviewer Jamie Gangel - which seems to have escaped the notice of media critics everywhere.

GANGEL: It is no secret that you are on the air for the next two years because Democratic donors have put up $2 million to launch this. Can you really say what you think?

SCHULTZ: Well, I had it written in our agreement that I'm not beholden to anybody.

GANGEL: You can say what you want to say?

SCHULTZ: Absolutely. I said Howard Dean had the willies. [End of Excerpt]

Gov. Dean's willies aside, Mr. Schultz's position doesn't seem to be all that different from that of Mr. Armstrong, who maintains that he never touted a position on any issue that he didn't already believe in - even if some cash did change hands.

Don't get us wrong. We wish Mr. Schultz all the luck in the world. But it would be nice if the outraged pitchfork brigade currently pursuing Williams had a little less of a double standard.

Editor's note: