With respect, he'd do a hell of a lot better job.
When LSM reporters preface something "with respect" we know that what follows will display the opposite of respect. It's a whiny, dishonest convention they go through - when they're about to treat someone with contempt and loathing - that they have to pretend THEY are decent, honorable, respectful people.
In fact, jackals like Elisabeth Bumiller have contempt and loathing for everyone who is not a parrot of their left-liberal fantasies. I know this well, I spent most of my life around these people before leaving Boston/NYC for the great Rocky Mtn. west!! (where we also have some NYT-loving jackals, but not in the same proportions)