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)
The loopy leftist moonbat base of Denver brandishes the biggest federal presence outside of DC to try to clamp down on the western USA, for our own good.