Oh, how the right loves to spin. They're generating a big meme around how mean "librul media" was biased against Ted Cruz while hailing Wendy Davis back in June. Republico's Politico's Dylan Byers sympathizes, giving them credibility where none is due:

Yes, the difference between filibustering and grandstanding plays a part. Equally important is the fact that Cruz's theatrics are frustrating members of his own party. But, part of the disparity in coverage is due to the fact that the mainstream media, generally speaking, don't admire Cruz the way they admired Davis — or rather, they admire him only insofar as he makes for tragicomic theater, whereas they admired her on the merits.

[...]

These portrayals may be accurate or inaccuarate — Cruz certainly has an elitist strain and he certainly has political ambitions. But that's not the point: The point is that the coverage of Cruz has been critical, and in some cases unforgiving, from the outset. At least initially, Davis wasn't viewed through a critical lens at all. Her willingness to stand for 11 hours was evidence of the American dream in action. Period.

Here's the problem: Wendy Davis was actually doing somethingwhen she filibustered her way to the end of the Texas special session. Her filibuster, as Rachel Maddow points out, was intended to run the clock down and prevent a vote on draconian restrictions to women's health in Texas.

Cruz, on the other hand, negotiated his 21-hour campaign ad at taxpayer expense with Harry Reid in advance, and he knew it wouldn't do anything other than give him a broadcast platform to spew more lies about the Affordable Care Act while simultaneously self-promoting for 2016. Evidence of the latter claim comes from the fact the Senate approved cloture 100-0 after Cruz finally wrapped things up. No "no" vote from Cruz. Just a lot of video for campaign ads.

Those are facts right there, not bias. We could also compare how Davis wasn't permitted to eat, drink, go to the bathroom or have anyone help her out, how she was forced to stay on topic for the full length of the filibuster or risk being shut down, and how she actually managed that against Cruz having his tea party buddies spell him every hour or so for a bit with long speeches framed as "questions", the availability of water and a podium to lean against.

One is a filibuster. The other was not. Sorry, whiners, but facts are facts.

Shame on you, Politico.