Dewey wins!

The Detroit News had some cheese omelette smeared on its face last week when it reported on Wednesday that the state was “stunned” by the revelation Mayor Archer wasn’t seeking re-election. One reason people were so shocked could be the News gave no indication Archer was about to bow out. The previous day it led its Metro section with a story that proclaimed the mayor was expected to “make the long-foreshadowed announcement that he will seek a third term this fall.”

The Free Press, it turned out, proved to be much more astute at reading shadows. While the competition was trumpeting the virtual certainty Archer would run again, the Freep led its local news section with a story by Bill McGraw that reported: “Although Archer has sent numerous signals that he will be a candidate, his decision is not a sure thing.” Those close to Archer, McGraw explained, were expressing concern “that his actions seem to suggest a mayor preparing a farewell, not a campaign.”