New ‘fake news’ source

In politics “the press” should be understood to be a stand-in for “the public.” Consider that when you read the latest comments from Maine Gov. Paul LePage, who recently admitted to lying to the press (reminder, “the public”) — fabricating stories out of whole cloth in an attempt to undermine and embarrass them.

LePage this week characterized the Maine media as “vile,” inaccurate” and “useless” and said “the sooner the print press goes away, the better society will be.”

Better for politicians who prefer to conduct their affairs away from the prying eyes of the public, sure.

But the idea that society would be better off without a free press? LePage’s thoughts might be welcome in Ankara or Beijing, but they should be greeted with horror in Augusta and Bangor.

“I just love to sit in my office and make up ways so they’ll write these stupid stories because they are just so stupid, it’s awful,” LePage told WGANAM on Thursday.

LePage has said he doesn’t read newspapers — so how would he know?

Lying politicians are a dime a dozen. A politician who confesses to lying purely for his own amusement is something else.

This page generally has been opposed to term limits for elected officials. In the case of Paul LePage, who is prevented from running for re-election next year, we understand why many Mainers might be grateful for them.