Sometimes when the L.A. Times puts an editorial on its news pages, it tries to cover it by calling it a “news analysis.”

Sometimes, I say. Not always, and certainly not in this story about Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Here’s some of the objective reporting that passes for straight news at the L.A. Times:

The unusually cohesive opposition would run millions of dollars in attack advertising that approached election-season intensity. They would pick apart Schwarzenegger’s vague and hastily drawn proposals to dramatic benefit, challenge the governor in the courts and dog him at his appearances — with teachers, firefighters and nurses in uniform spoiling his carefully staged public events.

. . . .

Although outside forces played an important part in Schwarzenegger’s slump, even those sympathetic to the governor say many of his problems are self-inflicted, a result of overreaching, hubris, poor staff work and serious miscalculations.

The governor’s penchant for improvisation, which many find refreshing, has often confounded his aides, forcing them to scramble to keep up with — and clean up after — their boss. His lack of follow-through — unveiling his agenda with a flourish, then abruptly turning to other matters — has undermined his salesmanship.

Above all, Schwarzenegger’s friends and enemies agree, the governor miscalculated by trying to accomplish too much in too short a time, without laying the necessary groundwork.

. . . .

Still, the sight of Schwarzenegger stumbling badly has energized his foes and frustrated Republicans, not to mention the governor’s influential wife, Maria Shriver, who has begun looking outside the administration for help. For one of the few times in his long and varied public career, the famously disciplined Schwarzenegger has appeared uncertain and unfocused.

“Straight news” as presented by your local rag, ladies and gentlemen.