When it comes to dictating how the news shall be presented to the American public, the Associated Press stylebook plays a key role, and has for many decades.  Among other functions, it tells reporters and their editors which terms are to be preferred and which are verboten in describing phenomena. The word “Negro” was long ago banned, for instance, reflecting evolving fashion.

But now that the AP has become weaponized as a tool of the progressive movement, it is also a reliable guide to political correctness.  Discarding “illegal immigrant” in favor of “undocumented immigrant,” for instance.

The 55th edition of the Stylebook is about to be published in late June, reflecting not just the latest fads and fashion, but perhaps with an eye toward whose political ox could be gored by certain popular expressions.  

On Friday, the AP suddenly announced that the word “mistress” is doubleplusungood.

We now say not to use the archaic and sexist term "mistress" for a woman in a long-term sexual relationship with, and financially supported by, a man who is married to someone else.
Instead, use an alternative like companion or lover on first reference. Provide details later.

— APStylebook (@APStylebook) May 8, 2020

Professor Margot Cleveland quickly and brilliantly figured out why this change was announced now:

So apparently AP thinks @SenKamalaHarris will be Biden's pick and they're making sure everyone know proper language to use in discussing her political rise to power. https://t.co/oERhCeOyWp

— Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) May 9, 2020

I think she is correct. With Biden pledged to take a woman as his veep nominee and the energizing black turnout the key to success, a mere white woman is not sufficient. Sorry, Senator Klobuchar. Despite all her self-promotion, Stacey Abrams, who has never held federal office and who can’t even manage her personal finances, is out of the question. So, for all her many faults, she looks like having the best odds. At least thatis the contingency that the Associated press is preparing for.

Of course, there are other alternatives available:

How about side piece, kept woman, concubine, shack job, goomah, homewrecker or Lisa Page for short?

— Tony Bruno (@TonyBrunoShow) May 8, 2020

Hat tip: Ed Driscoll, Instapundit