More Avoidance of the Obvious Question About Gabrielle Giffords

Here's a two-page Politico article about Gabrielle Giffords that doesn't once question if she is competent (or will be competent) to return to her Congressional duties. Another article, about her return to Congress yesterday, doesn't either. On the contrary, there are hints Giffords may be being propped up because her seat is vulnerable to being lost to a Republican:

The vigorous effort is in no small part guided by political reality: Giffords is a popular, moderate pol who’s found a way to survive in a state that is trending increasingly conservative. She is one of three remaining Democrats in Arizona’s eight-member delegation. Finding another contender who could win her seat — previously in Republican hands for more than two decades — would be a tall order.

“She’s the only person on my radar screen right now who could pull that moderate Republican vote,” said Rich Brownell, who chairs the Cochise County Democratic Party. “That’s going to be a hard task to find someone who can also appeal to that.”

Everyone the writers quote has a vested interest in seeing Giffords stay in her office: Gifford's spokesperson, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democratic consultant and Gifford "backer," her political director, a former Arizona Democratic Party chairman, Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer (Democratic Whip), Joe Biden, and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD). The only thoughts attributed to Giffords are a written statement and a Tweet from her office. The only reporting on her condition is this:

Giffords stood and walked on her own, with some help walking down stairs. Her right right hand was wrapped in a bandage. Overall, she appeared in good spirits and alert.

and that she "waved and mouthed 'thank you,' as the House offered her a standing ovation."

Why are political reporters afraid to ask this question?