Media people are feverish. They've discovered an exotic new life-form, the missing link, the elusive "walking fish" that just might be the key to existence itself. Known as The Democrat, this fascinating beast has been the subject lately of countless earnest, hopeful news stories.

"For Incoming Democrats, Populism Trumps Ideology," headlined The New York Times in a front-pager a few days ago: "New Class Promises End to Partisan Tone."

The following headlines appeared in USA Today over several recent days: "Democrats offer to help steer new course in Iraq; some leaders vow to probe 'mistakes'" ... "Republicans lose ground among Hispanic voters; Democrats perceived as being on 'right side' of immigration issue" ... "Democrats: Identify pork sponsors; Pelosi plans to target anonymous 'earmarks' " ... "Public expects the Dems to deliver; 61% prefer party, not Bush, to chart course."

Meanwhile, nobody is talking about the real reason for all of this media energy and excitement. It's not the promise of the Democrats or their really-quite-moderate views. The hive is buzzing because a Democratic Congress is better for journalism. What!?? you say. Journalists really prefer Democrats? Yes, but not for the reasons you've heard — covert pinkoism and so on.

Obviously, a divided government is full of the tensions that produce headlines. But a Democratic Congress is also anthropologically different from a Republican Congress — messier, louder, looser-lipped, more colorful, newsier, and, for the media class's purposes, more fun:

1. Running wild. Generally speaking, Republicans have an executive temperament; they like order and control. Democrats, in contrast, are legislative beasts. They thrive in chaotic, do-your-own-thing environments like Congress — except when the other guys are running the place. Under the Republican majority, the Democrats always had a glowering, tamped-down look. The sandbox was being run by hall monitors! Now they can be their wild-child selves again. Running Congress brings out the best (creative chaos) and the worst (destructive chaos) in Democrats. Both are catnip for journalists.

2. Infighting. As National Journal's Thomas B. Edsall has pointed out, the current generation of Democratic leaders grew up during the middle decades of the 20th century with the assumption that their party would control the Hill forever. To get ahead, they didn't need to beat the GOP so much as beat one another within the institutions they dominated. Even today, they often seem more interested in warring among themselves than against the other party. It's happy talk and hugs right now, but just wait a few months. The intrigue and skullduggery of the contest for House majority leader was a taste of the cannibalism to come.

3. Who am I? While Republicans seem to know basically who they are and what their purpose is, modern Democrats are filled with doubt. They are the Hamlets of politics, unsure whether to act — or how. Even what to call themselves is an issue. Where most Republicans seem comfortable with the "conservative" label, many Democrats run from the "L" word. Are they progressives? Populists? Some appear to change identities daily. Remember the Kerry-Edwards campaign? Life under the Democrats is a nonstop identity crisis, and as Shakespeare knew, there is no better story line.

4. Tough love. Journalists are more aggressive under Democratic rule. This doesn't jibe with the stereotype of reporters as liberals, but it's the stereotype that winds up undermining itself. When Democrats are in power, there's a huge incentive for reporters not to appear too sympathetic and thereby confirm the old liberal-bias charge. Thus, despite the friendly coverage we're seeing in this honeymoon period, the Democratic restoration will eventually produce tougher coverage than we saw of the GOP Congress, as media outlets strive to prove that they aren't soft on the Democrats.

5. Duck soup. Democrats are always on the edge of comedy. There's a madcap, Marx Brothers quality to this party. Remember the Dean Scream? Kerry's goof about education and the war was another classic flub, a pratfall tinged with darkness. Was he trying to destroy himself? You laugh, you cry, and sometimes it feels like you're staring straight into the abyss.

Just two weeks ago, journalism was looking so sad and dreary. Let the party begin!