On the right, how Los Angeles Magazine played Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the cover in December 2006. My piece on the mayor was a mix of skepticism and marvel at how he had transformed both himself (pre-Mirthala Salinas disclosures) and the office. On the left, the cover that likely spoiled his breakfast this morning, with an open letter to Villaraigosa from writer-at-large Ed Leibowitz elaborating on the failure idea.

Earlier: Full cover and exclusive excerpts

* Mayor's reaction: I'm told that at this morning's press conference on the budget, when Villaraigosa was asked about the magazine cover he smiled, rocked back and forth a bit and said: "Well, it's a pretty nice smile. A few pounds lighter and a couple of years younger. So what can I say?" Next question. (Judging by the suit, tie and lighting, I'm guessing both photos were from the same 2006 sitting with Jill Greenberg.)