Who’s the target of the warning shot?

Today’s Chicago Tribune has an interview with David Brooks, who’s a University of Chicago alumnus. The interview is worth reading, but what intrigued me was this quote from the lead-in:

Recently, Brooks was named to the stable of op-ed page writers for The New York Times, where in September he will begin writing a column twice a week. Gail Collins, editorial page editor of the Times, said Brooks will “bring all kinds of wonderful flavors” to the page. “We look for someone who can add something different, and someone who is likely to develop a strong and distinctive voice,” added Collins. “I was not looking for somebody who would be shrill or who would put people off. He’s an inclusive writer. He makes people want to read him. That’s a rare gift.” (emphasis added)

Now, to whom could Collins be referring? Knowing the Times, it’s probably the likes of Ann Coulter, or the writers who populate these op-ed pages. Or, could it perhaps be someone in Collins’ own workplace? Someone who’s… well… dipped into the well of shrillness, shall we say? [Probably not–ed. Killjoy.]