Come On, Her RFK Gaffe's Not So Bad

Online journos magnified one line to rack up hits

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted May 25, 2008 7:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – Why have reporters turned Hillary Clinton's RFK flub into a huge story? To generate online hits with more political gossip, John Harris writes in Politico. Sure, it's hot news to hear about, but if you watch the remark on video, it's "deflating," Harris writes—it's just a calm, analytical statement made deep into a 20-minute conversation.

In another age, newspapers and networks analyzed real issues before a captive audience. But the web has wired them for speed, and now bloggers set the tone. Worse, the "uproar du jour mentality" means politicians are not held accountable because they know "that the pack will soon move on."

Hillary Clinton speaks with reporters after voting against the Iraq Supplemental Thursday, May 24, 2007 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks to the media in Brandon, South Dakota as she apologizes for her RFK comment. (Associated Press)

Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., finishes speaking to the media in Brandon, South Dakota Friday, May 23, 2008 at which she apologizes for her RFK statement. (Associated Press)

Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., is greeted by the audience as she is introduced before the start of a debate in this file photo. (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., waves as she arrives at the airport to campaign in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Saturday, May 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Hillary Rodham Clinton talks to reporters on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., left, answers questions from reporters on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Come On, Her RFK Gaffe's Not So Bad

Online journos magnified one line to rack up hits

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Print, web outlets get booking photos free, and find lots of fans

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Come On, Her RFK Gaffe's Not So Bad

Online journos magnified one line to rack up hits

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Hillary Clinton • online media • media criticism • journalism • online newspapers • media coverage • print journalism

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Print Times Not Quite Dead, But Hope Lies in Its Ashes

Journalism faces a challenge, but hardly a disaster

At Times , Web Geeks Grab at Future, Keep Grip on Past

Team aims to keep it the organization 'of record' even as print product sees its obits

Mug Shots Are Cheap Thrills for Media, Readers

Print, web outlets get booking photos free, and find lots of fans

New Sites Try 'Crowdfunding' to Finance Journalism

New site solicits story ideas and funding to write them

Blogger on Trail Scoops MSM

Californian makes a name for herself

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?