Hillary Clinton doesn’t need the media, and it’s driving the media crazy [View all]

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Hillary Clinton doesn’t need the media, and it’s driving the media crazy

by Jonathan Allen at Vox

http://www.vox.com/2015/5/20/8628513/Hillary-Clinton-doesnt-need-media

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Almost all presidential aspirants need the media to build their name ID and their credibility as candidates, to amplify their ideas, and to crush their rivals. Without the amplification of "earned media" — such as newspaper articles and television appearances that they don't pay for — it's hard to convince voters, and early donors, that they are serious contenders for their party's nomination or the presidency.

Candidates could spend years knocking on doors and not get the boost they get from a network television segment. There is, of course, a risk, too. When they mess up in interviews, they often do real damage to themselves before they gain traction with voters. Just ask Jeb Bush about the perils of going on Fox News and talking about the Iraq War. They are usually willing to take the gamble because they can't pass up the potential benefits of media attention.

The media can also be a useful weapon in tearing down other candidates. Whether that comes in the form of opposition research slipped to a reporter or simply from a rival self-destructing, there's great advantage to be gained when the media spotlight is trained on another candidate.

For Clinton, the equation is different. Everyone knows her. She's a credible candidate. She could get breathless coverage for announcing a new policy on the importation of edelweiss. And she doesn't have any serious competition for the Democratic nomination. The guy running against her, Bernie Sanders, has pledged not to go negative. It's hard to make up ground that way. The less Clinton talks to the media, the easier it is for her to make sure all that remains true. There's much less for her to gain from talking to reporters and much more for her to lose.



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