One of the joys of an open election system coupled with an exploding news media that is both hungry for content and anxious to differentiate each outlet one from another.
We've got rules like exploratory committees and filing deadlines, and these milestones are transparent to anyone who knows to ask the questions (as news organs do). Back when there were three national networks and various newspapers, there was only so much conent that could be pushed to the fore. Now, with more networks, 24-hour cable news, and on-line news presences from both conventional media and political bloggers, filing a form becomes news. Add to this that an event like a campaign announcement requires planning just from a logistical standpoint (gotta rent a room, get caterers and security, etc) and *someone* feels it is necessary to report it. Out of fear that there will be a scoop in there somewhere, the rest jump on that wagon and report it too. There are no surprise candidates anymore; at least not for parties/offices that "matter".
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Date: 2007-02-06 12:17 am (UTC)We've got rules like exploratory committees and filing deadlines, and these milestones are transparent to anyone who knows to ask the questions (as news organs do). Back when there were three national networks and various newspapers, there was only so much conent that could be pushed to the fore. Now, with more networks, 24-hour cable news, and on-line news presences from both conventional media and political bloggers, filing a form becomes news. Add to this that an event like a campaign announcement requires planning just from a logistical standpoint (gotta rent a room, get caterers and security, etc) and *someone* feels it is necessary to report it. Out of fear that there will be a scoop in there somewhere, the rest jump on that wagon and report it too. There are no surprise candidates anymore; at least not for parties/offices that "matter".