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*Swoon* It's POTUS!

Even if we're carefully detached on the beat, what happens when the nation's most celebrated politico comes to our newsroom? (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-watch/2009/01/obama_visits_washington_post.html) Should we crowd around, crane our necks, snap pictures? Is that human or unprofessional? How about this: We're journos, we're curious, we investigate. But there's no real "off duty" when it comes to staying an arm's length removed. As a guide, consider what you'd do while covering a public meeting.
Published Friday, January 16, 2009 7:30 AM by AndySchotz

Comments

# re: *Swoon* It's POTUS!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 11:52 AM by samstoycam1
It's not a point of humanity or professionalism.  The point is effectively distancing oneself from the emotional hurrah we witnessed from broadcast and print media during the entire "Swoon" period and doing one's job.  That being to report who, what, where, when and leave the why for the public to conclude.  Too often we see the WHY as the end all/be all of reporting.  That is not objective reporting because by definition, the WHY is YOUR opinion.

# re: *Swoon* It's POTUS!

Saturday, February 07, 2009 1:42 AM by AndySchotz
I mostly agree with you. "Why" sometimes can be answered through objective reporting. Or we can offer the insight of experts. Why did Tom Daschle withdraw as HHS nominee? Why is Circuit City closing? Our story might contain helpful opinions, without our own. Trying to inject a definitive "why" when that answer is not clear is where we go wrong.
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