They [candidates] say, "I don't want to say anything…
“They [candidates] say, "I don't want to say anything controversial." And so nobody covers them. Then they blame the journalists, saying "Why don't they write down what I said?" In congressional races, 90 percent of the time the answer is, "Because you are boring and you don't have anything that makes me interested in listening to you. Why the heck should somebody write it down? There's nothing here worth hearing."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Journalists avoid controversial topics, leading to bland coverage and blame.
In simple terms: Media shies from controversy, causing dull reporting.
Encourage bold, balanced reporting.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- political campaigns
- media training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do journalists avoid controversy?
- How can audiences demand deeper coverage?
Risk of sensationalism if not careful.