Monday, October 22, 2007

Clinton Fears Matt's Drudge Report

Playing nice doesn't sound synonymous with Senator Hillary Clinton but according to the NYT that is exactly what she is attempting to do with Matt Drudge.
Mrs. Clinton’s aides declined to discuss how the Drudge Report got access to her latest fund-raising figures nearly 20 minutes before the official announcement went to supporters. But it was a prime example of a development that has surprised much of the political world: Mrs. Clinton is learning to play nice with the Drudge Report and the powerful, elusive and conservative-leaning man behind it.
Among the millions that view The Drudge Report daily, it is a must read site for all the latest breaking news and important links for top stories.
What sets Drudge apart as much as anything is its ability to attract well-placed leaks and traffic in the freshest and rawest material — though sometimes including what some have considered smears.
Yes, this is concerning for any political candidate, both Democrats and Republicans. Strategists summarizes Mr. Drudge as being "unpredictable" and "nothing is automatic", even a mention of perhaps it taking "special courting to build a real relationship with him.
Few are willing to attach their names to any specific statements about Mr. Drudge or descriptions of their strategies in dealing with him, fearing that they might alienate him.
Former Republican Party and Bush campaign officials said that in 2004 they considered Mr. Drudge’s site so central in their efforts to undermine Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign that they systemized their approach to him.
Matt Drudge rarely agrees to meet with political operatives and journalists, he did not repond after requests from the NYT for their article. Good for him!!!

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