Covering local politics for the newspaper is a lot like hosting out-of-town relatives. At first, it's fresh and exciting, but by the end, everyone wants their life back.
I love the high-stakes reporting and unexpected detours that accompany the silly political season. The local hijinks seem trivial in hindsight, but in the moment, they make or break the direction of both the government and the gossip.
Gossip is defined as "casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true." We are quick to dismiss gossip, yet gossip galvanizes groups into action. Forget about the facts. Yes, facts matter, but the facts lack the emotional grip of gossip. Gossip aims for the jugular, facts be damned. Gossip inspires people to find the facts, but do facts send people searching for gossip? Gossip sparks interest. Gossip motivates people to talk. Gossip starts with a whisper with the potential to swell into a collective yell.
Speaking of gossip, did you hear the rumors about a local councilman's sordid affair with the intern? Or would you rather hear about the councilman's recent awards for distinguished service?
That's what I thought.
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