A memo from Politico's editors, advising reporters on which questions to ask at last night's White House Correspondents Dinner, was left behind after the event and obtained by Gawker.

And it is a sight to behold.

For a look at some of the more pressing questions Politico's reporters were instructed to pursue, reference the image below:



Image via Gawker

This editorial memo was accompanied by a list of phrases reporters were advised to use in their stories to maximize Google search results (SEO), as well as "buzzy" anecdotes to deliver.

All of this starkly represents not just Politico's unique style (cough) of reporting, but the overall erosion of political journalism in the modern era. Out is confrontational, investigative journalism. In is the rubbing of elbows and sipping of champagne with those in power.

Wait, I hear you say. These are just questions for celebrities, not for those politicians in attendance. My response? This is the same level of coddling many of today's journalists engage in when in the presence of our most powerful leaders. For they are treated as celebrities, as inside sources belonging to the estate journalists wish to enter: the estate of wealth and power. An estate where unfettered access leads to cocktail parties, scratched backs and sly smiles.

The fourth estate continues to die a slow, painful death.

Follow @David_EHG



