Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are playing reporters like violins. I didn’t see the Saturday Night Live skit mentioned in the story, but I’ve read about it. I can very easily see it influencing coverage of the candidates. Nobody wants to be the butt of jokes. When SNL made fun of reporters who fawn over Obama, it made them reflect on what they had been doing, realize that they were in the bag for Obama, and vow to be more detached (impartial) in their coverage. Journalists don’t like to be laughed at. They like to laugh at others.

Addendum: I’m not implying that only Democrats play reporters like violins. Ronald Reagan was very good at it. John McCain has been doing it for years with much success. McCain gives reporters access; they write favorable stories about him. Quid pro quo.

Addendum 2: If someone finds a video of the SNL skit in which someone asks Obama whether he wants a pillow, please bring it to my attention.