Comments on: Palin accused reporters of ’stalking’ her, tried to ‘intimidate them’ out of Alaska

By: “Sarah From Alaska” Book: McCain Turned Lights Out On Palin In “Civil War” (VIDEO) « Sarah Palin Truth Squad

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:16:38 +0000

[...] Michael Hastings reports that Palin accused the two reporters who wrote “Sarah From Alaska” of “stalking” …. “The incident was a real wake up call for us — they were clearly trying to intimidate [...]

By: Book claim: Reporters accused of ’stalking’ Palin | Obama Biden White House

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:53:25 +0000

[...] on True/ Slant, Michael Hastings flags an interesting excerpt in "Sarah from Alaska," the new book by former campaign embeds [...]

By: Michael Hastings

Michael Hastings — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:46:39 +0000

I don’t think writing or researching or reporting a profile makes one a stalker. At least not in the way we commonly use the word “stalker:” ie, someone involved in a menacing and borderline illegal act. Like Ryan Seacrest’s stalker. Unless one considers all reporting to be stalking or menacing, but that seems to be a a fairly strange way to view journalism.

By: Susan Toepfer

Susan Toepfer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:47:07 +0000

I agree, Kashmir. Although if anybody should expect to be stalked by reporters, it’s a politician–further proof that Palin simply wasn’t up to the job.

By: Kashmir Hill

Kashmir Hill — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:51:50 +0000

To be fair, I do think journalists become “stalkers” when they’re profiling someone. They shadow the person, talk to their friends and colleagues, and dig up as much background as possible. It’s part of the job. But I can see how it makes the subject feel “stalked.” Still not a very professional handling by Palin’s spokesperson.