Should the Press Continue the "Hands Off" Policy with Chelsea Clinton?
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
December 31, 2007 11:05am CST
Back when Bill Clinton was in office, Chelsea was a teenager. The Clintons imposed a "hands off" policy on the press when it came to their daughter. The press honored that policy.
Now Chelsea is an adult, she has been actively campaigning for Hillary. Hillary has made it clear that the "hands off" policy is still in effect.
Protecting a teenage daughter from the press was a good thing for the Clintons to do, and I'm glad the press honored it. However, if Chelsea has chosen to enter the political arena, there is no reason for anyone to accept what she says unchallenged.
She's not a little girl anymore. No reason to treat her like one.
3 people like this
4 responses
@bravenewworld (746)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I agree. Though I think the original "hands off" policy related more to paparazzi style stalking and harassment; which I don't condone being targeted at anyone, regardless of age. But she should be treated like anyone else with regards challenging questions and arguing her case, particularly if she is campaigning. I expect she wouldn't want it any other way.
2 people like this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
1 Jan 08
What I want to know is why is Chelsea any different than the Bushes daughters. If they step out of line the media ould be on them like ugly on an ape. Everything that she does should be scrutenized as any other adult chid would be. What's Hillary going to do put the reportes in jail?
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@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
1 Jan 08
Because The Bush's have never threatened reporters if they didn't comply with their demands.
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@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
4 Jan 08
We'll never know if she did. It was made more than clear to the White House press corps that any mention of Chelsea in the press would get the reporter and the employer of the reporter barred from White House coverage.

@anniepa (27955)
• United States
3 Jan 08
I must have missed it when Hillary made it clear the "hands off" policy is still in effect. Has Chelsea done something wrong that should be "challenged" by the press? She's been campaigning for her mother, kind of like Mitt Romney's son's have been campaigning for their father and I see nothing wrong or unusual about that in either case. And no matter what your opinion about either of her parents may be, am I to assume you feel the media should be harrassing and hounding Chelsea to trash her parents publicly now that she's an adult? I think it just may be that Chelsea loves her parents just as the Bush twins love their parents and it might not have everything to do with politics! I know that's a kind of radical idea but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway...lol!
Annie
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
3 Jan 08
No, actually, I think it's great that Chelsea is out there campaigning for her mom. The thing is, the press isn't allowed to ask her any questions or challenge anything she says.
If she wants to be involved, she is fair game like anyone else. The press' coverage of the Bush twins come to mind.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
3 Jan 08
Once again, all I did was ask who said the press isn't allowed to ask her any questions? I honestly and sincerely missed that and I think it's safe to say I watch as much political coverage as anyone else here. If I missed that little item, I'm sorry. I'm certainly not saying she shouldn't be asked questions, I'm just saying it's not fair if those who hate Hillary so much won't be happy unless Chelsea goes on national TV and trashes her parents. I'm no Bush fan but I sure wouldn't expect that of his daughters either.
Annie
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
3 Jan 08
The press has not been given Q&A time when Chelea has spoken.
1 person likes this

@jormins (1223)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I think its hands off because Chelsea probably knows all the deep dark secrets of Billary. She could probably destroy Billary's career with one simple interview.
It would be great if Chelsea were to write a book later down the road. I'm sure that it would be immensely popular.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
31 Dec 07
True, if Chelsea wrote a tell all, it would sell... and it would be juicy. ;~D
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