Reporters have learned not to approach Sen. Clinton in the halls of the Capitol. Experienced journalists have found that she answers nearly all on-the-spot questions with a variation of “I don’t know”—a safe answer for her that renders the interviews useless, and prevents coverage of her views on any issues on which she has not sought coverage.After a vote she breezes past reporters to a car waiting outside, avoiding any interviews. Clinton is not impolite, but makes it very clear she is unwilling to chat. When I asked her if she would use any of her personal money for her campaign, she completely avoided eye contact with me, although we were only a few inches from each other. Other reporters stood watching, wondering if this would be a rare occasion to get a few quotes from her.
Not only did she not answer the question, she didn’t even offer a greeting. She continued walking steadily to her car. Clinton kept her eyes straight ahead, coolly slipped on a pair of sunglasses, and said, “Oh, I have no idea.”
This behavior is not normal for a senator. Reporters often wait at approved “stakeouts” for senators to pass by and briskly flag down a relevant lawmaker for a few questions. Most of the senators seem to enjoy it this, as communicating with the media is a key part of their job.
