There is also the issue of access. A political reporter's career is essentially over if sources won't talk to them. Habitually 'calling out' politicians is a ve

There is also the issue of access. A political reporter's career is essentially over if sources won't talk to them. Habitually 'calling out' politicians is a very easy way to become a persona non grata inside the beltway or in Westminster. The risk of losing access is the sword of Damocles hanging over every political journalist.