It's an "honest mistake" only because we've accepted that "breathless-by-the-second-breaking trumps truthful" is an acceptable standard for news. The journos th

It's an "honest mistake" only because we've accepted that "breathless-by-the-second-breaking trumps truthful" is an acceptable standard for news. The journos that hit "retweet" presumably did it because they felt their followers would appreciate the elite-ness of knowing 15 seconds earlier than their less-in-the-know friends. IMO, there is not even theoretical public utility in immediately sharing a rumour, no matter how juicy, rather than confirming it and breaking it 10 minutes later. If you must, share it with a fat disclaimer that you're currently confirming it.