State of the Union 2013: The Christopher Dorner Affect

Impact

Instead of the expected wall to wall coverage of the State of the Union address, the Christopher Dorner story has cut in. By now, everyone is aware of the story of the ex LAPD officer and his killing spree. Apparently upset over his firing, Dorner went on a killing spree targeting police officers and their families. One of the victims had represented Dorner in a discipline hearing and his wife was a college basketball coach.

Today, Dorner has been cornered in a cabin and has exchanged fire with police injuring two officers. If he is not killed or captured by the start of the State of the Union, coverage could be impacted to cover his news. Politico is already weighing the impact of the speech coverage. What does it say about our country that a police standoff could impact coverage of a President’s speech?