Menino Bows Out: Tweet by Tweet
Paul Revere had his two lanterns, and around 2 p.m. yesterday former Boston Phoenix reporter David Bernstein sent two tweets heard round the world, floating the rumor that Mayor Menino would not seek reelection:
OK, I’m just going to say it, and y’all need to take this as unconfirmed rumor & not start screaming in the streets of Boston OK? …
— David S. Bernstein (@dbernstein) March 27, 2013
But….
Past 24 hours I’ve been hearing that Menino is informing key people he is NOT running for re-elect. UNABLE TO CONFIRM – but nobody will deny — David S. Bernstein (@dbernstein) March 27, 2013
The Dorchester Reporter’s Gintautas Dumcius quickly picked up on the news:
Pretty interesting that nobody from the Menino camp (that I’ve heard) has pushed back on @dbernstein‘s tweets… #bospoli — Gintautas Dumcius (@gintautasd) March 27, 2013
And Bernstein started getting more sources coming is way:
Two sources: Menino to announce not running for re-election tomorrow at 4:00pm, Faneuil Hall — David S. Bernstein (@dbernstein) March 28, 2013
Then Dumcius’ own sources confirmed it a bit later:
Sources tell the Reporter that Mayor Menino will announce tomorrow he isn’t running. @dbernstein is correct. #bospoli#mapoli — Gintautas Dumcius (@gintautasd) March 28, 2013
By then the news had quickly ricocheted around the Twitter-sphere:
David S. Bernstein, @dbernstein is now trending in #Bostontrendsmap.com/us/boston — Trendsmap Boston (@TrendsBoston) March 28, 2013
The Globe posted their own tweet to that effect…
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino will not seek a sixth term#bospoli #mapoli — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) March 28, 2013
And changed their banner headline to break the news:
Globe confirms my scoop: Banner on BostonGlobe.com: “Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino will not seek a sixth term” — David S. Bernstein (@dbernstein) March 28, 2013
Posting a story shortly thereafter.
Boston Mayor Menino won’t seek sixth term #bospoli #mapolib.globe.com/16Zhyja — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) March 28, 2013
Meanwhile, mayoral candidate John Connolly graciously thanked the Mayor
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You’ve done great things for Boston. I’m thankful to have worked with you and to have learned from you. #bospoli
— John Connolly (@JohnRConnolly) March 28, 2013
And Howie Carr got in some not-so-gracious digs over at the Herald:
Mumbles, Don’t go breaking my heart bit.ly/YFPyR0 — Boston Herald (@bostonherald) March 28, 2013
While Globe Editor Brian McGrory posted a sit-down with the hizzoner as he looked back on the last 20 years.
A wistful Tom Menino shares his thoughts on a remarkable journey. Thursday, he announces he’s all done. bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/03/… — Brian McGrory (@GlobeMcGrory) March 28, 2013
And the man who broke the news? What was he up to all this time?
@alexjgoldstein @tednesi No, just sitting in pajama pants all day, eating chips, goofin’ around on the internets, breakin’ news.
— David S. Bernstein (@dbernstein) March 28, 2013
