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Why does the media keep saying Russia “meddled”?

Why does the media keep saying Russia “meddled”?


President Trump uses it. 
So do most left and right leaning media use it. 

They’re using the word “meddle” to describe Russia’s actions during the 2017 election.  

Linguistically ( and nothing is ever just about the language, is it?) it’s really a strange choice.  Here’s why. 


 
“to meddle”

 Nosy neighbors meddle
                                                                                                                           
“Friends” meddle               

And, mother-in-laws meddle
 
But….foreign governments: 
 

                              Disrupt
Tamper with

      Sabotage

  

Some sources / examples of media use of “meddle”.

https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/26/us/2016-presidential-campaign-hacking-fast-facts/index.htm

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/samuel-ramani/why-russia-is-interfering_b_12801892.htm

https://www.npr.org/series/527655275/russia-investigations-coverage-of-2016-election-meddling-and-fallout

                                         

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