It probably isn't, but our general reactions to these stories makes it appear that way.
I don’t know.
I was watching CNN yesterday afternoon, when the announcer said something to the effect of Sarah Palin “Lashes out” at her detracters.
Her actual response was anything but lashing out. It was given in a calm, and reasonable manner, and certainly nothing that could remotely be called lashing out.
It’s like if you repeat something enough times, then people will believe it.