It's a fascinating end to the case. People will now be watching to see if Jackson's career and life can recover.

I think it's smart. Will it move the needle immediately? No. But over the long term, it might move things.

I just think you really need to let people see as much as they can in a judicious way. By showing even that little bit, you got a better sense of what some very bad people are willing to do to Americans.

From that perspective, the ability to rein in these formerly ad hoc and inexact means of conducting business will be very welcome.

It's reflective of where the country is. There are millions of people who are very deeply engaged in the political process. They know that media coverage can shape that, and they want to make sure their side wins, so they beat up anybody they perceive to be leaning the wrong way — even if there is no lean.

What we had here was a duty to warm people, to give them the evidence so they can make an informed choice. That doesn't mean it's an easy choice.