This Washington cliché has multiple meanings:
- Government officials often tell reporters not to get too far "out in front" of a story, basically warning them not to report more than they know. For example, for reporters writing State of the Union preview stories, the White House would say, "Don't get too far in front" on what you think the president will say, because he's still writing it.
- Also, when politicians sense trouble brewing or a negative story coming, they might try to get "out in front" of it to head it off; with a rebuttal perhaps.
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