The phrase refers to the analysis and reporting by The New York Times regarding the immediate aftermath of significant events. The intention is to capture the initial public, political, and social response to a noteworthy occurrence. An example would be an article published shortly after a major political speech, examining the instant reactions from various political figures and commentators as reported by the newspaper.
Analyzing the instantaneous response to events is valuable for understanding the evolving narrative surrounding those events. Immediate reactions often reveal underlying sentiments, biases, and power dynamics. Historically, newspapers have played a crucial role in documenting and disseminating these initial responses, shaping public perception and influencing subsequent discourse. This kind of reporting offers a snapshot of a moment in time, preserving the raw and unfiltered reactions that might be lost as more considered analyses emerge.