It is for those readers that do NOT know him that these articles are aimed at. Those people who do not follow politics very closely, especially so many months away from the election.
Follow the link to the actual article. The title is "Blond and Beautiful" along with a photo showing Fred and Jeri together. Someone could easily see that article and read it not really caring about the election and come away with a negative opinion of Fred, without knowing anything about his politics.
This article is carefully crafted to not come out and actually say Jeri is a trophy wife... the article just repeats what other articles have claimed.
Just look at the first line of the article. Is not one of the first rules of journalism (though what does journalism have to do with ABC?) to make your point early in the article? Many people will only read the first few lines of an article to decide if they wish to read on. If all they read is "Stripper." "Bimbo." "Permanently tan." after looking at the picture, just what kind of opinion will the reader, who doesn't know Fred, have? Very likely negative. Maybe not. But all it takes is a few swing voters, which of course, is what matters.
That is why the mainstream media is all over this right now... it is something that they feel will gain some traction against Fred.
Don't forget, the liberal media doesn't have to tell the truth to make a point with the public... they just have to make it sound good and repeat it over and over again. It is right out of the Goebbels playbook.
Personally, I think it will be awesome when there are little kids living in the White House again.
I wonder if the Thompsons are planning on having children?