I've been fortunate enough to have covered three national political conventions: One in New York in 1980, and both in 1988 (Atlanta & New Orleans.) When veterans tell you this is the Super Bowl of the news business, they're not kidding. It is a chance for you to not only make your mark, but you'll never have a better networking opportunity. And you'll never work harder... but you'll never have more fun.
Many years ago convention coverage ran on every network, all day. And I do mean all day. I'd get home from school and every station would have nothing but wall to wall coverage. Much of it was dull, but there was also a lot of mystery, as many times things weren't so settled ahead of time as they are now. There are still plenty of back room deals, but I suspect most of those have already taken place.
In the 80's it was pretty much prime time coverage, and it has been cut down now to sort of a recap in the late evening. The instant gratatification society simply doesn't have the patience to spend all night watching convention coverage.
So if you're new to all this, here's what you can look for:
-Politicians love the sounds of their own voices, and that rule is truly in effect at a convention. No politician ever dodged me or didn't give me a sound bite. I even got one from Gary Hart after his scandal in 1988. (Wouldn't count on anything from John Edwards, though, if he even shows up, which is doubtful.) You'll run into famous politicians on every corner, so be ready, because they really want to talk.
-Standups look best if you can do them in a sky box. These are perfectly lit, and offer a fantastic background, especially at night.
-Standups on the convention floor will offer a tremendous amount of energy. If you can manage a walking standup from the floor, do it.
-Logistics can be a nightmare, and just getting through security and getting to the delegation you want can often take awhile. Leave plenty of time and know where you're going. If you can do a walk-through the day before the convention starts, do so.
-Make sure you have all your cell phone numbers of your contacts programmed into your phone before you get there.
-Take as much ID as possible. Passports, station badges, whatever. Security will be very tight.
-Celebrities will be everywhere at the Democratic convention, and they also love the sounds of their own voices.
-Media people go out of their way to be helpful and you should do the same. Most of the vets working the convention are at the top of the food chain, and they didn't get there by being jerks. People will have dead batteries, run out of paper, tape, pens, whatever. If you can help someone, do so. It's the right thing to do, and you'll make a contact.
-Take a bushel of business cards and hand them to everyone. You should also collect as many as possible.
-Network people and big market stars are happy to talk to young people if they have the time. I had a wonderful conversation with Charles Kuralt when I ran into him shopping for tee-shirts. Don't be afraid to ask for advice.
-Take a still camera. You'll want stuff for your scrapbook.
-Photogs get worn out during conventions. Carry as much as you can and help them as much as possible. Take care of getting the food, drinks, running errands, etc.
-Booze flows freely at these affairs, and sometimes at night you can find those "loose lips" will provide you with a great soundbite.
-At some point you'll say, "Is there anyone in politics who doesn't smoke?"
-Have some snacks in your pocket or purse. Food is notoriously bad at these venues, and ridiculously expensive.
-If you're a one man band, ask a photog to shoot your standup for you.
-Don't get caught up in the excitement so much that you look or sound biased. It is easy when thousands of people are cheering and balloons are falling to get caught up in the moment, but don't. Remember to be objective. Media bias is a huge story this year, so don't become part of it.
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