I woke up this morning in NYC and took the train back to DC so we could work out of the White House since today was such a big day. Plus my network was travel pool and there was a lot on POTUS's sked. We came directly to the WH which meant that I brought my enormous suitcase through the NW gate. The USSS asked if I was moving in and I said, "Sure! I've got enough clothes for about two weeks but I'm going to need someone to do my laundry at some point." I think they thought I was serious.
Anyway, this place was sooooo hopping today! I think the last day it was like this was when the Pope came to town in April. I'm not saying that a visit by Obama and McCain would equate to the Pope but EVERYONE was back at the WH from campaign trail! It was like a little reunion! POTUS met with three different world leaders today which literally no one cared about. One of them was Palestinian President Abbas. Eight months ago, that would have been the biggest stir but today literally no one was paying attention.
The big moment of the day was when McCain and Obama were here. They brought their own travel pools with them but the WH travel pool (us) were the only ones allowed in the room for the big meeting. The press briefing room, where they all waited, was PACKED with people. I was the one in charge of coordinating the playing/feeding of the tape so that all 5 networks could air the tape at the same time. It was a bit of pressure because I knew soooo many people were counting on us. I am pleased to say that my coworker/friend Greg and I were a perfect team. I won't bore you with all the details of how the sausage is made but let's just say the process was flawless!!
The afternoon was just a zoo. Or maybe a circus is a better way to describe it. Three rings- one for POTUS, one for WHOTUS-R, and one for WHOTUS-D. It was just hopping. I was at the WH just for pool duties and my colleague Jamie was here for my network's liveshots and other needs and there were not many moments that weren't hectic. I haven't seen so many people at a stakeout as today's scene waiting to see if Obama and McCain would come out to talk. They didn't.
The final event of the day was a meeting in the Oval Office with the Prime Minister of India. I admit that I'm not completely up on all the latest Indian issues but I had some really good Indian food last night for dinner. But I digress. This was my first time I went into the Oval as the one and only TV representative. Usually we have a correspondent do it but with all the craziness going on, it just worked best for me to do it. I was standing in the Oval Office but was so busy trying to write down every word that was said that I really didn't get to take it all in. I was just praying that POTUS didn't call on me with a question. Thankfully it was clear he didn't want to talk to the press at all so I felt relieved. He did keep staring at me but I think it was because I somehow got stuck in the middle of the Indian press corps and the Indian PM went on and on about whatever. I guess a petite blond girl really stands out in the Indian press corps!! You can't actually see me in the picture below because I'm blocked by an Indian cameraman. But I promise I'm there.
It looks like I might not be going to Oxford, MS for the debates after all. The story is here in DC with the bailout so that's where we'll be at least for tomorrow. Too bad because I was really looking forward to the Comfort Inn in Batesville, Mississippi. But that's okay because I'll get to sleep in my own bed and I'll actually get 8 hours of sleep!!Anyway, this place was sooooo hopping today! I think the last day it was like this was when the Pope came to town in April. I'm not saying that a visit by Obama and McCain would equate to the Pope but EVERYONE was back at the WH from campaign trail! It was like a little reunion! POTUS met with three different world leaders today which literally no one cared about. One of them was Palestinian President Abbas. Eight months ago, that would have been the biggest stir but today literally no one was paying attention.
The big moment of the day was when McCain and Obama were here. They brought their own travel pools with them but the WH travel pool (us) were the only ones allowed in the room for the big meeting. The press briefing room, where they all waited, was PACKED with people. I was the one in charge of coordinating the playing/feeding of the tape so that all 5 networks could air the tape at the same time. It was a bit of pressure because I knew soooo many people were counting on us. I am pleased to say that my coworker/friend Greg and I were a perfect team. I won't bore you with all the details of how the sausage is made but let's just say the process was flawless!!
The afternoon was just a zoo. Or maybe a circus is a better way to describe it. Three rings- one for POTUS, one for WHOTUS-R, and one for WHOTUS-D. It was just hopping. I was at the WH just for pool duties and my colleague Jamie was here for my network's liveshots and other needs and there were not many moments that weren't hectic. I haven't seen so many people at a stakeout as today's scene waiting to see if Obama and McCain would come out to talk. They didn't.
The final event of the day was a meeting in the Oval Office with the Prime Minister of India. I admit that I'm not completely up on all the latest Indian issues but I had some really good Indian food last night for dinner. But I digress. This was my first time I went into the Oval as the one and only TV representative. Usually we have a correspondent do it but with all the craziness going on, it just worked best for me to do it. I was standing in the Oval Office but was so busy trying to write down every word that was said that I really didn't get to take it all in. I was just praying that POTUS didn't call on me with a question. Thankfully it was clear he didn't want to talk to the press at all so I felt relieved. He did keep staring at me but I think it was because I somehow got stuck in the middle of the Indian press corps and the Indian PM went on and on about whatever. I guess a petite blond girl really stands out in the Indian press corps!! You can't actually see me in the picture below because I'm blocked by an Indian cameraman. But I promise I'm there.
1 comment:
I absolutely love your blog. It's even better than the pool reports! I want exclusive details about that meeting with POTUS and WBPOTUS-R and WBPOTUS-D! I'm going to Roanoke this weekend, so I'll wave to the star for you!
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