Live AT 5...A.M.
Its Potomac Primary day and therefore a huge day for us news folks. Who knows what might happen?
Here's what did:
5am -- I'm awake. I roll over turn on the radio. Just in time for National Public Radio's Morning Edition. I love their news!
520am -- I forgot its fundraiser week aka membership campaign aka beggin' for dollars--"Public radio wouldn't exist without people like ...." Snore!!
7am--Awake again. Sitting at computer in underwear. This is a live shot nobody wants to take...!!
740am --Phone rings. Its my good friend Robin who is breathless-- "Oh, Derek I'm so excited I just voted for Barack Obama!!!" she shrieks at me. I couldn't believe when I pushed the button with his name on it. I mean I voted for Jesse Jacskson and I voted for Al Sharpton. But those were just token votes. Barack might actually win!!"
520am -- I forgot its fundraiser week aka membership campaign aka beggin' for dollars--"Public radio wouldn't exist without people like ...." Snore!!
7am--Awake again. Sitting at computer in underwear. This is a live shot nobody wants to take...!!
740am --Phone rings. Its my good friend Robin who is breathless-- "Oh, Derek I'm so excited I just voted for Barack Obama!!!" she shrieks at me. I couldn't believe when I pushed the button with his name on it. I mean I voted for Jesse Jacskson and I voted for Al Sharpton. But those were just token votes. Barack might actually win!!"
My reaction: You voted for Al Sharpton?! Really??!
845am-- Now I'm in the basement working out and watching CNN. Nothing but election stuff and even I'm starting to get a little psyched. This is a pretty big deal isn't it? Democracy at work. No time to think small. Its not about me. Its about the news!!
845am-- Now I'm in the basement working out and watching CNN. Nothing but election stuff and even I'm starting to get a little psyched. This is a pretty big deal isn't it? Democracy at work. No time to think small. Its not about me. Its about the news!!
9am Whose that..? They're chatting live with Leon Harris from WJLA-Channel 7??!! Oh. Seems he interviewed Obama and Hillary Clinton on some ABC 7 special last night. Damn! Lucky stiff. And to think, I used to really like him....
1015-Seriously folks..Leon is a very good guy and good friend (and a good sport, I hope) But at least I'm on the way to the polling place. Dreading the inevitable long lines.
1030--There's like, nobody here. Security still pretty tight but old guy at voter sign-in seems a bit confused. I spell my name for him _O-B-A-M-A. He waves me through no problem. Security not as tight as I thought.
1045 --voting over. On the way to work.
1125a --Sitting down at desk. Hey...only 25 minutes til lunch. Day going very well so far.
130p Stretched it out as long as I could. Stopped by Anita and Bruce Johnson's desks to chat. They had actual work to do so I'm back at my own cubicle. Lunch over.
3pm Like I said...ya never know whats gonna happen. Rain is turning to ice all over the place....and just like that election is no longer the top story!!
440p Just taped a political chat with Bob Schieffer of CBS News. Bob is like the dean of political reporters--I love hearing him talk politics because he's got so much history and knowledge. Its an honor to share the set with him. No joke.
Of course, Bob also likes hearing Bob talk politics. 3 questions fills five minutes. Makes my job easy.
448pm Ice and accidents in the evening rush! Election day action. Live shots from all over the place.....Lets Do This!!
posted by Derek McGinty @ 1:58 PM
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1 Comments:
Interesting time line.
I like Bob a lot, and I'll miss him when he retires. He's a very down to earth guy. And yeah you are very fortunate to have a job that gives you such associations... but then we make our luck (most of us), so I'm sure you earned it. (I'm jealous)
If I may... about Robin.
I'll probably mess this up, or not communicate accurately my meaning, but...
I understand but don't respect token votes, its almost the same idea as token blacks (but in reverse). But she is right about Obama, because he is much more credible than Jessie or Al ever were. It's not just a "black thing" because it does have a youth demographic.
When Oprah got up screaming "He's Brilliant" I had to roll my eyes. I'm not so sure, although I think he is just as capable as the others. Brilliant is oversell.
In a way I see the campaign reminding me of an old movie "wild in the streets", where the youth overturns the "establishment" in some wild hollywood style rebellion, taking house and senate and changing the laws of the land.
At that I think to myself, will it work were Obama elected? Would he be able to reach across the isle, because he will need to in order to get things done and make change. Hilary as well as McCain, whomever is elected.
(I) you and we love this country. I'm nervous about the next four years however this thing works out. I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best.
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