An Insider’s Perspective on the Convention
Saturday we met with Keith White, Executive Editor of “Congress Daily,” and discussed certain components of the Convention. White, who is no novice to conventions as this will be his 13th, had plenty of insider’s information for us about what exactly happens at these extravagant events.
Conventions no longer serve their original purpose, he said. Long before they occur, the public is well aware of whom the presidential nominee is going to be. Furthermore, what happens on the floor is not of much importance since much of it is scripted. Democratic delegates from across the nation are here to discuss and decide upon the Party’s platform. However, no president is bound by its party’s platform anyway.
Since we are here to cover the Kansas Delegation, White suggested that we focus on issues important to our delegates. He also suggested that we not lose sight of state politics.
White, on the other hand, along with his 100 staff members for the “National Journal” which owns “Congress Daily” is only reporting on the delegates from the 10 most “important” states. In political terms they are important because they are more populous; therefore, they have more electoral votes, and during the general election they will play the most vital role for the presidential candidates to win the election.
Until we get personal experience of all these events for ourselves, it’s hard to tell what will actually be going on. White’s advice will definitely be taken into account as we embark on our adventure of covering a historical event in the making.
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