The Story Behind the Press: McCain in California

From Kid Reporter Allison Tam

Senator McCain is attending a Global-Competitiveness roundtable at Silicon Valley in California.   Two days prior to the event, I receive an assignment from my editor to report on this event.   I’ve been to Obama’s speech in Google and Clinton’s Rally in San Jose.   But I have never been to McCain’s event.  Oh my, I feel so excited about the assignment.   

The night before the event, I need to prepare a list of questions to ask McCain.   Just the thought of me getting to ask him a question is making me want to jump up and down non-stop!  My questions try to be fresh from the rest of the media and interesting to kids or relevant to local communities.  I research news on McCain, and construct with a list of questions.  Scholastic editor shortens my list to the final three questions to ask McCain in the event.

The event starts at 10:30am.  Leaving no chance to miss any part of the event, I left home early on that day.  I got there an hour early.   I take the time to talk to some attendees.  Most attendees are local business leaders like CEOs or local government officials.  They all feel excited to hear what McCain and other panelists will say about how we will remain competitive in global economy.  Most of the local media also attend this event.

Unlike Obama’s or Clinton’s event, the event is relatively low-key.  There are about 150 attendees. While waiting for McCain’s appearance, they gather in little groups chatting with soothing music flowing softly in the background. The event feels like an adult party. 

I heard McCain came to the roundtable directly from airport.  His schedule is so tight! 

At 10:40am, a full bus-load of traveling media swamp in and take their seats immediately.  Five minutes later, Senator McCain walks in swiftly and quietly with other panelists.   They sit down and start discussion on global competitiveness right away.

I turn on my video-camcorder to record the whole discussion.  I start jotting down main points of each panelist. 

In the discussion, McCain and other panelists share the same view and voice on global competitiveness.   They believe that innovation, low tax and trainings are keys to our competitive strength.   I am amazed how much they all agree each other.

After a long time, my hand hurts too much from intensive writing.  I just sit back and take a little rest.   I will take notes later from my recording video camera. 

At the end of the discussion, attendees give McCain and panelists a long and loud applaud.  I get ready to ask McCain at least one question on his way out.  I move quickly to panelists’ exit path to catch the Senator.   Just as I expected, McCain and panelists shake hands with audience as they hurry out.   I shake hands with some of the panelists.  Finally, McCain comes around. 

Shaking his hand, I burst out my question as he is moving away, “Senator Obama wants to get rid of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ program; however, you want to fix it.  What would you do to improve it?” 
He turns back and replies firmly, “I’ll fix it.  I will have it fixed.” 

Now that was pretty darn exciting having McCain to answer my question.   

After that, I ask a couple of attendees what they thought about McCain’s speech.  They all feel very positive and upbeat about it.  I go home thinking about the report I will write and then of course, lunch.

Comments

[Stacy]

How did you decide on that question? and where is yoru story. I want to read it!

[Jess]

Congrats! This must have been so exciting. I'm curious about No Child Left Behind, too. I wonder what will happen to it. Thanks!

[Priyanka]

Wow!It must be very exciting to ask a question to a futer president.I really want to know how you felt.