Today started out with Steve Bell speaking with all the students before C-SPAN began taping for their programming. While Mr. Bell said that President-Elect Obama is bringing change, he talked of some aspects that lead up to the presidency, which contradicted that. The examples Mr. Bell spoke of were President-Elect Obama becoming more of a centerist in the political spectrum as well as how he has been handing out positions and appointments to people who have served within previous administrations. I found this interesting because it’s something I have talked to other people about quite a bit.
We then prepared for C-SPAN which had two anchors from the FOX News channel on for the show. Juan Williams, of the news channel, described the inauguration of President-Elect Obama as “such a tremendous moment.” Something I have been able to see at our seminars is that every individual here is truly excited and anxiously awaiting that moment. Even those who did not initially support President-Elect Obama or even vote for him, have expressed their support for him. It’s amazing to see and I’m so lucky to be a part of this “tremendous moment.”
During the live taping there was a caller from Amherst, NY…how odd that someone from my home town would call in while I’m in the audience. Brett Bauer, the other FOX News anchor present, said, “It is literally history…why you go back and tell your grandkids you were there it will be cool.” I couldn’t agree more. We were also present for another taping hosted by the CEO of C-SPAN, Brian Lamb. The show was called “Q&A” and featured guests Carol and Tom Wheeler who spoke of their roles in the Obama campaign. I didn’t enjoy this taping as much, however I did enjoy a taped show where Mr. Lamb asked the students various questions, one of which was to Cara!
After another day of lunch at Union Station, we met for a site-visit at The New Democrat Network (NDN) and listened to Simon Rosenberg (the President and Founder). This site-visit was different than what I expected primarily because there were a few comments bashing our current president, George W. Bush. I understand he’s not the most popular president, but he’s the president and there’s a certain level of respect that goes with that. Other than that, the visit did touch on the new electoral map we saw during the 2008 election, which I found to be interesting.
After walking by the parade route, we headed over to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a reception for all of the Washington Center’s Inauguration participants. Bob Schieffer, the Chief Correspondent of CBS News, spoke briefly and answered questions at the reception. Several students in the back of the room were being very loud and were asked to quiet down by both a member of the Washington Center and Mr. Schieffer himself. His spirits didn’t seem wounded as he offered advice to journalists saying “never assume.” This is a lesson I have learned here at the J. School at Bona’s. Mr. Schieffer also said this was his 12th inauguration and that nothing is like your first, emphasizing that this one is truly one to remember for several reasons. His words have only heightened my anticipation for next Tuesday. When Mr. Schieffer left the stage I was fortunate to have a photo taken with him. When I told him I was from Buffalo, NY he told me they got a lot of snow today. As long as it’s not in D.C. it’s okay in my book.
Tomorrow’s another day of C-SPAN and I’m really looking forward to it. For those of you in Buffalo, I hope there’s not too much snow…and hope that it doesn’t make its way down here.
