I'm blogging live from the filing room at the Constitution Center presidential debate, about an hour before the actual debate starts. I got here about five hours ago; due to a Secret Service sweep, we had to be here early.
It's funny that most of the other reporters here have been on the trail for months, have other attended dozens of these things, and are sick to death of this and want it to be over already. Me, I'm in political junkie heaven.
About a half hour ago, I was standing about 15 feet away as Charles Gibson and George Stephenopoulos, tonight's moderators, anchored "World News Tonight." Last time I saw George in person was when he spoke on campus during about my first week at Brandeis; he doesn't actually look much older. Though I can confirm that, because Charlie towers over him, George does indeed stand on a box when the two are on camera together.
One of the more amusing moments of the day so far: I saw a well-dressed guy with dreadlocks who looked like a TV reporter on his cell phone as he walked by the newscast about to start. I heard him say "George is right there... I don't know, I can't get that close," so I assumed he was talking to his producer who wanted him to arrange an interview. About 30 seconds later, I saw the guy walk back and say into the phone "about 5'5.""
Lots of activity around the building, especially from supporters of the candidates, all with signs and bullhorns. Hillary's folks outnumbered Barack's by far, so I'm guessing her union support played a role in that. Anti-abortion folks are there as well. There are also decorated trucks baring signs that drive by occasionally, which can't be good for the traffic situation around here.
Who else is here? I've seen most of MSNBC's pundit team (Howard Fineman, Richard Wolfe), as well as a few Inquirer columnists. From the outdoor overlook, I could see Michael Nutter arrive through the front door. Also, there are lots of women here who are dressed way, way, too fashionably for a presidential debate.
The only bad part? My cell phone died about five hours ago, which means no photos; I also can't even call my wife. More to come later, once the debate starts...
Posted by Stephen Silver at April 16, 2008 07:20 PMIt's possible that the well-dressed guy with dreads was Sharif Street, son of the former mayor and erstwhile Council candidate (and still corporate attorney). Sounds like the debate was a lot more interesting than watching the Sox get crushed last night.
Posted by: LilB at April 17, 2008 11:38 AMI'm glad you got to be part of this event Steve.
Posted by: Jeff S at April 17, 2008 04:57 PM