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NewsHour Links:
Outside Links: Children's Express is an international, non-profit news syndicate that produces stories by young journalists, 8-18, for adult media.
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This
is the Big Time GOP CONVENTION-- When I joined Children's Express (CE) there were only two slots available for the Republican convention team and none for the Democratic. I was told by all my family members what a wonderful experience it would be to go to Philadelphia with the Republicans, and I thought that was quite something-- considering all of them are Democrats. Before I left, I worked with a CE team to do a phone interview with the governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson, and I looked at lots of political figures' pictures, so I could recognize them when I was out interviewing. I also went online to find out the positions of major political figures like George W. Bush and Al Gore, and I watched the news and read Time magazine and the newspaper so I could figure out the major issues. When I left, I was very excited. I had heard great things about the convention from more experienced editors who had already been to one. I was a little nervous about interviewing famous people. When I got to Philadelphia I saw all sorts of signs and banners and decorations. I thought, "This is it, this is the big time - a place most journalists would kill to get into." I also thought how lucky I was, living in a small isolated part of the country, getting to do something like this, how many people get to go to a political convention in their lifetime. When I got to the dorms where we are staying I met many interesting and nice people, which was great, because I was afraid I wouldn't like anyone there, but I was wrong. I don't make friends easily, but everyone was very nice to me, very welcoming and very helpful. A Ready Reporter We came to the workspace where we are headquartered today. We are split into teams and will be out most of the day getting interviews and stories. We did mock press conferences and interviews to get a feel of how to ask questions, and get people's attention. Also we made up generic questions to ask of just about anyone on six subjects: the environment, health, violence, education, immigration and technology. I can see things a lot clearer now that I've gotten a good nights sleep. I'm not nervous at all. I know that there will be people I know and like with me all the time. I know what I'm doing and I know what to expect. I'm not nervous about interviewing anyone or being interviewed myself. I'm excited because we are going to be representing kids around the world, giving them a political perspective of the convention through kids' eyes. We are going to try to make a difference, and I think we can do it! If you were a reporter, what question would you ask George W. Bush or Al Gore ?
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