On the US election trail - Blog Two
QUEEN'S University student Christopher Andrews is reporting exclusively for the News Letter website on his summer internship with the BBC in Washington D.C.
Here, he pens his latest blog from the political capital of the world.
Christopher's second week
After a week feeling as though we were VIP's in the world's most powerful city, our Program has really began to take shape.
It has been strange to disperse as a group, but still it is quite exciting to envisage what lies ahead. When first applying to the Program I will unashamedly claim that the biggest draw was of course the nature of such high profile internships.
The chance to work in the offices of Barack Obama, John McCain, The World Bank, Library of Congress, and many more are undoubtedly of great use on our CV's and enhancing our experience of such fields. However, in such a short space of time the friendships and experience of Washington that has developed has almost downplayed the significance of our placements.
I suppose it is natural to be apprehensive before starting an internship. You can only presume the basics of what you may be doing; answering phones, making coffee, typing up letters; in effect nothing of great significance. When it comes to the BBC this isn't as relevant.
In only my first few days I can mistake myself for being treated as an employee, not an intern. The staff are all incredibly generous with their time and working alongside figures such as Matt Frei, Justin Webb, Gavin Hewitt, James Coomarasamy, Richard Lister and others has been very encouraging. Gavin was indeed kind enough to afford me an interview before he headed back to London.
In short, I have been video logging entries and flagging up stories to our news editor which may be of use for their world service. For instance, if George Bush were to make an address from the White House, I would have access to the live feed, note down the timings and highlights of the speech, which would then act as research for the reporter, or guidelines for whoever was editing the piece for broadcast.
I have also been able to search out a couple of possible leads to stories that seem to have been of interest to our editors.
Out of respect for my office I don't wish to comment too much on individual stories or reporters, but it has been kind of them to let me sit in during editing, or watch as they direct and delegate reports. It is of immense value, and I suppose they too acknowledge that they were in my position not that long ago in their own careers.
I feel it is important to appreciate the timing of our trip couldn't be much better. By next January 19th the newest leader of 'the free world' will be declared. Perhaps it is just this city, but the many shop windows or street sellers advertising Barack Obama or John McCain t-shirts is beyond a joke. The many posters and banners on front lawns declaring candidates are again strange to see so far in advance of an election. I can admit that it is a relief to be witnessing an electoral campaign based on important issues rather than the tribal politics that has blighted the history of Northern Ireland.
There are polls in the Washington Post suggesting that Obama is ahead on the popular vote; however, when it comes down to key swing states, things aren't so clear-cut.
It is argued Europe is experiencing 'Obamania', but regardless of how unpopular the present administration seems to be with ordinary Americans, it is nave to think this election will be a walkover. This is of course being a country taking opinion polls on who people believe the better First Lady may be…
America is still a highly conservative country, and McCain's military record and elder statesman figure may persuade many Republican voters to persevere with their rather disillusioned party.
One major boost to the Democrats has been Hillary Clintons formal backing of her rival Obama, which it is hoped may unite the party after what proved quite a divisive and heated primary season.
I don't wish to elaborate on such a line, but it would likewise be nave to think racial politics will not play a significant role. In only two weeks I have seen very clearly the level of disparity and impoverishment that exists between the white middle class and black working class of D.C. Whether America is ready or not to overlook such a pathetic stumbling block is highly debateable.
One must only look to Barack Obama's tagging with the black community. For a start, Obama is biracial. In the truest and literal sense he is African-American. Any labelling has been intended as derogatory in my opinion, and instead to stir the debate into one of race, not issues.
No matter who claims the White House they must be focused from day one. The poverty and desperateness that I have seen from much of D.C.'s citizens has been startling.
The many people who genuinely seem to have nothing is amazing in 'the land of the free'. We take it for granted in the U.K. that we have social securities, the NHS, and affordable education. The 'American Dream' seems to me only relevant if you have the money. It is a far more individualistic place than I expected when it comes to this. I don't believe the support mechanisms exist as they do at home for people in need.
On Saturday I was able to go to the National Archives and see the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. I can't imagine the founding fathers would be too impressed by the current situation. I have a feeling this Novembers election could be one of the most important, and with the highest turnout that they have ever had.
Christopher's first blog
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Monday 13 February 2012
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