The media frenzy continues today around the nation, as the big question is, “Will this debate still happen?” Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Chancellor Robert Khayat said today in their “Welcome to the Debate” press conference that they expect the first U.S. presidential debate to go forward as planned, despite Sen. McCain’s desire to postpone the event. Read More »
What a difference a day makes. After 16 hours of meetings and strategy sessions, my inclination was to just write, “Wow!, Wow! Wow!” I know, very articulate. But what else is there to say? Who knew that one of those situations that you prepare for and never expect to happen, actually happened.
It’s late and tomorrow’s first meeting starts at 6:00 a.m., so I’ll be brief. Much of what went on today is still classified and can’t be discussed. This entry is for my friends and colleagues. You know who you are. Corporate Flacks, Spinmeisters, Mouth Pieces … today was the kind of day you live for - if you are a true PR adrenaline junkie. Read More »
What started a week ago as a standard “Welcome to Ole Miss” news conference by the Governor and the Chancellor quickly became the center of the world’s news this morning. Network by network began to tell us they would carry the press conference live at 11am. Our team and the Governor’s team met this morning briefly to discuss the exact logistics and remarks for the press conference, anticipating that media’s first question would be, “Will there be a debate tomorrow night?” The answer, of course, is yes. Read More »
Tags: chancellor khayat, governor barbour, Presidential Debate at Ole Miss
What a day! Have you ever planned an elaborate party and was afraid no one would show up? We have had an eventful day. However, the Commission on Presidential Debates has stated we will proceed as scheduled. The Cirlot Agency will continue to work with national and international media to support the success of the first presidential debate this Friday night at 8pm CST. Read More »
Debate Hall - Ford Center
Just a peek at inside the Debate Hall at the Gertrude Castellow Ford Center.
Paul Gallo Interviews Chancellor Robert C. Khayat
The Gallo Radio Show morning interview with Chancellor Khayat at the Union on the Campus of Ole Miss.
Headlines such as this are currently flashing across network television and websites across the world. Members of the Ole Miss staff, students and the national and international media watched TV monitors in the filing center and around campus stunned, awaiting Obama’s response. Things kicked into high gear on our end as members of the Ole Miss staff and Rick and Liza began to work on an official Ole Miss statement to issue to the media. Susanne and I were called into action immediately, as we began getting the official statement out to national and international media around the world. Dr. Kellum, Vice Chancellor for University Relations, did a live phone interview with Fox News’ Shepard Smith to give the University’s formal statement. The Commission on Presidential Debates is issuing their statement as we speak. Latest news from the networks: Obama rejects debate delay, says his campaign will continue despite McCain’s call to focus solely on working with Congress on a bailout plan.
Media Frenzy During McCain Announcement
What an afternoon here when McCain announced he wanted to delay the debate. The media tent finally started hopping as many journalists and more photojournalists flooded into the Filing Center to shoot photographs of everyone gathered around the hundreds of TV monitors here. Read More »
Tags: Ole Miss, Presidential Debate at Ole Miss
Technical/Production Setups
The media frenzy is underway here at the Ford Center. Reporters and producers are starting to arrive. The TV technical production guys are in high gear assembling equipment. We have been answering questions from the media. The “where is a good place to eat” questions started at 9 am. Ajax was the answer.
Tags: Presidential Debate at Ole Miss
Inside the Debate Hall as the Lighting is Prepared for Friday Evening
Today began with planning meetings for everyone working with PR and Media for Ole Miss. The group toured the area around the Ford Center to point out work stations for networks and local media. We spent a good deal of time getting acquainted with the Media Filing Center, which is where reporters will work in one giant, temporary office. It seats 800 journalists, with 30 booth spaces (also called spin alley). Read More »
Tags: Gertrude Ford Castellow Center, Ole Miss, presidential debate
