Breaking News
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.
Day 2 – Debate Preps
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).
The Calm Before the Storm (of Media)
Excitement and anticipation are in the air here in Oxford. If you have never been to the Ole Miss campus, it is truly breathtaking. You’ve probably heard the stories of tailgating in the Grove (of ancient oak trees) before football games. I can understand why. The entire campus is a beautiful place, perfect for the gathering of students and the Ole Miss community. What a place for the first presidential debate: a university with unrivaled beauty and grace.
The Ford Center, where the actual debate takes place, is just down the street from the Grove. And, already the street in front of the Ford Center is blocked for media technical set-up. There are platforms built along the sidewalks in front of the Ford Center, where reporters will report live later in the week.
