August 13, 2000

Countdown to Convention!


Getting ready for my CNN interview
My first day in the life of a reporter was a lot of work, but worth every minute. My day started at 5:00 a.m., when I was driven to the convention center where a CNN reporter was waiting to interview me on live television. The convention center seemed a lot smaller than it appeared on TV. I learned a behind-the-scenes secret about the podium. Before every speaker goes on stage, the podium is raised or lowered by computer so no one is too tall or too short to reach the microphone. I thought that was kind of cool.

Anyway, at 6:45, the cameras rolled and I was taped live for CNN. At first I was really nervous, but I soon relaxed. After we finished the interview, I bumped into Jesse Jackson, equal rights activist. He good-naturedly grabbed me by my shoulders and insisted that I give the camera a thumbs-up sign and a big grin. I had no problem doing either.




At around 3:00 we went to a place called the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. I was really looking forward to possibly talking to Al Goreís daughters, who were scheduled to be there! The food bank was started 27 years ago by a cook named Tony and supplies donated food to hundreds of charities surrounding Los Angeles.

Members of an organization called Service Vote 2000 were there, too. Their goal is to try and get young people involved in volunteer programs and voting. I think this is such a great thing because young people are definitely part of the voice of America. As Steven A. Culbertson said, "We are trying to create an environment where young people can volunteer."


Jesse Jackson and I give the convention thumbs up!
Gore's two daughters were there and they spoke. The reporters were like bees swarming around honey. I had to squeeze my way in and stand on a chair to be heard at all but I did get a chance to talk to 23-year-old Kristin Gore, which was great! (See my Q&A; of the Day for the results!) So many of the reporters were also interested in talking to me, and eventually we had to shoo them away because I had work to do too!

Which reminds me, I have to go to sleep right now because I have another really busy day ahead of me. Stay tuned!