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Ten Rules for the Working Woman or Covering the Convention in Flats

September 04, 2008 7:02 PM

  Nightline co-anchor Cynthia McFadden reports from the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota:

There are of course many serious matters being discussed in St Paul at the Republican National Convention this week. We've covered many of them on ‘Nightline’ this week.   The place is over-flowing with deep thoughts and deep-thinkers. 

In fact, as I write this, my co-anchor Terry Moran and our executive producer are debating how Sarah Palin’s speech will be received around the country, and George Stephanopoulos just dropped by to discuss tonight's ‘Nightline’ Report Card.

As this is my first political convention, I must say I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the actual experience.  First off, trust me, you can see and hear a whole lot better from the sofa at home than you can from any location I have discovered here.  It is noisy and crowded and hard to see. 

I realize if you're watching at home it looks as if that great big window behind us provides a pretty good perch,  but here's the dirty little secret… the only time you get to sit there is when you are actually on the air broadcasting ,  which is the worst time to try to listen to a speech, live television being what it is…..
So, some practical advice if you should ever find yourself attending a political convention:

1.  No question about this one: comfortable shoes.  The new, three inch leopard heels were just ridiculous.  Any way you cut it, you'll be walking miles.  I ended up wearing sandals all day and putting on the mid-sized model when I HAD to appear on the floor.  The leopard ones did make an appearance under the anchor desk one night.  My feet hurt the whole time.

2.  Bring a second cell phone.  Charging can be challenging and the only way to find anyone is to call them.  What did we do before cell phones?

3.  Eat before you enter or order in food:  do not, repeat do not, eat the food provided.  More than two days of the hamburger specials rots the brain and the soul.

4.  Do not bring an umbrella or apples in your bag.   They will not let you in the arena with one because they can be used as weapons.  Bananas (go figure) are ok. We’re not sure about oranges because we didn’t try.

5. Bring sweaters --- even if it's 100 degrees outside you can be sure it will be 50 degrees in the venue.

6. Never ask anyone for directions.  They are invariably wrong and cost you precious steps.

7.  Get tickets and invitations to as many parties as you can.  You must make arrangements before you get to the convention.  Talk to more experienced convention goers.  They will guide you.  Definitely get an invitation to the ‘Vanity Fair’ party in town.  It's the hot ticket and just about anyone you want to button-hole will make an appearance.

8.  Check before you book:  try to find a hotel within walking distance.  If you must sleep far away, rent a car.  The shuttle bus can go horribly wrong.

9.  Parking.  Forget the parking passes.  It will take you 30 minutes to lug all your stuff to the site.  Find a local garage.  Closer and cheaper.

10.  Bring your sense of humor.  Lines are long.  Security is serious.  The hours stink.  But rest assured if you follow these rules you'll have an experience you'll be telling your grandchildren about one day. 

September 4, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

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