Lights, Camera, Action (Day 5 in Tampa)

The presence of hurricane Isaac did not dampen the spirits of Republican activists at the convention...or the energy of the many media outlets here! In fact Monday proved to be my busiest day for media appearances (which may be rivaled by tomorrow's schedule).

Early in the morning I participated on two radio stations broadcast in Virginia: WMAL (6:35 AM) and WRVA (7:35 AM). Although those appearances forced me to wake up at 6:00 AM, I was able to grab a few cups of coffee at a Virginia delegation breakfast hosted by Koch Industries. Tagg Romney, Jon Voight, and Congressman Jason Chaffetz were all featured speakers, demonstrating how critical Virginia is in this upcoming election. 

When I stepped out of the breakfast for a minute, I was approached by a swarm of media- most from different outlets. NBC4 needed B-roll for their very impressive segment on me that aired at 5 p.m. that same day. The Washington Examiner, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Virginia Pilot all conducted interviews with me (two of the aforementioned newspapers actually went up to my hotel room- with my permission- to talk to my dad).

Because there was some confusion getting credentials, Marta Saltus and I were running late for scheduled interviews at the convention center. When we arrived, CNN, Education Week, and Voice of America all had reporters outside the hub waiting to talk to me. It took a scheduling miracle to fit them all in. CNN and Education Week were doing following pieces, so they followed me around to most of the other activities/interviews I had that day. First, in the Times Forum, I interviewed with European Public Broadcasting. Then I returned to the hub and talked to Voice of America and a local CBS affiliate from Richmond.

I forget when during that madness I ate lunch, but Education Week and CNN both tagged along to ask questions while I ate. At 2:30 PM, we walked to POLITICO's studios to conduct a live interview on POLITICO TV. Afterwards when we returned, I was greeted by a reporter from Seventeen, who interviewed me and complimented my Vineyard Vines attire (hopefully she mentions that in the piece so I get free swag from the company).

The final part of the day consisted mainly of radio interviews. I conducted interviews with CBS Radio and French Public Broadcasting. The most interesting exchange of the day occurred when Hungarian Public Broadcasting managed to find me. Talking to the nation where my grandparents grew up had special relevance to me.

After that final media appearance, it was once again time to party. Since Marta Saltus had since left, delegate Erin Smith drove me and alternate delegate Phil Griffin to a party sponsored by the American Conservative Union entitled "Nuestra Noche." The highlight of the party was greeting and taking pictures with Mary Pauline Jones, the birthday girl!

What a wild day! And to think the convention has not even really convened yet...