WASHINGTON – Writing stories in Washington is a far different experience from writing anywhere else.
If you’re on the politics beat, eventually your story will probably require a comment from a senator or a congressman.
Of course, you can always quote an aide of either, but often that just doesn’t provide the same wow factor. Going through press secretaries to get a legitimate comment is difficult, as all reporters know (unless they have a source on the inside).
Sometimes the only way to get anything substantial is to go to one of the stakeout points in the Capitol. On the Senate side of the building, journalists with a press pass can cluster in front of the senators-only elevator – a place for elevator operators and senators, as implied by the name. The lucky ones can politely ask a senator to ride with them in order to get a comment. If not, you have to corner the lawmakers you’re looking for and try to be the first person to nab them.
In my case, I was looking for senators or House members who could shed light on whether or not they have Netflix accounts. Next to the old-school journalists looking for comments on Syria and Egypt, I was totally out of place.
Honestly, it took me a solid half hour to gather the courage to talk to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. It wasn’t because I was star struck or anything like that, but because I was about to ask an enormously important person whether he watches the show “House of Cards.”
When I finally screwed up my courage, I yelled out, “Senator Cornyn! May I please ride the elevator with you?”
Shouting is absolutely necessary because it’s the only way you’ll be heard – or even noticed – if you’re short.
Along with another reporter, I staggered onto the elevator after Cornyn agreed, and even though I was riding it to talk to the senator, I had to follow the unspoken rule of no talking on an elevator.
Thank goodness I did because the other guy with me seemed to follow the same rule. So take note – don’t talk on the elevator.
Before asking my questions, I was terribly nervous. Who was I to be asking a senator what he watches when he’s not trying to pass bills or whip votes? The journalist next to me looked hardcore and serious, while I probably looked like a teenager who didn’t really know what was going on in the world (even though I did).
As soon as we walked off, I started asking my questions as any other newsie would.
I was immediately scoffed at and rebuffed by my journo comrade – apparently a comrade no more. The senator chuckled and we had a solid interview about political shows and books. I think he was relieved to finally hear a question that wasn’t so loaded.
Afterward, I was relieved. It doesn’t matter what questions you have for someone. All that matters is that you ask them clearly and be confident about it.
Here are the more important lessons I took away:
1) It doesn’t matter who you are or whom you work for because everyone has a right to be at the stakeout areas.
2) If you don’t know the name of a senator, just ask another journalist. All of them are friendly (up until they find their target – then it’s a rat race).
3) Be confident – you might just end up riding the senator-only elevator with Cornyn or Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and going home to tell (or write) about it.
By the way, Cornyn has seen the British version of “House of Cards,” but might re-up his Netflix account to watch the American version.