My Experience with a White House Press Pass

Last Friday, I had the career-expanding opportunity to see the president in person as a member of the press, thanks to the Rockland County Times. As a reporter who graduated college last year with a degree in journalism, I can tell you that this was the equivalent of my own personal Superbowl. 

The frenzy started Monday afternoon, when I noticed buzz on my social media feeds regarding an alleged Trump arrival. Working for a local news outlet, I see claims of outlandish things pretty frequently. Although this news was exciting, I had not verified the facts about the President’s arrival until the next day. In other words, please keep sharing your news, it keeps me busy, and is sometimes true!

As I came into the office the next day, I was flush with excitement and nervousness. Trump was scheduled to speak on Friday, and I had been scheduled to work at my other job as a waitress. Knowing that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young reporter, my coworkers supported me switching around shifts to make myself available for the president.

Now that I had the day off, the next hurdle was Media Approval. Every reporter who planned on attending the event was required to fill out a Media Pass form that was sent to outlets across New York. I filled it out quickly and continued on with publishing day, finishing up last week’s paper with high hopes and crossed fingers.

On Thursday, I got email confirmation that myself and fellow RCT reporter Adam Garvey would be able to join the White House Press Pool. The next email I received was an itinerary of the day for the media. Media equipment was to be set up at 7 a.m., security sweep an hour later, and at 10:30 media was permitted to reenter.

Wanting to be as prepared as possible, I called on some trusted colleagues for their advice. After receiving some hard-won guidance (Get there as early as possible, don’t be intimidated by the larger networks, and delegate tasks) shared by Community Editor John Schilling of our sister paper The Wave, I called up Adam, shared what John had told me, and made a plan for the next day.

Friday morning, Adam picked me up before the sun rose at 6:30 a.m. and we rolled up to RCC at 7:00 sharp. This was Our Turf, where disabled citizens rallied for their rights, where seminars are held every week, where poetry and art of our residents is displayed, and is the site of many of my beloved Community Events. This is the Rockland Community College, and the Rockland County Times’ turf.

There, we walked in with our heads held high, Adam with a camera from the office and myself with a pad and paper. We introduced ourselves to the correspondents from the White House, and set up camp in an area ideal for photos and note taking. Around us, FOX News, CBS, CNN, ABC, the New York Times, and about a dozen other outlets set up their much more advanced equipment. Cameras larger than myself came flying out of backpacks, and lights and microphones appeared from thin air as the stage was set with patriotic decorations and a banner that read “Fighting for American Workers.”

Instead of being intimidated by the equipment (which trust me, on the inside, I was!) I made it a point to introduce myself to our neighboring reporters and hear their stories. At 8 a.m., we were kicked out of the fieldhouse, so myself and three other photojournalists stood around in the parking lot chatting and trading reporter “war stories” for the next hour. Despite nothing in my stomach and very little sleep, I knew that their portfolios were next level, and I would do well to listen and ask as many questions as politely as possible. 

Some reporters left and got breakfast, and although we both were hungry, I was nervous that if we left we wouldn’t be allowed back or get a spot in time. Thankfully, Adam, who had been less paranoid when packing for the day, had come equipped with granola bars, making him the undisputed savior of the morning. 

It was now 9 am, and we still had an hour and a half before we re-entered. Attendees were now lining up outside the entrance, so I took the opportunity to interview a few. As I interviewed, I realized that only speaking with the attendees lined up to enter could mean a one sided piece, especially when we learned that there were protesters outside of campus.

 Regardless, I decided it is always good to talk to people and get a feel for what they’re expecting at a major event. One resident, Robert Nesi from Congers, arrived two hours before the event started. He was so excited that the president would be in Rockland, and even posed with his ticket for the RCT. He shared that he is planning on voting for Lawler.

Spring Valley resident Nisha McCullum said, “I like the fact that [Trump’s] getting things done. He’s strong, he doesn’t back down.” McCullum added, “Some things are happening in Rockland that’s not really fair, in school districts and things like that, so hopefully he calls attention to those things.” McCullum shared that she is also planning on voting for Lawler. 

I did come to learn that a large number of attendees were there because they wanted to see a sitting president speak, not specifically Trump. As every headline has indicated, this was the first time we’ve had an official presidential visit in Rockland since 1976. These folks, however, were less comfortable going on the record and sharing their names.

At this point, we still had an hour before the media could re-enter. As exciting as the whole day was, there was a lot more down time than I expected. At 10:30 a.m., the press swarmed to our own access point, went through security, and received our very own White House Press Passes. At 11:00 a.m. we were back in the field house. We made a beeline for concessions, and I paid $4 for the best hot dog of my life. 

We would now wait for three more hours as the audience of over 200 people trickled in and the pre-program began at 1:30 p.m. I noticed how many young people were in the audience, both men and women, many dressed like they came straight from a golf course. I was surprised to learn that once the press were in our section, we were not permitted to leave except for the bathroom or food. I attempted to do some interviews over the gates, but I think the attendees were a little put off by it. I can’t say I fully blame them.

Finally, at 1:30 p.m. a prayer was held, indicating the start of the event. The Rockland County Emerald Society played their pipes and drums, a move very much on brand for Rockland. Two local farmers spoke about the effects of tax cuts from Lawler’s efforts. 

Lawler was introduced and he listed his campaign efforts for the upcoming Congressional election, mainly highlighting the State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, allowing taxpayers who itemize on their federal returns to deduct property taxes, and either income or sales taxes, from their taxable income. Lawler said, “Even if you disagree with him, you need a seat at the table to make a change. So that’s why Trump being here today is so important, because people will hate on him but won’t actually have a conversation to make a difference.”

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback of the Giants, then introduced Trump, who embraced him in a bear hug. 

Trump spoke for an hour and a half, endorsing Lawler for Congress and Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York, disparaging the “radical left” and advocating the “Save America Act” which is a federal election bill designed to prohibit non-citizens from voting. He disparaged sanctuary cities, transgender sports policies, and called Democrats “Dumb-ocrats.” 

Three separate times, Trump called the audience to boo at the press, calling the fifth pillar of democracy “fake news,” saying “They’re all writing the lies now.” 

This article is not intended to rehash what every other article has said about Trump’ s visit, but instead to give an inside scoop as to what the press is. For this event alone, we began our day there at seven o’clock in the morning and continued to work for 11 hours. At this event and every event, however, we talk to as many people as we can, people from all perspectives and walks of life, we report facts, and we write the news. In an era of media that is increasingly polarized, it is important to remember the people behind the stories and the messages they are sending. My mission as a local journalist is to earn the public’s trust again. 

One year ago, I had just graduated college. I had no job lined up, and only about a dozen articles published. This experience was eye opening and I am grateful for the opportunity. I want to thank Scott Waters, the Communications Director and Spokesperson for Lawler, who has and will continue to be a great source for us at the RCT and understands the importance of local journalism. I am so excited to see where my career takes me, and am proud of what I’ve learned so far.