Politicians
Campaigns
For the last several years, I've had the opportunity to cover major candidates in their quest for political office. Standing in the press pen with videographers and photographers from all the major media outlets was a fascinating experience.
Donald Trump
I had press credentials for three of then candidate Trump's Arizona stops. I have better photos of the future president but this one is a bit special. He had just been interviewed on a small stage 20 feet from the press pool. He is point at the photographers as he is calling us "scum". It looks like he is pointing at me. It is something you get use to. Both the left and right are consistently critical.
Hillary Clinton
While the other major candidates held their campaign stops in venues that housed over 5,000, Clinton's only Phoenix stop was at a local high school gymnasium. It did provide a more intimate setting. However, it was harder to get around because there was not a dedicated press area.
Bernie Sanders
Senator Sanders drew huge crowd at the Phoenix Convention center. Getting out of the press pen was difficult because the exit was on side not in the back. It amazed me that people moved so I could walk around to the other side of the podium.
John McCain, Mitt Romney
Senator McCain was up for re-election. The state republican part which was controlled by the tea-party was not supporting him. Mitt Romney joined him at a high school gym for a rally. McCain eventually won by a significant margin.
Richard Carmona, Bill Clinton
Several years ago, Richard Carmona was running against the incumbent, Jeff Flake. Former President, Bill Clinton joined him in an effort to drum up support. This event required the press stay in the press pen. Evidently they wanted their people to photograph closer to the candidate and the ex-president.