By: Samantha Stetzer
Maybe I should listen to my mom more.
It was her idea to ask my editor at the Winona Daily News about tagging along with a reporter to the Sen. Bernie Sanders rally in Onalaska, Wis. on March 30.
It was her idea to have questions prepared in case I met him—which as a third year journalism student I feel obligated to say that I was already going to do that.
It was her idea for me to have him make me press secretary at the White House, but that one might have to wait.
So that rainy Wednesday night I zipped up my favorite pair of power boots, made sure to wear my most professional attire, and donned my very own press pass.
As the reporter, Jourdan Vian, and I made our way to the event she told me we had the opportunity to spend 10 minutes with Sanders.
“Oh wow, that’s awesome,” I said.
Oh crap, that’s terrifying was what I was actually thinking.
After being frisked by some lovely secret service agents, we actually made our way inside the rally. Three hours before the big man actually hit the stage, the room was already half filled with a diverse group of young and old supporters.
Media was corralled into a section to the left of the stage, where broadcasting media were setting up cameras and reporters were shuffling about.
After a lot of hurry up and waiting, we were led to the back of the stage to wait—again—in what appeared to be a hockey changing area. But it had been decked out with a black curtain and an American flag to give the impression of sophistication.
“He just landed at the airport,” one of his aids told us eventually.
It’s really happening. Wow, I’m really adulting with this whole journalism thing today, I thought to myself.
And then finally, a delicate, frizzy white haired man came smiling through the door for his interview with the two women from the local newspaper.
He introduced himself, shook our hands and all I could think was just don’t embarrass yourself, Sam.
And then he talked about the issues. Jourdan asked him about minimum wage and ways he would try to increase wages for middle class workers. We discussed his plans for college tuition and the specific problems that face Wisconsin.
For a short 10 minutes, I was completely enthralled in what this man was saying.
He slouched in his chair, hands resting in his pockets, but his words were anything but calm.
And that was it. He shook our hands and was whisked away by his secret service agents. All I had to show for it was a photo, a sturdy handshake and an amazing experience. I’ll never forget the first time I got to interview a sitting senator and presidential candidate.
Yes, I said first time.
I don’t write this asking you to vote for this precious man. I only want to share my experience with America’s grandpa and to remind you to always listen to your mother.
