A young journalist’s guide to the New Hampshire Primary

Covering the first in the nation primary is anything but glamorous. Sure you get to see the Chris Matthews, Donna Braziles, and Megan Kellys of the world walk by at any given notice. And there is the excitement of the Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton motorcade driving by. And then there’s the random celebrity who shows up at a town hall meeting to support their candidate and friend. But, behind the scenes there are sleepless nights, long car rides and even longer days. On top of that, the young aspiring journalist is oftentimes overshadowed by the local and national news reporters, whose credentials and clout are more impressive than the number of times Vermin Supreme has campaigned for president of the United States. So how does a young journalist survive the New Hampshire Primary?

1. Remember it’s February. It’s winter! Winter in New Hampshire is not winter in DC or the south. There is bound to be an unexpected snowstorm or the temperature to be unbearably frigid. So ALWAYS be prepared. You will spend a lot of time outside and you don’t want to be walking around with frostbitten toes and fingers. You will be miserable, you will be hurting, and writing on your notepad? Nearly impossible. Hand warmers are your best friend.
2. Don’t expect to get into every event. Campaigns receive sometimes hundreds of media requests to just get in the door to cover these events. If you don’t RSVP ahead of time, good luck getting in. If you don’t have a plug with campaign staff, you might as well just save your gas. If your press pass doesn’t say CNN or Fox News, you just might be overlooked. If you don’t show up early enough to check-in as press, by the time you get there the fire marshal is ready to shut down the event because the location has reached its maximum capacity.
3. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Yes, you are young. Yes you do not have years of journalism experience under your belt, but your questions are just as important as the veteran standing next to you. You have to be proactive to get that interview, and to shake that candidate’s hand. Don’t be afraid to yell out that first question. Don’t be shy to ask that passionate voter why he/she came out to the polls. When you are assertive, you meet the most interesting people, and sometimes create that career opportunity you can’t get anywhere else.
4. Always be professional. It is very easy to be lost in the moment and you can forget you are there to report, not to “fan girl.” We are all human, and we all have our personal political views and preferences. Which is totally fine. But as a young journalist, you have to remember that you are there for one job, and that is to report. First impressions are everything in this business. And you don’t want George Stephanopoulos’s first meeting with you to be a sour one. This business is too small; you don’t want to end your career before it has even begun.
5. What you give is what you get. The New Hampshire Primary is the only place voters are able to have intimate interactions with the presidential candidates. You can’t get this anywhere else. With that in mind you have to make the experience your own. You have to go out to the little candy shop or the local bar to find that hidden story. You have to create your own opportunities. You have to go up to the C-SPAN team, introduce yourself and just have an honest conversation. You have to get out of your comfort zone, force that presidential candidate to see you and ask that pressing question. You have to go the extra mile to get that footage of protesters arguing with Rubio supporters. And most of all, you have to know that at the end of the day, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. And after the sleepless nights, long days, frustrating moments, and crazy encounters, it is all worth it. Because seeing your name on The Boston Globe website, or writing an amazing story about that voter who is relying on you to tell their story, makes the chaos all worth while.