My Experience at the Republican Debate in Las Vegas
Monday, December 28, 2015
Reporters' write about the debate as it happens.
The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, NV draped with Republican Debate banners
Supporters of Rand Paul outside the Veneitian Hotel
Donald Trump sounds off
Carly Fiorina responds to a Fox network TV reporter
Rand Paul answers a question in the "Spin Room."
Pandomonium occurs in the media room when the candidates enter the room.
Eric Trump with his new wife, Lara, get surrounded by reporters.
Republican volunteers check in VIP guests
Members of the audience must pass through metal detectors before entering the debate room
NBC's Peter Alexander, "Hard Ball's Chris Matthews and a third reporter watch the
confrontation between Donald Trump and Jeb Bush.
Donald Trump and wife Melania in the "Spin Room"
On Tuesday, December 15, millions in the nation watched the hotly contested Republican presidential debate from their TV sets at home.
I also was watching - but from a different perspective. I was at the Venetian Hotel where the debate was taking place - in the room designated for the media, called the "Spin Room." I sat next to NBC's Peter Alexander and "Hardball's" Chris Matthews (MSNBC), watching the debate on a monitor at the far end of the large room. Around the periphery of the room were various TV and radio networks, separated from each other by temporary dividers.
As the debate was coming to a close, the "Spin Room" came alive. Cameramen and reporters filled the room. Excitement grew to a frenzy at the arrival of the candidates. One by one, the candidates entered the room. They were quickly swarmed by the reporters and disappeared from view. Only their names were visible on red and white signs displayed on poles raised high by someone in their entourage. Among the mass of newscasters, the reporter from "Extra" was there, mike extended, vying for a sound bite. Even a boy and girl from a Kids network were trying to attract the candidates' attention. I remained standing by a cordoned off aisle by the room's perimeter. I figured some of the candidates needed to pass through that corridor in order to reach some of the major TV network areas . My reasoning paid off. Donald Trump came by with his wife Melania. Carly Fiorina stopped nearby to be interviewed by Fox TV.
It was night to remember. Certainly not a typical night in Vegas.
Outside, the Venetian Hotel was draped with giant banners advertising the debate. White television trucks queued up along the street. Cameramen, reporters, tripods and lights formed a line in front of the hotel.
In the the writers' room, located next to the "Spin Room," reporters from around the world were typing away on their computers. TV monitors broadcasting the live debate were scattered around the huge room lined with row upon row of tables.
