2009: Tommy Christopher’s Year In Review

Another blogger did get a question in at that press conference. The Huffington Post’s Sam Stein rang in the new media’s ascension to the grown-up’s table by asking the President whether he would rule out investigating Bush administration officials. Obama’s non-answer notwithstanding, it was a big moment for bloggers everywhere.

Here’s a little behind-the scenes footage I took before the press conference started. I’m frequently fascinated by the surreal quality of moments like these, the hushed anticipation mixed with workaday nonchalance.

My experience with Axelrod, along with the kindness of fellow attendees like Helen Thomas and Ana Marie Cox, convinced me that covering the White House might be something I could manage, if not excel at. Even though it cost me more to go than I was being paid, I decided this would be a way to elevate my work, from somewhat clever re-reporting, to a fresh set of eyes on the White House. I wasn’t a complete neophyte, having done dozens of press conferences during the campaign. As I noted on my blog, it wasn’t quite the same thing:

I’ll really have to be on my toes, though.  This isn’t like those campaign conference calls, where you can zone out until they pick you.

Anyway, I’m stoked but nervous.  Getting what I want is a new thing for me.  It can be a complicating factor.  Melle Mel had a point when he said sometimes wanting is better than having.  But, then, Buddha disagrees with Melle Mel, so who do I go with?  What does Patrick Swayze’s character from “Road House” have to say about all this?

The following week, I attended my first regular White House briefing. I didn’t get a question in, but I did make a valuable friend, AURN’s April Ryan. It’s the 4th row seat next to April where I usually squat, until or unless somebody kicks me out of it. April’s style is similar to that of my role model, Helen Thomas. In a word, she’s a pit bull, peppering Gibbs with copious follow-ups. She’s been a constant source of helpful tips and advice, and her welcoming smile has bucked me up more than once when I’ve felt out of place.

Finding a seat at briefings is a bit like bingo for freelancers. See, if you’re not in the first 4 rows, you may as well not exist, so seat choice is of paramount importance. They’re all assigned, but probable a third or more of those assignees won’t show up at a given briefing. The key is getting the right seat. Being kicked out of a seat is no big deal (unless it’s by Savannah Guthrie, who’s a little bit gruff about it), but if you lose your seat at the 11th hour, you’re probably not getting another.

>>>NEXT: My first question with Robert Gibbs…

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.