Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jan 25, 2008 15:47:28 GMT -6
Chicago Astronomer Joe Covers the President's Visit
Aside from my duties as the Administrator of the Chicago Astronomer and Telescope Operator at the Adler Planetarium, I am also a credentialed member of the press/media for a education industry reporter/journalist. The full account and story of the visit will be published in my publication, but in the meantime, here is my personal fun experience of the event...
Earlier this month, President Bush visited Chicago to promote the "No Child left behind" education initiative and to support the 2016 Olympic bid for Chicago. Normally, I would stay far away from such events, as the congestion, security and protesters make any venture close an ordeal.
But this time I was offered the opportunity to cover his visit, and even tho I was very much under the weather, I took advantage of it.
I had to undergo a preliminary Secret Service background and security check days prior, came back clean and given the go. On the day of the event, I ventured to the military section of O'Hare airport...far away from the mainstream terminals. There I was checked again by Secret Service, Chicago Police and Airport Security. Bomb sniffing dogs were utilized and I and the rest of the press pool were checked over countless times even before entering the restricted zone.
We were transported adjacent to the landing strip by airport bus, where our equipment was checked by security before loading. A short ride to the landing strip and, unloaded and made our way to the press area. I was provided with my White House Press Pool credentials and with yet another once over, I made my way to my spot.
It was an unusually warm January day thank goodness, but the winds were strong as we took our positions on top of the media platform and it was a struggle to maintain posture. All about us were Secret Service agents, always vigilant and someone always with an eye on me and others.
Dignitaries were assembled as we all prepared for Air Force One to set down.
There were two Marine Helicopters already on the tarmac, just ahead of where the aircraft was to stop...
I was the first to spot Air Force One coming in from our right rear.
It comes in low, fast and when it drops down...it comes drops fast. No long roll, practically as soon as it touches the ground, the retros come on and in a cloud of smoke and dust...it stops.
Incredible.
It rolls around and stops right in front of us.
Two more Huey type helicopters land behind the plane and settle down....
...and we wait for the President. Secret Service agents take up their positions all around the perimeter and the hatch opens, revealing a military uniform and accepting the airport stairs.
In a short while, President Bush exits and makes his way to the line of welcoming dignitaries, presents an award and then walks solo to the waiting Marine One Helicopter.
It takes off with the other helicopters in tow - an armada of at least 6 helicopters. With that, our coverage of the arrival was complete, and now we go chase the President to his next event.
But...
Before we leave, you know I must get a shot with Air Force One...
Shown are myself, my editor and a fellow reporter. ;D
We board our transport once again, bringing us to our vehicles and the rest of the day will be spent chasing the President around Chicago.
He was to stop at a north side Chicago elementary school to talk with school kids, but only a limited number of press were allowed inside and already selected days prior, so we covered the outside action.
While the rest were gathered out in front of the school, I wanted to capture the exit of the Presidential procession on their way to the next event. I walked around the block crossing police lines with my credentials and was just at the right spot - and the only press at the locale to capture the rolling Presidential limousine caravan...
Off we went in separate cars to the Union League club in downtown Chicago to cover the Presidential press conference with Mayor Daley. As I pass the first of many barracades, I spot the Presidential Limo sitting right outrside of the door...just sitting there!
Again, we go thru security scrutiny, with high gain metal detectors, Chicago Police, Secret Service and other security. They fully inspected the equipment and once passed, provided with an additional White House Press Pool credential. Each stop requires a new credential.
In a grand oak covered room with high ceilings, we wait for the President to arrive. No one has the freedom to walk about, and must be escorted..even to the facilities.
With time to spare, we work our equipment. look for angles and hope we don't get pushed in front of a column. News personalities are scattered all about and it's quite warm inside. With my awful cold and drugged up with cold meds, I was quite miserable...but persevered.
Jockeying for position is always stressful, as everyone wants the prime spots. I made friends with a Fox cameraman, and he allowed me to take up a very cool position in front of his tripod practically in front of the podium.
So we wait, and wait...and wait. Then, an announcement is bellowed to rise for the President.
With Secret Service agents all about, checking where our hands are, eyeing what we are taking out of our equipment bags, The President and the Mayor come out jointly, as Mayor Daley says a few welcoming words and offers the podium to the President.
I had a primo spot and others wanted to get it...just for a moment they ask. Never give up your spot! It's rather surreal to have the President of the United States right before you, just a scant few feet away...watching his mannerisms, hearing his actual voice and recording it all.
After the conference concluded, we all had to wait until the contingency cleared out and my day was done.
It was an honor to be part of the press pool and whatever your politics might be, it's quite impressive to witness the pomp and resources that accompany the President. on his travels.
Respectfully submitted.