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The call from the White House to the TV-6 news director in Lansing was short and to the point. Apparently they’re busy down there doing something and have little time to waste.”Vice President J.D. Vance is coming to Howell this week, would you like a five minute interview with him?’
The N.D.’s answer helped move the conversation along quickly.
“Yes. Where and when?”
After the hang up on the line the next call was to you know who.
“Do you wanna interview the V.P.?”
“Sure.”
And then the fun began.
Generally these rallies from both political parties don’t generate much news because you never get access to the main attraction. That means you are stuck regurgitating their stump speech which they have repeated so many times they could do it in their sleep.
But the one-on-one thing was different and worth the effort but first things first.
The long line for the Trump supporters was about two or three blocks long as they patiently waited to go through the metal detectors.
The reporters and VIP’s got a shorter line but a line none the less.
After the Secret Service officer waved the wand it was onto the bus for a short shuttle to the venue. The obscure airport hanger at the tiny Howell International Airport (sorry) was decked out in banners, American and Michigan flags everywhere and the MAGA crowd already in their seats for the 1 p.m. speech. It was now 11:15.
A young lady on the V.P. advance team, and there where a whole bunch of these 20 something-type moving around on what mission, one could only guess, she had a nice greeting and informed us that all the other correspondents where shepherded to the risers and told to stay on there. We got to stay on the main floor to await 12:30 when, “I’ll take to the room for the interview.”
So far so good with no hassles until this rather large person in a military uniform approached. He did not seem to be enjoying his work by the scowl look on his face.
“You need to get up on the risers,” he ordered me and my camera guy.
Yikes. Maybe I should have said, “If I give you a DNA sample, could I stay here?” But I had my game face on too and quickly referred him to my Vance guide.
His 6 foot something frame stood over this rather demur 5 foot 4 female while his frown got worse. She explained that I needed to be on the floor. And while I said a silent “YES!!” in my head, I did say “thank you sir as he moved on.”
We just stood there as the minutes ticked slowly away.
Up on the stage every state Republican running for statewide office got a swing at the mic to pitch their candidacy to the crowd that had no choice but to listen.
Finally around 12:!5 she gives me the high sign.
Off we go down a narrow passage way to a tiny room off the hanger floor. Other than the two American Flags, which provided the back drop for the impending exclusive interview, the room lacked any trappings that might indicate the V.P. of the U.S. would be there soon.
Well not quite.
At 12:30, the appointed time for the exchange came in went. Some of those statewide candidates did walk by as if to say, who the heck left him back stage?” We exchanged greetings, had a few laughs and off they went as the clock reached 12:45.
The V.P.’s team gets credit for not doing what his boss does all the time. Mr. President asks for and often gets the reporter questions in advance.
In this case, no such request, and good thing because the journalist standards is don’t share questions and that standard would have been imposed in this case if necessary.
Finally a little before 1 p.m., with a phalanx of Secret Service men and women flooding into the room with this sleeves up to their mouths, there he was.
My camera guy got the money shot which was the greeting with a hand shake and it was off to to chat in front of those flags.
The exchange actually made news.
He was not comfortable with the Chinese coming into Michigan to build cars.”American cars should be built by American workers.”
He was even more uncomfortable with his four children using cell phones. Once they get old enough he warns the usage will be restricted. As for all the K-12 children now, “I’m a big fan of getting the stuff out of our schools. We’re not going to force it” and let it up to the local schools.
And then this out of left field.
“If Gretchen Whitmer runs for president, could you beat her?” (Betya nobody has ever asked that zinger.)
He uproariously laughs and segues into his message, “Man, I’m focused on 2026,” but before he can continue to avoid the question, there was this.
“You like that question?”
“It’s a tough question. She’s obviously a unique character and that’s all I’ll say.”
“So you want to punt on the Whitmer question?”
Now he’s laughing even more.
“I’m going to punt on the question.”
And with that, it was over.
Accept, of course, for the traditional side-by-side photograph in front of those flags.
Was it worth the effort? Sure.
Would you want to do that everyday. Are you kidding? No way.