Notes from the RNC: Day 7

After a week of intense preparation, we are ready to roll. An army of technicians from all disciplines have worked virtually around the clock to transfer a basketball arena into a stage for a political extravaganza! The amount of skilled labor AND shear muscle power involved behind the scenes is simply staggering.

Now that the groundwork has been accomplished, reporters from ALL OVER THE WORLD will descend on Cleveland to make this city the political center of the universe. Of course, teams from virtually every American news outlet will be here. And, some that have absolutely nothing to do with news or politics will be here, as well. One of the teams that I will be working with is from "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert". They are here to add their own spin on things. And, yes, I will be working with Mr. Colbert himself. In addition, news crews from every corner of the globe will be here to provide their viewers with a glimpse of the American political process. And, I mean EVERYWHERE. The Chinese are here as are the Japanese, the Russians, the Canadians, the Poles, the Hungarians, the British, the Australians, and a plethora of other nations, too. Anyone who questions the continuing influence of America on the world has to see this to dispel that notion. No other country in the world can generate THIS kind of global interest. None. Can you even name the Prime Minister of Australia? I didn't think so. I cannot imagine this type of coverage given to the election process of ANY other country.

Intense security is in place. In fact, the area around the arena where the actual convention will take place has been transformed into a kind of Green Zone, similar to the one in Iraq. In other words, it is now a fortress. Unfortunately, in today's world, this has become a necessary evil. And, it is evil. To think that we might have to cope with wanton violence is simply absurd. But, it is real. So real, in fact, that our road crews have been issued riot gear that includes Kevlar helmets and vests. Since I will be working within the secure zone, I do not anticipate problems. Only time will tell.

Our work schedules will become more and more challenging as we begin broadcasting around the clock for the next 3 days. Shifts are split in half: 12 hours on, 12 hours off. And, there are those who can expect to work even more than that. Intense is an understatement.

Hey, it's a living. And, a good one at that.

More later.