WEEK SIX: October 30, The Press and the Campaign: “Newsroom” Has it All Wrong, Right?

Guests Gail Gitcho, Communications Director Romney for President 2012; Maeve Reston, 2012 Romney Reporter for the LA Times; Ashley Parker, 2012 Romney Reporter for New York Times; and Peter Hamby, CNN Political Reporter.

The Romney for President press bus has been highlighted on HBO’s Newsroom this season – did HBO get it right? Maeve and Ashley can give you their perspective – they spent months on the campaign bus and plane, sleeping in Hampton Inns, living out of their suitcase (unless it got lost) and filing excellent stories on deadline every single day. Gail had a different view as ‘comms’ director for the campaign. Can embeds report meaningful stories on presidential campaigns or are they too close? What’s the give and take like between the campaigns and the reporters who are with them every day? How fun (or awful) is life on the road? Is it possible to keep a secret from the embed reporters (like the VP pick?)

Room: FDR