http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2008-08-20T15:01:00-05:00 Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

March 5, 2008

Since everyone has survived Super Tuesday #2, it is time to look at the issues behind the campaign. Some people weren’t too excited about our early morning departure the morning after the primary, but the briefings proved to be well worth the lack of sleep.

Bill Hammond, President and CEO, Texas Association of Business, welcomed the group to his office to talk about immigration from the business perspective. It was a fascinating discussion, similar to what discussions in the U.S. media currently are. He was intelligent and entertaining, captivating the group with his wit and frank logic.

The goal of the Texas Association of Business (TAB) is to create the best business environment possible for Texas companies. Immigration is critically important to them as it directly affects their members’ need for employees. Mr. Hammond shared with the group that he believed three key industries -- agriculture, construction and hospitality—are dependent on the immigrant workforce to do the jobs that not enough U.S. citizens will do. TAB aggressively campaigns for comprehensive immigration reform, and they are hopeful that all presidential candidates will recognize and fight for this crucial change. They argue that the U.S. government must raise the immigration limits to allow enough individuals to legally come into this country to fill the existing workforce requirements.

We met next with John Colyandro, Executive Director, Texas Conservative Coalition Institute, and State Representative Linda Harper-Brown, Vice Chairman, of the Texas Conservative Coalition to hear their perspective on immigration challenges. They also agree with comprehensive immigration reform and lament the burdensome, expensive process required for those legally entering the U.S. They see a need to close the border technologically as well as come down harder on employees or hire undocumented workers. Their largest concern is that those individuals who are voting illegally. They do not prefer amnesty. They pointed to specific countries where the immigration standards and penalties for those who abuse the system are much more stringent than ours.

All of our journalists seem fascinated with the current immigration discussions—they understand and can put a real face on the individuals trying to get a better life at whatever the skill level. One journalist asked what would happen to the U.S. without immigrants, quickly discovering that all the journalists in the group believe that it would be disastrous for the U.S. economy. Our South African reporter asked an interesting question—Why are we so worried about punishing those who break a law that so many agree is wrong? All of the journalists are looking forward to seeing the next piece of this debate in Laredo, but, they are also anxious to see how the new Administration will confront this issue.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/from_polls_to_the_issues_the_immigration_debate/ 2008-03-07T14:16:00-05:00 Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson welcomed the group this morning and discussed the Texas primary process and the role of his office in ensuring a fair and secure election. He spent a good deal of time talking about the “Texas Two-Step” which is the primary caucus voting system for both parties. The rationale for this type of system is quite confusing for Americans, and even more so for someone from overseas.

As Americans, we often take for granted that an election is fair, secure and private for individuals casting their votes. We were reminded during our presentation that this is not the case in many parts of the world.

The Texas Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor, and it was hard for several in our group to fathom that someone in a political position could be fair and honest to both sides. Corruption is a real concern in so many countries, and it was a great lesson to be able to show them the respectful relationship that can exist between our partisan organizations. Another journalist inquired about whether or not there would be violence at the polls. The Secretary seemed surprised about this question at first as that is not a real threat in the U.S. today, but the sincerity in the question reminds us of how much we have to be grateful for and how lucky we are to live in a free and fair democracy.

We spent the afternoon at the University of Texas at Austin with an excellent group of academic experts in public affairs, government, economics and immigration.

The questions from the group were across the spectrum, ranging from inquiries into diversity impact on the elections to the confusion of the Texas process and the influence of race and gender. With all the talk about Democratic candidates, everyone wanted to know if Texas could actually be in play for the general election. All the experts seemed pretty confident that it might bleed purple in a few areas but would ultimately stay red (Republican).

The Economy discussions focused a good bit on NAFTA and the candidates’ stance on the issue. Conventional wisdom here is that Texas has benefited a great deal from it, and the group found it interesting how the candidates targeted their comments differently with the Ohio and Texas voters. Several in our group are from Latin America and have been disappointed that plans for U.S. relations with the region have not been major factors in the campaign to date but hope for more information during the general election.

One of the key items of interest to our journalists is attending the candidate events, and, a large challenge to our office is helping them gain access. The media is fatigued with the ongoing campaign, but their attendance and interest have not waned. The group was thrilled when they found out that we would be able to attend Senator Hillary Clinton’s final Texas event last evening in Austin.

In typical campaign fashion, media is required to be in place a solid two hours before the event begins, and, also common, the candidate usually appears about one hour after late. This night was no exception, but the excitement of the group to see one of these events was too high to let the waiting get to them! They talked to supporters, took photos and watched in amazement as the crowd filed in, chanting and cheering for who they fondly call “Madame President.”

The event ended close to 10:00 p.m., but the group took their time getting out talking to supporters and buying souvenir campaign buttons for colleagues and friends back home. Discussions on the bus were enlightening as they rehashed the evening. One journalist commented about the number of promises candidates make and wondered how the voters could actually believe that whoever is elected could realistically accomplish them all. Many were surprised that the room was not full, but others commented on how it still felt so intimate. Some were just in awe that they were able to be so close to this historic primary. All in all, they enjoyed the experience and were able to connect with supporters getting a first-hand feel of the activists in the campaign.

Senator John McCain and Governor Mike Huckabee are not campaigning in our area, so they will not get a chance to see the Republican half of the ticket. However, we are anxiously awaiting news from the Obama campaign on whether or not we can take the group to the Primary Night event in San Antonio---fingers crossed!
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/texas_two_stepping_with_foreign_journalists/ 2008-03-06T14:06:00-05:00 Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 (Super Tuesday #2!)

For those who enjoy U.S. politics, there is nothing better than the excitement of an election or primary day, and an election like this one is a dream come true for political enthusiasts. Because of that, this was the perfect day for us to spend time with the political party representatives as you can feel the energy and passion in the room as their candidates race to the finish line. The excitement is catching for our journalists, and the questions flow with the representatives from the Democratic and Republican parties. One thing that I have learned in this position is that foreign media often know more about our political process than a lot of our own citizens.

Our day began at the Texas Capitol Building with Representative Mark Strama of Texas—a dynamic young leader in Texas politics with an easy-going, engaging demeanor. He has endorsed Senator Barack Obama and was able to talk frankly about his views on the primary. Official party leadership provides a great perspective in most instances, but during a primary they must remain neutral, so Representative Strama was a nice addition to the program. His passion for his candidate and unwavering belief in Obama’s ability to be the next President were impressive. He reminded the group that only four years ago, the leader of this “Movement for Change” was a mere State legislator—just like him. The group was amazed at how improbable Obama’s rise is and impressed that this could happen in the U.S., as a relative unknown would never rise that fast in their own countries.

We then had the privilege of meeting with local leadership of the Texas Republican Party -
Chairman Tina Benkiser and Hispanic Advisor Luis Saenz. Since we had no exposure to the Republican candidates, it was crucial for the journalists to get this perspective from the leadership. The primary was still in play, so they had to remain neutral; however, when asked, they expressed their thoughts that the party-conservatives and moderates will get behind Senator John McCain if he is the nominee and propel him to victory. The journalists seemed surprised that McCain could still be ahead in polls with less attention than Clinton and Obama, but the Chairman emphasized that the best indicator of how someone will act as president is how they have behaved in the past. According to Chairman Benkiser, Senator McCain has stayed strong and never taken the easy way out, a trait Benkiser said will serve him well in the general election.

We regrouped after lunch with Dr. Mary Dixson, Associate Director, Annette Strauss Institute of Civic Participation. Dr. Dixson is an impressive, accomplished woman leading a charge on the UT Austin campus to get younger generations-starting at high school- involved in making a difference in their communities. This election year has been a turning point for youth involvement, and the Institute could not be more thrilled. In many countries, riots and protests are the norm for youth wanting to express themselves. The dialogue from our briefing centered on the fact that it is time for the younger generation to realize they have a voice that will speak volumes louder than violence or protest. The journalists wanted to know if the involvement in this campaign is cyclical or a new movement, and, they learned that technology has changed the face of how they can engage and makes a long-term difference.

The most amazing thing the group discussed is that this new generation may never be able to imagine that an African-American or a woman has limitations. They have seen two African-American Secretaries of State in a row, and now they have seen an African-American and a woman in a fascinating race for the Presidency.

The group’s wish was granted, and we received the call from the Obama campaign that we would be able to attend the Primary Night rally in San Antonio. San Antonio is two hours from Austin, but we decided that a two-hour trip is nothing when you have traveled across the world to witness this election. It was a long night as the numbers trickled in and press was glued to the televisions in the filing room. As the gap grew, you could feel the disappointment spreading through the crowd. When Senator Obama took the stage, however, you would never know that he had not won…the crowd’s energy and support for their candidate were unwavering, and the journalists had a chance to see what they had heard.

The domestic press seems just as fascinated with the international attention to the primaries as the foreign press is with our process. Our foreign journalists have appeared on several local television and radio programs hopefully communicating to the U.S. viewing audiences that this election is more important than just the domestic issues--this is a world-wide fascination.

We talked afterwards about their overall impressions of the Primaries from their exposure this week. Our journalists’ analysis is that the continued contest between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama for the nomination will hurt the Democrats and strengthen the already decided Republican candidate John McCain.

Senator McCain’s candidacy intrigues a few of the journalists in that he has had a low media profile relative to the two Democratic candidates, but still remains ahead in the polls. All expressed thoughts that the Democrats will use the photos of President Bush’s endorsement against McCain, but also feel that some Republicans’ standoffish behavior towards him will continue to make him attractive to the moderates on both sides.

The bottom line is that the excitement of this race is catching and providing an amazing opportunity for America to highlight the great story of Democracy. We are giving these journalists a chance to witness the campaigns in action, and, by providing the access to the political leadership, giving them a chance to evaluate all angles of the process and communicate the “real campaign” to their audiences.

We will spend tomorrow morning beginning our aggressive look at the immigration debate then take off for Houston to focus on other key issues.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/in_the_middle_of_another_super_tuesday_a_texas_two_stepping_part_ii/ 2008-03-06T14:04:00-05:00 Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

The State Department’s Foreign Press Center (FPC) is mandated to help foreign journalists better understand the U.S. government and American culture and society so their coverage of events in the United States is more accurate and thorough. To accomplish this, we arrange "reporting tours" that bring foreign media to the United States to write on a specific topic, and during the tour put them into contact with government and private sector decision opinion leaders who are knowledgeable in that area. Our latest tour is bringing 25 media from around the globe to visit the U.S. on a reporting tour themed "How Americans Vote: The Processes and Issues Surrounding the 2008 Presidential Elections."

Participants are nominated for these tours by their Embassies on a variety of criteria that are set for each trip. The Foreign Press Center team reviews the applicants paying close attention to the credentials of the journalist, the reach of the publication and the influence in the country. For this trip, we requested mid-career political print and radio reporters and columnists who must be fluent in English and have a working knowledge of the U.S. political system. There are some tours that include journalists who require translators, but a trip of this size is unique and does not allow for that option.

The State Department covers all costs associated with the trip, including airfare, lodging, and meals. The FPC received over 50 strong nominees for this trip, and we finalized on the top 23 for final participation. This is quite an investment by the State Department, but the long-term influence and reach of providing this access to the journalists can make a difference that does not have a price.

We are embarking on an adventure to the Lone Star State with this group of 23 journalists representing 22 countries from all over the world. Our journey begins with the Texas primaries in Austin where we will do our best to share with these journalists the democracy that makes this country so great. Never in a million years would we think that the primary would continue to be as exciting as it is this long into the process.

After "Super Tuesday #2," we will travel to Houston and Laredo to learn more about the issues that will face those striving to be the next commander in chief. In Houston, we will visit with the Mayor and other community and industry leaders to learn more about that city’s views on the economy and healthcare. We will proceed from there to Laredo to get a first-hand look at immigration from those who reside in a border town living this issue and both sides of the debate on a daily basis.

I am honored to have the chance to follow both sides of this exciting election so closely, but, more importantly, to view it not just through my own eyes, but through the eyes of the inquisitive foreign journalists traveling with us.


Sunday, March 2, 2008

A jet-lagged but excited group arrived for our first meeting today anxious to get started and learn more about the week ahead. After the general housekeeping items, we gave them a chance to tell us why they were interested in this trip and what they hope to learn from their time here. The range of individuals and their experiences are vastly different and will make for an interesting group.

Many of our journalists have traveled through this country on business or for education numerous times, but there are also several for whom this is the first trip to the United States. For them, we not only have the privilege of welcoming them to Texas but also the honor of showing them what makes America great.

The journalists expressed the most interest in understanding the political process and following the key issues facing the candidates. Immigration and U.S. policy to their homelands were common themes as well as getting to know U.S. residents from their respective countries. One of the most telling remarks was when a journalist inquired about what she could write ----she is so accustomed to censorship that she could not understand the freedom we give her to tell the true story she sees from her briefings and experiences. It surprised her that we will not only expose them to all angles of an issue but also let them make their own conclusions.

The reporter from Poland was most intrigued with talking to the citizens to learn what makes them decide who to support—is it the charisma and personality of the candidate or the stance on the issues? What makes them get out and support not just with a vote but with their time and financial resources?

Several, especially those from Eastern Europe, have been happy with the relationship their countries have had with the Bush Administration and are hopeful that the new Administration will carry on these positive efforts. Also, the war in Iraq and terrorism were mentioned as issues of concern, but the other issues were more prevalent in the group discussions.

The reporter from Singapore was fabulous as she expressed her interest in the elections, she honestly admitted that she is most excited about an opportunity to attend the Houston Rodeo and see this true slice of Americana.

Many were excited about the elections from the Democratic side because they offer a chance for firsts—whether it will be the first woman or the first African-American—they see a chance for the leader of the most powerful nation in the world to change so much more than a government.

The group went to Stubbs Restaurant for a down home Southern Gospel brunch and stuffed themselves with biscuits and gravy and beef brisket while experiencing some amazing Texas music. Karen Hughes, former Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy for the Department of State, joined the group for lunch. Afterwards she took the time to speak and answer many of their questions regarding her time with the Administration. She is an amazing woman, taking the time with each to help them understand everything-from her stance on the 2008 elections to the progress of the Iraq war and her unwavering support of President Bush.

The political process in America is so transparent that we often take for granted that everyone understands how to get involved in high school or college with the political party or candidate of their choice. We have no fear of further social or career detriment if we put a bumper sticker on our car, spend a Saturday passing out campaign literature or attend a candidate rally.

The interest in this election around the world is like nothing I’ve seen in my short 15 years in the political world. We forget that standing in line for an hour to vote in a primary is not a burden, but rather a privilege that so many would give everything to do just once

I visited for awhile with our Egyptian journalist while walking through the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library discussing his desire to learn more about the basic grassroots organization so crucial to our democracy but so foreign to theirs. Hopefully our time on Tuesday with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civil Participation will give him some ideas to share with his audience about how everyone-especially the youth of a nation- can get involved, make a difference and become the next generation of leadership by realizing the power of their voice and their vote.

We will begin our day tomorrow with the Texas Secretary of State then spend the afternoon with the key professors of public and political affairs at the University of Texas. Until then!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/foreign_journalists_texas/ 2008-03-03T10:10:00-05:00