As the clock struck past midnight, marking the transition into Sunday, I finally submitted my latest election story. There’s a distinct sense of relief that washes over you at such moments, especially when the filing time is significantly earlier than previous cycles – a small victory worth acknowledging. With the immediate pressure behind me, I find myself with a rare surplus of awake time and a healthy dose of reflective snark. This presents a perfect opportunity to distill the myriad observations and profound, often peculiar, lessons I’ve gathered from years of covering political campaigns, and more specifically, from navigating the recent election cycle.
The world of political journalism is a unique crucible, shaping not just the stories we tell but also our understanding of human nature, public discourse, and the intricate dance between media and democracy. From the high-stakes drama of polling day to the endless cycle of candidate appearances and policy debates, every election offers a fresh perspective on what truly moves voters and shapes public opinion. It’s an environment that demands constant vigilance, critical thinking, and, perhaps surprisingly, a robust sense of humor. So, as I reflect on the intensity of the past weeks, I’m ready to share some unvarnished truths and practical insights gleaned from the front lines of election coverage. Let’s dive into the lessons learned, often the hard way.
- Always Pause to Craft Legos from Jello: The Art of Election Self-Care. In the relentless grind of election coverage, where deadlines loom and information floods in, finding moments of creative release isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. There simply isn’t enough good in anyone’s life to justify not making time for small, whimsical acts of self-care. True story: crafting Legos out of Jello genuinely prevented me from unleashing “No Filter Bethany” upon the world during one particularly stressful day this week. These seemingly trivial activities serve as vital mental circuit breakers, allowing us to step away, reset, and return to our tasks with renewed focus and a calmer perspective. They remind us that even amidst the most serious civic duties, a touch of playful creativity can be a powerful antidote to stress and burnout, ensuring mental well-being for journalists and anyone under pressure.
- Nobody Wants No Filter Bethany: The Imperative of Professionalism in Political Discourse. The counterpart to the previous point, “No Filter Bethany” embodies the unvarnished, impulsive side of professional communication—a persona best kept firmly under wraps. This unfiltered version of oneself doesn’t bother with backspacing or second thoughts; her internal monologue, filled with pop culture references like “Pass the Courvoisier” and “Party in the USA,” is far from suitable for professional writing music. In the realm of journalism and public commentary, maintaining a measured, thoughtful tone is paramount. The temptation to react instantly or voice every passing thought can be strong, especially on social media, but it’s crucial to resist provoking this unfiltered alter ego. Professionalism demands a commitment to accuracy, nuance, and responsible communication, ensuring that our contributions to political discourse are constructive and well-considered, not just reactive noise.
- Disco Naps Are Essential on Election Day: Strategic Rest for Peak Performance. For anyone engaged in high-pressure work, especially the marathon that is Election Day coverage, strategic rest is non-negotiable. Forget the idea that you must power through; embrace the “disco nap.” This isn’t just a quirky personal habit; it’s a vetted strategy for maintaining energy and focus. I even cleared this with a neurologist specializing in sleep: down some caffeine, lie down, and aim for about an hour of sleep. When you wake, it miraculously feels like you’ve slept four. This technique is a game-changer, especially for those of us who start projects with boundless enthusiasm only to quickly lose our “ho” as fatigue sets in. Prioritizing self-care through tactical rest can significantly enhance endurance and cognitive function, making you more effective when it matters most in dynamic environments like political journalism.
- Endorsements: A Study in Political Hypocrisy and Shifting Narratives. One of the most consistent observations in political reporting is the fluid and often contradictory public perception of endorsements. When a respected institution or influential figure endorses your preferred candidate, their logic is hailed as unassailable, a testament to superior judgment and sound reasoning. However, should the very same institution endorse an opposing candidate, suddenly their credibility is suspect, their motives questioned, and their judgment deemed flawed. If you doubt this phenomenon, a quick scroll through social media or any online political forum will provide ample evidence. This illustrates the highly partisan nature of modern political discourse, where facts and opinions are frequently filtered through a lens of pre-existing allegiances, highlighting a deep-seated tribalism that often overshadows objective analysis in the political arena.
- Engaging the Electorate: Why Debates Should Be Dance-Offs. My humble opinion dictates that a significant increase in voter interest and participation would occur if half the political debates and forums were replaced with dance-offs. Admit it: you would have absolutely tuned in to watch Breakin’ 2: Blewett-Kingston Boogaloo. Don’t even bother denying it; we all would have. The current format of political debates, often rigid and repetitive, struggles to captivate a broad audience beyond the politically engaged. Injecting an element of humor, creativity, and unconventional competition could transform these events from dry policy discussions into captivating spectacles. Such an approach might lower the barrier to entry for many who feel disengaged from traditional politics, making political discourse more accessible, entertaining, and ultimately, more effective in fostering widespread civic engagement beyond niche viewership.
- Mastering Digital Peace: The Art of Avoiding Robocalls. In an age of incessant digital communication and relentless political campaigning, maintaining personal peace can be a challenge. One surprisingly effective strategy for avoiding those ubiquitous robocalls? Never use your phone for its original purpose: talking. Extend this philosophy by teaching your children that phones are tools for information, creativity, and connection, but not necessarily for unsolicited conversations. By conditioning ourselves and future generations to primarily use phones for texting, emailing, or specific app functions, we inadvertently create a shield against intrusive campaign calls. This approach highlights a broader trend in modern communication, where individuals increasingly seek control over who can demand their immediate attention, making digital privacy and boundary setting crucial aspects of everyday life amidst the deluge of automated political outreach.
- Griggs’ Hypothetical Robot Advantage: The Influence of Whimsy in Politics. In a lighter vein, one can’t help but wonder if a candidate like Griggs might have garnered more votes had he been at least part robot. This observation, primarily influenced by the imaginative preferences of second-grade boys, underscores a fascinating truth about public perception. Children, with their unburdened imaginations, often gravitate towards concepts of power, innovation, and technological prowess. While seemingly trivial, this perspective hints at a deeper longing within the electorate for leaders who embody strength, ingenuity, and perhaps even a touch of futuristic vision. It reminds us that political appeal isn’t always rooted in policy papers but can also be shaped by more whimsical, even fantastical, notions of leadership and capability, tapping into an underlying desire for something fresh and extraordinary in governance.
- Transparency in Public Office: The Folly of Blocking Publications on Twitter. For any elected official, blocking legitimate publications on platforms like Twitter is a significant misstep, unless the outlet in question is unequivocally an extremist hate group. Engaging in such practices demonstrates poor judgment and undermines the principles of transparency and public accountability. As journalists, these actions create monumental headaches, necessitating formal outreach to your office to ascertain the reasons behind the block—a task that is, unfortunately, part of our job. Blocking media outlets creates an unnecessary barrier to information dissemination and suggests an aversion to scrutiny, which is detrimental to public trust. Maintaining open lines of communication with the press, even when facing critical coverage, is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance and essential for an informed citizenry.
- Journalistic Integrity: Debunking the Myth of Reporter Agendas. If you ever find yourself questioning whether reporters harbor secret agendas against politicians, I can assure you that our collective capacity barely extends to having a consistent agenda for lunch, and we face existential crises when we forget that one. The reality of journalism, particularly at the local and regional levels, is far less glamorous than conspiracy theories suggest. We are driven by the pursuit of facts and the desire to inform our communities. We want the same things you do because we live in the same places you do, facing similar challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, a fun fact that often goes unnoticed: many journalists earn less than teachers, and we all know how undervalued their profession is. Our primary agenda is to deliver accurate news, not to orchestrate political outcomes, operating often with limited resources and immense dedication to public service.
- My Political Candidacy: A Definitive Cry for Help. Let me be unequivocally clear: should I ever file to run for any political office, consider it a definitive cry for help. Such an act would necessitate an immediate intervention, followed swiftly by an exorcism, as it would be irrefutable proof that I am either profoundly disoriented by substances or possessed by an external entity. Write this down, screenshot it, and ensure it becomes the primary campaign poster for anyone running against me. Furthermore, I urge you to donate all your financial resources to my opponent. If, by some bizarre twist of fate, there is no opponent, please write in literally almost anybody else. This humorous, albeit firm, declaration underscores the immense personal sacrifice, scrutiny, and often thankless nature of public office, contrasting sharply with the author’s current role and providing a lighthearted perspective on the intensity of political life.
So there you have it: ten unassailable truths and peculiar insights I’ve gleaned from my experiences embedded in the world of political reporting. These observations, ranging from the practicalities of election day to the psychological nuances of political discourse, offer a window into the often-unseen realities behind the headlines. What essential lessons did you learn from this election season, whether as a voter, an observer, or a participant?
*Real Talk on Media Bias: I frequently encounter the assertion that publications harbor personal vendettas against particular candidates. As someone who once worked at a major metropolitan daily, I feel compelled to address these persistent claims. Yes, we do. At the conclusion of our candidate interviews, we journalists gather around a colossal cauldron. This cauldron, heated by flames forged from the reclaimed steel of old cubicles left behind after five hundred brutal layoffs, becomes the focal point of our ancient ritual. There, under the flickering light, we chant in Latin: “So Murrow Speaks, So Murrow Deigns. Long May The Pen Reign.”
Following this solemn incantation, we divide a platter of nachos, a rare indulgence. The journalist fortunate enough to retrieve the very last jalapeño from the plate is then bestowed with the sacred duty of selecting the candidates for that year’s endorsements. The criteria? Often as profound as how aesthetically pleasing their hair is, or whether they possess an irrational disdain for bacon. This clandestine process, of course, is meticulously detailed within the hallowed bylaws of the Liberal Illuminati Establishment Media Book of Life.
Oh, and there’s also a secret handshake, but I absolutely cannot divulge its intricate details. You wouldn’t want me to get expelled from this high-dollar, $1-per-cup-ramen (not the cheap 4-for-$1 variety) life, would you? I’m far too entrenched in this glamorous existence to jeopardize it now.
Bethany Erickson is an accomplished education and public policy writer for Daltxrealestate.com. Beyond her writing contributions, she also serves as the Director of Audience Engagement for Candy’s Media. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Online News Association, the Education Writers Association, the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the National Association of Real Estate Editors, and the Society of Professional Journalists. A recognized leader in her field, Bethany is the 2018 NAREE Gold winner for best series and a 2018 Dallas Press Club Hugh Aynsworth Award winner. She can be contacted directly at [email protected].