Walk This Way, Talk This Way
CNN dir. of political programming Sam Feist was wandering the press center and we got these behind-the-scenes debate details. He said before the debates both the Dem and GOP candidates were told that during the town hall segment they could stand up and address the audience. They were also told they could walk the stage and all were equipped with wireless mics. “I was surprised they didn’t” stand up or walk the stage, he said of the Dems.
Feist also said the network had 15 staffers working two months on the screening process for the audience members. They were checked for campaign contributions this past cycle and were “googled” to ensure they hadn’t blogged in favor of any candidate. [EMILY GOODIN]