Sunday, May 18, 2008

"The Answers"
POSTING BY MEGHAN
ON 05.18.08 11:04 AM

We had a phenomenal response to our "Ask Me Anything" post. We narrowed it down to twenty questions and here they are. We'll be sure to do this again so keep thinking of creative things to ask us!

Tom from Sayville, New York asked:
What are some of your favorite eateries in NYC?

There are so many great places to eat in NYC that it's hard to narrow it down to just a few. My favorite restaurant is "The Spice Market" in the Meatpacking District. I used to eat/get drinks there all the time when I lived in NYC and love the food, ambiance, and the crowd. My other favorite eatery is "Mill Korean" located close to Columbia's campus. I ate there several times a week while I attended college.

Katie from Portland, Maine asked:
Meghan, What do you think is the biggest misconception the public has about presidential campaigns? And what would you tell them to change their perception? You've got the insider scoop on this, so I figured it would be great to bust people's misconceptions! :)

The biggest misconception is that presidential campaigns aren't fun. I am having the time of my life (and I am a person who knows how to have a good time). I like to compare it to being on tour with a band. We travel from city to city on a big plane or bus and are greeted by enthusiastic crowds who have waited for a long time to see the candidate. It takes a team of hardworking people who are willing to put in long hours to plan and organize every event. Also, my dad's campaign is much more of a family than people think. During the time we've spent together, I've been able to learn the life stories of almost everyone on the trail. It has been a fantastic experience!

Karen from Canada asked:
Best day of the campaign to date?

Although it is difficult to choose my favorite day, Dad's 100th town hall on the day before the primary in New Hampshire was extraordinary. We had worked so hard and it was wonderful to see the people of New Hampshire once again embrace my dad in a very special way; it was amazing to be a part his New Hampshire win eight years later.

Jon from Silver Spring, Maryland asked:
Can we get a minute by minute breakdown of the happenings on an average day on the campaign trail?

Unfortunately, there is no "average" day on the trail. For example, one day we'll be in New York at "The Daily Show" and the next day we'll be in Mississippi for a town hall meeting. It is an ideal schedule for a restless person like me. Mornings usually start around 7:00 a.m. and we depart the hotel around 8:00 a.m. Our bags have to be ready for "bag call" which means that everyone's luggage has to be ready to be checked by the U.S. Secret Service an hour before we leave (which is my least favorite part of the day). Whether Dad is making speeches, holding town halls, attending finance events, or touring factories, we're all along for the ride. The campaign's taken us from the Iowa State Fair to the head of MGM's house in Beverly Hills. There's never a dull moment!

Randall from Fort Myers, Florida asked:
Meghan, which of your mother's outfits is you favorite? I'm partial to the primary night yellow suit.

As much as I love my mom's suits, I think she looks her best in jeans and a t-shirt. If I had to choose one, her purple suit is my favorite and the yellow one is a close second.

Joe from Forty Fort, Pennsylvania asked:
Meghan, First let me say how much I enjoy your blog, your insights and the fun you bring to the campaign. I am also a "young" (31) person in politics. How do you handle and deal with the people who are just set on trying to portray you and/or your father in bad light, no matter the circumstance?

It has taken me a long time to get to a place where I don't get angry when I read cruel or hurtful things written about my parents. I try to brush it off and remember that it's an unavoidable, unfortunate part of the political process. However, if it's a particularly bad day, I'll talk to my dad who always puts things in perspective. When in doubt, I vent to Heather and Shannon who are a great support to me.

Laura from Anchorage, Alaska asked:
What kind of perfume do you like to wear?

I wear "Chloe" during the day and Victor and Rolf's "Flower Bomb" if I go out at night.

Elvis from Brookeville, Maryland asked:
You have shown a varied and eclectic music taste over the course of this campaign. If you could listen to just one band for the rest of your time out on the trail, who would it be, and which of their songs will you play when Big Train McCain clinches the election?

Unfortunately, there is no way I could choose just one band, Elvis. Music plays such an important part in my life and I can't narrow it down to just one. FYI: win or lose, I am working on a special "election night playlist" to post on the blog the day before the election.

Janice from Riverside, California asked:
I was wondering what you do for your skin/makeup/hair routine to always looks so fabulous given long days a hectic travel schedule. I'm sure staying hydrated helps but the campaign life must be so crazy and yet you never look worn out...what's your secret?!

Thank you so much, Janice! (Although, I can't believe you think I look fabulous.) I have become the master of applying makeup on the go, whether I'm on the Straight Talk Express or on the campaign plane. I drink lots of water (I drink my fair share of Red Bull too) and I have been using the Erno Laszlo skin care line since I was 13 -- I swear by it. I also try to get facials whenever I am home in Phoenix. As for my hair, I try to wake up early and blow it dry although I often wear it in a pony tail or up in a bun.

Sonia from Seattle, Washington asked:
Does your Dad ever get any down time to breathe and relax? (Whew, I wish I had as much energy as him!!)

During his infrequent breaks, my dad likes to relax, eat Mexican food and watch sports. He also enjoys going to the movies and attending Diamondback games.

Jessica from Sunapee, New Hampshire asked:
Some of my students want to get involved in politics, but they are more like you, and less like the gray suit type. What advice do you have for them?

I think it's important for young people to know that being involved in politics does not mean you have to dress in a suit and carry a briefcase. Some of the most interesting people I've met in politics do not fit a certain stereotype of what a "political" person looks like. A perfect example is the campaign's media advisor and guru Mark McKinnon (who looks just like Tom Waits). He has a tattoo, loves hats and is an all-around cool guy. Being involved in politics does not mean you have to look or act a certain way. If you want to get involved, just go for it and forget about everything else.

Lucinda from Columbia, Missouri asked:
What blogs do you read on a regular basis?

Some of my favorite political websites and blogs include Politico, Drudge Report, Swampland, Perez Hilton, and GreenMountainPolitics.

Jim from Davenport, Iowa asked:
As a seasoned traveler, I know that packing can be tough. And on the campaign trail, you're never in one place long enough to do laundry. How in the world do all of you pack enough clothes, and the right clothes?

At times, I carry three bags and my giant turquoise one weighs around 80lbs. I am the worst person to ask about packing. I always opt for more vs. less but Heather and Shannon are masters of efficient packing. I'm jealous!

Micheline from Reno, Nevada asked:
What has been the most challenging part of growing up in the political spotlight (for lack of a better phrase)? Conversely, what has been the most enjoyable?

The most challenging is reading negative things about my parents in the press and the most enjoyable has been all of the experiences I have been able to be a part of: my dad's campaigns, my dad hosting SNL, going on amazing trips with my mom, etc.

Patty from Conyers, Georgia asked:
Do the flight attendants on your charter plane go through all the pre-flight instructions with you EVERY SINGLE TIME? Have you ever offered to give the pre-flight instructions?

This is a hilarious question. The flight attendants go over the pre-flight instructions before every single take-off. I haven't offered to give it a try, but I will now!

Clara from Cornish, New Hampshire asked:
Where do you get your cool duds from?

Thank you for saying I have cool duds! I buy my clothes at stores ranging from Saks and Barneys to Target and Old Navy. I love clothes, no matter where they come from, as long as they fit well.

Carrie from Topeka, Kansas asked:
Meghan, I love your sense of style!! I thought it was great when you posted make-up tips, I use some of them everyday. I was wondering, what is your daily hair routine? I hope you pick my question.

I don't really have a daily hair routine but I try to wash my hair every other day and use Frederick Fekkai products.

Brittany from Oak Grove, Alabama asked:
What is the one thing that you have been involved in that touched your heart beyond measure?

There are so many experiences that have touched my heart that it's difficult to list just one. When I look back, what particularly stands out for me was the opportunity to meet some of the veterans who had returned from Iraq. Over the summer we went on the "No Surrender Tour" where my dad spoke at VFW halls. It was very moving to meet so many people my age who had served our country in such an incredibly selfless way. Those experiences will always resonate with me.

Rhonda from Fort Worth, Texas asked:
I giggle at many of your photos because someone's almost always holding a Starbuck's cup. Do y'all stop at Starbucks in every town you visit? Just wondering. (I know that every time I pass one, or ANY coffee shop for that matter, I want to stop in!)

Yes, we often stop at Starbucks. The campaign's press secretary, Brooke, brings my parents coffee every morning.

Caleb from Minneapolis, Minneapolis asked:
Who was the most intersting guest you met, and why, while you were interning at SNL.

SNL is such a legendary place and almost everyone I met was interesting. Lorne Michaels is a truly fascinating man and the head producer Marci Klein is an amazing woman as well. My favorite host was Paul Giamatti because he was by far the nicest person and he seemed to be most excited to host the show.


Saturday, May 17, 2008

"West Virginia, Kentucky and Magnum P.I."
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.17.08 11:02 AM

We started off the day at 5 am (ughh!) and flew to Charleston, West Virginia. We stopped by a local sporting goods store for a "meet and greet" with hundreds of supporters wearing "Sportsmen for McCain" t-shirts and carrying signs. From there, we flew to Kentucky for the National Rifle Association's meeting. We listened to a wide range of speakers and the event ended with Dad giving the final keynote speech. We also met Tom Selleck of "Magnum P.I." fame (which made all the female staffers excited). From Kentucky, we flew to New York and finally checked into our hotel. It was a very long day on the trail!

On Saturday, we're going to watch Dad's guest appearance on SNL, so be sure to check it out! The host is Steve Carrell and the musical guest is Usher.

Song of the Day: "Mercy" by Duffy

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



There was luggage everywhere!



Putting bags into the van.



Our plane today.



View out of the plane looking at Dad.



It was cold on the plane.



Shannon filming Dad.



Back on the Straight Talk in West Virginia.



A cute father and son.



Check out the sign.



Mom and Dad with some supporters.



Saying hello.



Meeting more people inside the store.



This is our "gun expert" Randy.



This woman was so adorable!



And very excited to meet Dad!



Mom, Dad and some supporters.



Getting off the plane in Louisville, Kentucky.



All the production equipment at the NRA meeting.



Mom making a call in the greenroom.



Sitting in the greenroom with Melissa, Shannon, and Mom.



Mark Braden is back (one of the original advance guys).



We met Tom Selleck!



Dad waiting to go on stage.



Delivering his speech.



The stage had a pretty cool backdrop.



Getting back on the plane!


Thursday, May 15, 2008

"Lil' Peanut"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
VIDEO PRODUCED BY SHANNON BAE
ON 05.15.08 12:00 PM

Here's our latest video from the recent Call to Action tour Dad went on which focused on health care. One of the stops had special meaning for me and our family because of my little sister Bridget.


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"Heather's Eye"
POSTING AND PHOTOS BY HEATHER
ON 05.14.08 7:08 PM

There are several things that separate photographers and their talents. These include experience, knowledge, and vision. A photographer must rely on each of these in order to make their work distinctive. When looking at photographs, a photographer's own life and experience should be echoed in each frame. Each photo should reveal a piece of the photographer's own history as it attempts to record another. As I look through my own work, I am reminded of my own history and how it has shaped my vision both through the lens and out.

As I look through these photos I am reminded of my journey with the McCain family and how I have come to love them as my own family; the admiration I have for John and Cindy as people, as parents, as a world leader; the love that I have for Meghan as a chosen sister and a best friend, and the love I have for all of her siblings, other family members, and for all of the amazing McCain staff. This love is reflected in every picture I have ever taken of them. The photos are filled with that admiration and depth of understanding that only family can possess. They reflect the sensitivity of the family knowing they are under a microscope at all times. My mission is to fill them with comfort in knowing that they have the freedom to be themselves in my presence. They have given me this amazing gift of not only being invited into their inner circle, into their intimate moments, but to also document this amazing journey that they are experiencing. In return, I am able to show them how I see them, through my eyes, through all of the love that I possess for each and every person on the trail. Thank you to everyone who has trusted me enough to show the world just how amazing you really are.

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



I just love these quiet moments.



I thought it was funny that even Dr. Kissinger needs a name card.



That boy's reaction is so cute!



He looks so tall.



Senator Graham is always making us laugh.



Meghan having fun with the McCain banners.



She is always so funny.



John's 96 year old mother loved her balloon so much that she took it on the plane with her. I guess we never really grow up.



A cute pic of John and his mom.



Finally, Campaign Manager Rick Davis was able to take a break and celebrate!


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