Took a walk over to Madison Square Garden this morning, just to scope it
out. Security not too bothersome, no worse than average airport. LOTSA
media stations, nothing but in fact at a first impression. A whole corridor
of Talk Radio people yammering into mikes. A sign saying “Blogger’s Corner”
– what’s THAT all about? Shall investigate later.
Convention floor: Crowded, but nothing much going on, just political
minutiae. A fellow from Idaho on the platform, saying he is privileged to
be there. Headgear notes: A nest of ten-gallon hats, must be the Texas
delegation — no, saw one guy’s tag, it says “Colorado.” Middle-aged lady
walking around wearing a Cat in the Hat hat. Couldn’t get close enough to
ask why: reptiles* not allowed on floor.
Walked over tunnel to press area in the old Post Office building across 8th
Ave. NR booth down in 18th basement level at end of dark, fungus-slimed,
dripping corridor. Disturbed nest of bats.
Coming back along 33rd St, past MSG, where there is a ramp going down to
parking lot, suddenly there were yelling cops everywhere waving their arms.
Had to stop & wait. Motorcycle convoy appeared, went down ramp, followed by
3 or 4 big black SUVs, guys in uniform toting HUGE mean-looking weapons
peering out of windows, limos with blacked-out windows & DC plates,
something like a big black windowless U-haul, ambulance, more SUVs, more
motorcycles. This is some VIP. But who? POTUS not due till Thursday,
VPOTUS Wednesday. Rehearsal, perhaps. DC-wise NR colleague says must be
POTUS, the ambulance gives it away. Possibly doing rehearsal.
NYC too *hot*. Memo to self: dump the business attire. Dress festive.
* UK press slang for “press.”