I'm a remarkably lucky person. From the White House to the Olympic Games and just about any kind of story in between, I have visited every state in the Union and about fifty countries around the world. What an amazing experience.
Truthfully there are many days, when I stop myself and gratefully wonder how I got here. Born and raised near Cleveland, Ohio and the granddaughter of Irish immigrants, I have been fortunate beyond measure.
In this extraordinary political year, I am out there on the trail again. With that comes one unavoidable rule: no pets, no plants, no produce. But I keep imagining that come November, taking care of a dog just might work.
Having covered past presidential campaigns as well, this time really feels different. The excitement is more vivid and the great unknown of how it will turn out makes seeing things up close even more fun.
Living my life on the road is its own adventure. Typically in a big campaign year, I spend more than 250 nights away from home. My family deserves huge credit for unwavering patience and support. The days are spent on countless buses and planes. You'd think I'd have perfected packing by now but all too often I discover something left behind or something in my bag that just doesn't match.
The group of fellow travelers from other networks, wires services, newspapers and magazines become constant companions and fast friends. Sure there's competition but more camaraderie than you might think. We share meals and laughs and the frequent exhaustion of it all as our lives revolve around that political news maker who becomes known simply as "HE." Whether covering the president or presidential candidates, that central figure tends to be referred to by the shorthand of a single pronoun.
Getting to know the president or a candidate (I am assigned to John McCain) as a real person is one of the great benefits. Whether democrat or republican, winner or loser, those who enter the presidential arena are fascinating, driven and complicated. But maybe more interesting are those small moments where a candidate appears quite ordinary and human. The story of the campaign and the parallel personal journey makes for an unforgettable year.
Images
Shows & Blogs
First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit.
Big thanks for the friends add Kelly! Love your reporting and commentary! I just wish you were with Fox instead, jk! Have fun in November!! Peace from Hawaii...
Mr Russert was a truly amazing friend and mentor, m'lady. At least you had the opportunity to know him first hand - the rest of us merely got a glimpse through the screen of who he was.
Now go make him proud and get them where it counts ;)
A miracle is an expression of your spirit. It is a reflection of its presence in the presence of your faith. If you put your faith in your spirit, your existence will be a miraculous journey. The enemy will turn to friend; the sick will heal; the lost will be found; the problems will be resolved; the questioning will be answered and the thirst for knowledge will be satisfied. Miracles are an expression of truth, a manifestation of love. Invite your spirit into your mind and you will see the light of supreme love around you. When you share your purity with all, your world becomes a pure world. . . . ~ Cogito ~
Hello Ms.O'Donnell, I hope everything is ok with you, New will not be the same with the passing of Mr.Tim Russert! he was so wonderful! God Bless him and you!
Kelly, I'm sorry about the loss of your friend Tim Russert. I too will miss him on Sunday. May God Bless him & his family during these difficult times. Jerry
I have to tell you that I have very fun memories about your time in Cleveland, although I never met you. I did used to catch you on the news and would add in phrases imitating Cliff (from Cheers), while following your newscasts. I know, a little bizarre, yet it greatly entertained my Dad.
Best wishes always...with a "little known fact" added in,
Hi Kelly. I would like to say thank you for your friendship! I appreciate your hard work and dedication to a difficult career. You are a rarity among todays sensationalistic reporting crowd - you are pleasant yet believable and present yourself in a professional manner as well have an aire of "regular folks" about you. If you keep that going you will one day have the love, admiration, and respect that Cronkite earned! "And thats the way it is!" hahaha... My best to you and yours... Tim
Hi Kelly, You do a great job on tv, love watching you. MY PROBLEM, we are democrates and there is no one running for prez that is any good, so maybe we vote republican but there is no one good there either. what a mess this country is in. Keep up the great work!
Hi Kelly, glad to have you as a friend. You'll love us, we're funnier than Gary Hart and Jack Kemp combined. Not Gephardt though, but who is funnier than Gephardt?
