For overseas journalists planning to cover the 2008 Elections in the U.S.

September 12, 2008

Campaigns:

All media should register for media updates from each campaign through their press offices:
McCain-Palin 2008
Main:    (703) 419-2008
Media:  (703) 650-5550/ (703) 650-5578
www.johnmccain.com

Obama-Biden 2008
Main:    (866) 675-2008
Media:  (312) 819-2423 and media@barackobama.com
www.BarackObama.com

Campaign updates will help you with planning but note that campaigns don't usually give more than 1-2 days notice regarding event details/ locations and logistics. 

Credentials

Political parties and campaigns do not grant overall credentials.  It is important that you have your organization press badges to designate your status as press to attend events.  If you do not have press badges, you are able to register for a temporary FPC badge while you are in the U.S. through the regional media relations officer in Washington or New York as long as you have the required documents as outlined on our website. (The Regional officer list is also available at www.fpc.state.gov) 

When required, campaign or political party event credentials are issued per event with different regulations at each (depending on size of venue).  There is NO overall “campaign" accreditation. 

Also note that there is no guarantee that journalists will receive access to events.  U.S. press always has priority over foreign press since the majority of the overseas audience does not vote. 

Election Day (Tuesday, November 4, 2008)

Campaigns have not announced where they will be for election night and will not do so until close to Election Day.  Both campaign election night events will be packed with supporters and press. 

Political parties and campaigns in every community across the country will host celebrations to watch election night events.

The FPCs in Washington and New York will host election night events.  Credentials are not required to attend election night events at the Foreign Press Centers. 

Tours and Briefings

All members of the foreign press are welcome to participate in FPC programs while based in the U.S.  The NYC and DC offices will be hosting briefings as well as tours. 

Proposed Tours:

Vice Presidential Debate Tour-St Louis: October 1-3 (It is too late to apply for debate credentials; however, there are many community events planned)
2nd Presidential Debate Tour-Nashville: October 5-8 (It is too late to apply for debate credentials; however, there are many community events planned)
Battleground State Tour-Virginia: Week of October 21 (Open to all foreign media)
Battleground State Tour-Ohio: Week of October 21 (Open to all foreign media)
Election Night- Southwest: November 2-5 (overseas guest tour with limited space for other foreign media not part of the tour group)
Election Night-Midwest: November 2-5 (overseas guest tour with limited space for other foreign media not part of the tour group)

Resources

We recommend you register on the FPC listerv at www.fpc.state.gov
 www.fpc.state.gov
www.america.gov

Foreign Press Center Contact Details:

Washington Foreign Press Center
Suite 800, National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20045
Ph: (202) 504-6300/ Fax: (202) 504-6334

New York Foreign Press Center
150 East 52nd Street, Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 317-8325/ Fax: (212) 317-8355