By Jeremy Marsh, JMC Minor ‘19
As an election junkie who consumes political journalism non-stop, it was a dream come true to intern at The Cook Political Report this spring semester. Founded in 1984 by Charlie Cook, the organization is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that provides expert ratings and analysis on elections and campaigns around the nation for Congress, governor and president as well as American political trends.
My experience did not disappoint. I worked closely with The Cook Political Report’s six-person team conducting research for stories, updating election and rating changes on the website and assisting customers with their subscriptions.
One of the most unique parts of my experience was sitting in on candidate interviews with National Editor Amy Walter and House Editor David Wasserman.
Democratic and Republican candidates from across the country come to Cook’s offices in the Watergate where they answer a wide range of questions about their campaigns. Sitting in on these interviews and learning about the candidates and interview process was fascinating.
I also had the opportunity to work on the Cook’s Spring Subscriber Briefing. This event, held at the National Press Club, is where political insiders come to hear from the Cook editors and ask questions about races around the country.
With the midterm elections in November, I was fully immersed in the world of campaigns and primary elections throughout the semester. Interning at The Cook Political Report in the lead up to such an exciting moment in politics reaffirmed my passion for political journalism.
As a political science major and journalism minor who has taken several classes related to campaigns, elections and public opinion, it was a rewarding experience to go behind the scenes and learn how it all plays out in the real world.