Avery and Scalia inspire young journalists

by Marguerite Dooley
Presidency and the Press

Campaign field directors Derek Scalia and Jacob Avery discuss their “love hate” relationship with the media today at Franklin Pierce University.

The lecture, set up for students attending the university’s Presidency and the Press program, aimed to teach the young journalists about “working in the trenches” of their past political experiences.

Both workers recalled various “horror stories” involving unexpected news reporters and the “devastating” losses that they have been through with their candidates.

Scalia mentioned that even though he has yet to be involved in a winning campaign, he still enjoys the political process and the background scene that is essential in a political campaign.

“I must have the reverse Midas touch,” he said.

The directors also encouraged the students to work on fringe campaigns if the opportunity presents itself.

“Get experience from those campaigns with the skeleton crews,” Scalia said, “they need more help and you’ll develop the skills you need for a national level.”