Scalia and Avery share experiences

by Emily Houston
Presidency and the Press

The final lectures before the Presidency and the Press Conference comes to a close was with Derek Scalia and Jacob Avery, both campaign field directors.

The two men spoke about how he campaigning process can be a long but rewarding process. They discussed what it was like to be a part of campaigns and be the support system of candidates.  Scalia and Avery also shared how their jobs and drive  shaped them to who they are today.  “From my experiences I came what I am now,” said Avery.

Both men said they put much time and effort into making their efforts successful.  “Campaign work is non-stop, practically 27/4,” said Scalia. Avery agreed that , “It’s a heck of a lot of little things” that lead up to the polls.

Scalia also said, “I’ve never worked on a winning campaign. I have the reverse Midus touch.”

One experience Scalia had with the media was when he escorted a woman to her car after a public appearance of a candidate he was endorsing. Without realizing that she was a reporter from ABC News, he talked about socialism and communism, and after he approved her to use what they talked about later saw the conversation in an article.  “Wow, it couldn’t get any worse,” said Scalia with a laugh.

“I’m very proud of that, I’m very proud of my past,”said Avery.  “What you do, your actions, represent your candidate at the time.”  Avery continued and began to discuss the average week for him.  On Sunday he sets up the schedule that he said usually changes.  Monday is when he drafts letters to the editor and reads the press stories, finding out who’s talking about his candidate and who’s not. Tuesday through Thursday are usually up in the air and “change dramatically depending where you are in an event.”  Fridays are sort of considered an off day because from his experience he said, “People want to be left alone.”

When asked if they would ever run themselves, Scalia said, “I always leave the door open.”  Avery responded with his thoughts on taking that chance saying, “Having something you believe in rewarded in the end, you don’t see that anymore.”