R&R: Behind the scenes at the DNC

The stuff you don’t see on TV.

Hello all and welcome back to R&R, my weekly private email for paid subscribers. This week, I’m going to do something different, and take you behind the scenes of the Democratic National Convention, which took place from Monday to Thursday in Chicago.

This was the first convention I’ve covered, and let me tell you — it was exhausting! Every day began early (writing Wake Up To Politics, of course). Then it was straight to a whirlwind of breakfasts, lunches, coffees, panels, meet and greets, and other side events that took place in Chicago. By around 4 p.m. every day, I would make my way to the United Center, running around the halls searching for politicians to interview, before eventually settling into my seat to watch the big speeches. And then the next day, it would all start over again.

Exhaustion aside, I’m pretty proud of my coverage from the convention, and I hope you’ll read it — including dispatches on Biden’s farewell speech, how the two party coalitions differ, the human moments that stuck out in the proceedings, and how the Democratic Party has remade itself in pursuit of victory. I also really enjoyed spending time with you all in the live chat and on live video.

Still, there are plenty of details I didn’t have a chance to dive into, which is why this Sunday’s R&R is a great opportunity to empty my reporter’s notebook and fill you in on some of the inside details.

One final note before we dive in: If you enjoyed my convention coverage, I hope you’ll consider signing up to be a paid subscriber. Conventions are expensive to cover, and I was only able to do it because of support from subscribers like you. I am so grateful to everyone who has joined me on this leap of faith — and I hope I made it up to you with my coverage from Chicago.

OK, now let’s step inside the United Center to share the convention details you don’t see on TV!