Elections 2008 Reporting Tour to Texas

March 1-11, 2008; Austin, Houston and Laredo, Texas
Contact: Washington Foreign Press Center Media Relations Officer Stacy MacTaggert
Telephone: 202-504-6320; email: MacTaggertSD@state.gov

Twenty-three journalists from 22 countries participated in a three-city Foreign Press Center (FPC) reporting tour on "How Americans Vote: The Processes and Issues Surrounding the 2008 Presidential Elections."  The FPC arranged appointments with government and party officials, private organizations, and experts from academia to learn about how Americans go about electing their president and the issues that voters are debating in 2008.  The journalists focused on immigration, health care, and the economy, and heard opposing viewpoints from campaigns, parties, and other stakeholders.  They covered two campaign events, visited polling sites on primary day, and toured unique regions in Texas.  On the evening of March 4, the group traveled to San Antonio Texas for the Obama primary night event.

The journalists, whose newspapers all cover extensively both the United States and our presidential elections, were able to gain a better understanding of our democratic processes and the issues being discussed this year.  Well-known speakers addressing the group included U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson, former Ambassador Edward Djerijian, former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes, and Houston Mayor Bill White.