CNN’s Eva McKend Reveals Election Night Preparation Secrets
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As the nation gears up for a pivotal election, CNN’s political correspondent, Eva McKend, is already deeply immersed in preparation, understanding that election night is about more than just announcing results – its about crafting the story of the night.
McKend,known for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting,shared her approach to covering campaigns with EBONY,stating,”I’ve covered many elections,and it’s always an exciting time. As a journalist, covering campaigns, you’re typically with them from the very beginning, with them for the duration. so you’ve seen all that goes into making a pitch to voters.you’ve seen the evolution of campaigns and what they have primarily trained their messaging on, and the result of it is indeed, ultimately, it all boils down to election night.”
The Atmosphere of Election Night
The atmosphere within the CNN newsroom on election night is described as electric, with McKend positioned at the center of the action. She collaborates closely with producers and colleagues to curate key segments, ensuring viewers receive timely updates on results, forecasts, and expert analysis.
Leveraging Past Work for Insight
McKend’s preparation extends beyond current data. She emphasizes the importance of revisiting her own reporting.”So, I’ve maybe written a dozen or more stories as July about the virginia governor’s race, and so I’m going through all of the stories that I’ve written to go over the central themes before campaign night,” she explained. “I’m revisiting conversations I’ve had with voters all to sort of put me in a mindset to be able to distill on television on election night what this entire race boils down to.” This deep dive into her previous work allows her to provide nuanced context and analysis.
The Importance of Remaining Calm Under Pressure
For on-air correspondents, maintaining composure is crucial. McKend acknowledges the numerous moving parts on election night and stresses that remaining calm is paramount. “I’ve already done the work, so I don’t have to feel like I’m cramming for a test, in a way, because I’ve been preparing for several months for election night,” she said.
Wellness Rituals for a High-Stakes Night
McKend prioritizes her well-being, incorporating routines to center herself mentally. She ensures a morning walk is part of her election night schedule, alongside staying hydrated. Personal rituals, such as enjoying cotton candy grapes and pistachio nuts, listening to music, and connecting with her mother after coverage, help her maintain focus and calm throughout the evening.
Confidence Through Comprehensive Preparation
McKend has learned that confidence stems from a thorough understanding of her beat. She advises young journalists to invest in long-term knowledge rather than last-minute cramming.”The more I lean into that confidence and assuredness [helps],” she stated. “I’ve been having conversations with the campaigns and speaking with voters. I no the issues in and out, and I think that lends itself well to being really successful in these pivotal periods. So, that would be the advice that I have to young journalists. It’s not about cramming at the last minute for a test. It’s about always being prepared and investing in knowing your beat over a long period of time.”
The Power of Curiosity in Journalism
A core tenet of McKend’s journalistic approach is maintaining a sense of curiosity.She emphasizes the importance of approaching coverage and interviews without preconceived notions. “I think that you should hold on to that sense of curiosity when you’re speaking to people and not always go into interviews thinking that you know the end result,let yourself be in a posture of perhaps being surprised about what you hear,” she said.
Follow Eva McKend’s election coverage streaming on CNN and on X and Instagram: @evamckend.
