In addition, with the help of the registrar and cooperation of faculty and students, 33 class sections, including a 610-student humanities lecture, were relocated to accommodate the Fox operation.

“I think even our biggest hassles were handled with incredible good humor and team work,” said Bortone, who recalled a frenzied request for 300 phones lines from the Dick Gephardt campaign. “We met the request, then he pulled out of the race after the Iowa caucuses. That’s Politics 101, be ready for anything.”

That’s also Television 101, and Saint Anselm student interns were quick studies in this fast-paced environment. Bridget Luddy ’07 of Kensington, Conn., was promoted from runner to guest assistant. It was her job to keep Fox programming on schedule. She took phone calls from guests lost in Goffstown or stuck in traffic. She hooked up microphones and tested the set. “You can usually spot the guests immediately because they’re late and running across the quad,” she said. “We strip off their coat and the make-up artists will take care of them right on the set.”

“We love having young people around,” commented Marty Ryan, Fox executive producer. “We are aggressive in recruiting interns in Washington and New York, and the students at Saint Anselm are every bit as eager and as bright. It’s a great experience for the kids to see a real live news operation.” Fox, and its fever pitch political coverage, pulled out of New Hampshire on January 28, leaving only souvenir press passes in its wake. While the campus community exhales, and Saint Anselm of Canterbury preps for his next live shot, let it be known that the 2008 primary is less than 1,400 days away.

Photos
Top: Fr. Jerome, O.S.B. (right), chats with Brit Hume. (Dick Shelton)

Bottom: Nick Aalerud, student intern,  role-plays a candidate during pre-debate tech rehearsal. (Dick Shelton)

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