Express Line dispatch: Political bus groupies
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Joe Lieberman with CNN International anchor Richard Quest on the Election Express bus.
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Dale Fountain, CNN Election Express bus driver:
(CNN) -- Crew call: 6:30 a.m. Temperature: Around 5 degrees. Today's Express location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
We were out looking for some location shots this afternoon and just by chance we happened to run across presidential hopeful Joe Lieberman while he was campaigning around Portsmouth. He ended up visiting Election Express and talked to zany CNN International anchor Richard Quest.
That was pretty exciting and drew quite a crowd.
I ended up having to do some PR work and schmoozing with the local cops in order to let the bus stay put until Lieberman's visit was over and they said, "Yeah."
After all my years in the tour bus business, I've had to beg cops many a time.
One more thing I've noticed is that the Election Express has been getting quite a response while on the highway. Every day, more and more people are noticing us and honking and waving.
So when you see us on the road ... show us your support!
Today's TV lingo: "Beauty shots." These are the scenic backdrops that producers look for around the cities we're traveling to. We found a lot of great beauty shots in Portsmouth.
Bob Franken, CNN national correspondent:
You develop a special language when you ride the bus at different times of the day.
At 5 or 6 a.m. when we get started: "Good morning" can be translated to mean, "Leave me alone, I HATE the mornings."
Later in the day, when the reporting crew and the "Inside Politics" and "Crossfire" entourages catch up, "Excuse me" can be translated to mean, "Get OUT of my WAY!"
Actually, what is so amazing, is how civilized we all are. It's not that the bus isn't comfortable -- it is. But we are together day in and day out, and have managed to enjoy each other's company immensely. It must be the fact that it's kind of fun to cover a campaign like this.
Plus, it's worthwhile.
