The Real Polichick goes on PBS National News

I was randomly interviewed this weekend by Judy Woodruff, who hosts PBS NewsHour every evening. She approached me at an art festival in downtown Orlando, saying she was looking for registered Republicans she could interview about the Florida governor race between Republican incumbent Charlie Crist and Rep. Marco Rubio, R-Miami.

I fit that bill pretty well.

I'm a registered Republican. I stay tuned into politics. And I've been eyeing this particular race pretty closely. I told her that, adding I was involved with the Tea Party, when she interrupted me, grabbed me by my arm and asked, "Could we speak with you?"

Behind her, a camera man and a woman holding a boom mic peered over her shoulder.

I said yes, not realizing what I was getting myself into. The interview began right away, so I had no time to prepare my thoughts.

I can conversationally gab about politics any day with anybody. I feel knowledgeable about topics and people, and I express my points and opinions pretty easily.

But when that camera was pointed at me, I felt stiff and nervous. Talking to Judy wasn't like talking to my friends or parents. And I hadn't exactly planned to be on TV that day!

It wasn't a horrible interview; just not as smooth as I'd thought I'd be on TV. Judy let me speak for about 15 or 20 minutes and was a polite interviewer, not asking questions that made me uncomfortable or attacking me in any way. I can already picture a couple quotes I gave her that she'll likely use:

• I told Judy that it's easier to assess Crist, because he's already governor, while we can't say the same about Rubio, because he hasn't served in that position. So, voters can only trust what Rubio says, rather than his actions, but so far I like what he's saying. I told her that his campaign is running on fighting against Washington and standing up to President Barack Obama's agenda. Crist isn't doing that, but Rubio says he will.
• She asked me what Crist did that I didn't approve of. I told her that I didn't like how he supported the stimulus bill. I pointed out that the unemployment rate is the highest it's been in Florida, so it hasn't exactly been effective. I added: "If he thinks that spending money is supposed to help the state of Florida, then he just needs to be Democrat." A woman behind us watching clapped and cheered when I said this.

I completely fumbled when Judy asked me about accusations against Rubio regarding using public money for his personal reasons. I knew that question was coming, yet I stammered, admitting that it was disappointing but the campaign insists the situation has been resolved, so we can only hope they're telling the truth.

When the interview ended, everyone told me I did an excellent job, though I didn't feel so confident. The experience has me seriously reconsidering any thoughts about having a career in TV or in any public spotlight.

At the time, I also didn't understand the national impact of this interview. I never watch PBS and have never heard of Judy Woodruff. It was a couple hours later that I saw her picture and biography listed as one of the top anchors on PBS' Web site -- meaning she wasn't a local Orlando affiliate. She had told me that I would be able to watch the interview in Palm Beach County, but I didn't realize it was national.

What a day.

I'm not advertising the date or time of the interview, in case it turns out that I bombed it. If they make me look good, I'll post the video here (I was told it would be available online). For now, I'm just trying not to think about it. We'll see what happens.