Clinton HQ, Round 1

12:40 p.m., CDT, Sioux Falls

Brendan Gilfillan, the Clinton campaign’s press secretary at headquarters here, presents himself as a force to be reckoned with, but I soldiered on to pursue what is the arguably most sought-after story of the day—whither the Hillary Clinton presidential bid.

As most of America knows, Barack Obama has all but clinched the Democratic nomination as Hillary keeps dragging through the bushes with so-so success. When I initially contacted Gilfillan, he told me that he would contact me later that evening about goings-on throughout the day today but that the headquarters would be off-limits. Since he never returned my phone calls last night or this morning, I was dropped off at headquarters at about 9:34 a.m. today.

Gilfillan was not in, so I spoke outside with volunteers as they floated in and out, some looking none too happy. Then Gilfillan told me in person that I was not allowed to interview volunteers.

But to his dismay, I found Rodney Gist, 81, who was kind enough to talk to the journalist being given the cold shoulder. Gist said he supports Clinton because he doesn’t want the United States to “spend more than it makes.” He said he would be leaving $30,000 worth of debt to his children and grandchildren. He said that definitely didn’t feel good.

Later, I asked a Clinton paid staff member if I could ask her a few questions. Apparently, that was a mistake because a few minutes later, here came Gilfillan. I wasn’t exactly kicked out or even asked to leave, but he told me that he couldn’t have me bothering the volunteers and campaign workers.

As of now, I haven’t had another run-in with Gilfillan, but I’m sure this hasn’t ended.

—Jamie Hughes, American Indian Journalism Institute