My first political interview came when I was on the staff of my high school newspaper, Golden Lines. My St. Pius X high school class went on a field trip to the Georgia State Capitol during the 1962 General Assembly session. I don’t recall how it came about, but I was ushered into the Senate chamber and introduced to Sen. Charlie Brown (for whom the Fulton County general aviation airport is named) so I could do an interview with him.. The senator was cordial and gracious and clearly sensed that I was nervous. I remember he said, “You probably want to ask me about how laws are passed,” and when I nodded, he proceeded to explain. I’ve always been grateful to him. 

I’ve been back to the Capitol a few times since then to interview governors (Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal, and Brian Kemp) and other state officials; but I remember that first time as special.