We are in the final days before the 2024 election. We combed through our previous lessons to compile this how-to guide for reporting on the campaign trail. See how NBC News’ top journalists navigate the twists and turns of a high-stakes election season and cut through the spin to bring insightful analysis to voters.
Covering the campaign trail
Here are practical insights for on-the-ground reporting, whether you’re covering a dynamic rally or Election Night results. See how political reporters get the tough questions answered.
- How to Cover Political Rallies
NBC News correspondent Ali Vitali gives reporting tips on how to make the most out of covering political rallies. - Andrea Mitchell on Asking the Tough Questions
The MSNBC anchor, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent and chief Washington correspondent shares lessons from handling tough interviews across the world. - What Does a White House Correspondent Do?
Monica Alba, an NBC News White House correspondent, gives an insider view of this key political reporting role.
How to read polls and other election data
Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of polling. NBC News journalists share how they interpret political polls accurately and present complex analysis for a national audience.
- How Can Data and Polls Inform Your Reporting?
It’s important to understand how polls work. Which ones are most credible? Even good polls may have limitations. The NBC News Political Unit gives us polling do’s and don’ts. - How to Read Political Polls
When a new poll comes out, we hear reporters talking about percentage points and margin of error. But what do those terms really mean? NBC News Senior Political Editor Mark Murray explains how to correctly read political polls. - Steve Kornacki’s Big Board Secrets
Go behind the scenes with MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki as he discusses the secrets of the “Big Board” — the large, interactive screen that provides detailed election data at the touch of his fingertips.
