National media gears up for SC primary's final days

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Satellite trucks, still and video cameras have all been set up for a media frenzy in South Carolina.

It's been going on since New Hampshire's primary leading right up until ours on Saturday. NBC's Ron Mott has been here covering the candidates.

"If you like sports and contact, South Carolina is the place to be," said Mott. "Iowa gets a lot of publicity, New Hampshire gets a lot of publicity, but really things get interesting in SC because candidates all come here."

Mott has been on the campaign trail for close to a month -- learning the ins, the outs and what stands out in the GOP race.

"Things can change on a dime, which is part of the reason we like to cover this," said Mott.

Other national media airwaves have been dominated in the past few days with the all important South Carolina vote.

In covering former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Mott says Gingrich been getting people excited and his poll numbers are starting to reflect that.

But one thing Mott tries to bring to viewers and voters is change -- something different that could help them really understand the candidates and the issues.

"We hear the speeches over and over," said Mott. "We can almost recite them ourselves when you're sitting in some pool hall or restaurant and the candidate is speaking."

Despite knowing what most of the candidates will say, it's what's added to the candidate's stump speech that makes the news.

"It's what you listen for what they haven't said before that might make news, so over the last few days that's the nuggets we're looking for," said Mott. "If someone is trying to turn a corner subtly or not so subtly those are the little nuggets that become news items."

Most of the national media and the candidates for that matter are heading to the Lowcountry now, gearing up for Thursday night's debate in Charleston.

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