It's official. The debate is over. All the expectations, planning, excitement anxiousness gone…but not forgotten.

I had a week that was just as unpredictable as John McCain’s attendance at the debate. Originally assigned to Gloria Kellum, Monday through to Thursday I hopped around campus getting ready for the debate. I handed out press packs, directed tech crews to where they needed to be and generally gave a helping hand. It was great to watch as New York executives arrived to little Oxford Mississippi. It was all really happening.

A highlight for me in the media tent was when John McCain announced he was planning to suspend his campaign and postpone the debate. The televisions were immediately switched to CNN as we all gathered to watch the news unfold. This could have been a disaster for the university, from small problems like catered food, to journalist accommodation to the cancellation of Monday classes. Fortunately this wasn't an issue, with John McCain showing for the debate. Thursday was also memorable, as this was the day I saw inside the debate hall. How could I not help having a look!

Unfortunately Thursday night around 9pm I received a call to tell me my credentials didn’t arrive. No credentials means no entrance to the Ford center or media tent. Needless to say I was bummed. This turned out to be a blessing as I was re-assigned to MSNBC, helping out with the live shows broadcast from the Union. With an Ole Miss student team of about eight, help was always at hand for the MSNBC crew. Like most of you, my tasks were your typical intern duties like ordering coffee and drinks and helping answer questions about Ole Miss. But I was fascinated. Even watching as the shows were broadcast live and how the producers co-ordinated their show with New York executives. I will also never again complain when im told in class I have “only a week” to complete an article or news script. Reading off only a few scribbled notes compiled five minuntes earlier, Chris Matthews gave his review of the Presidential Debate. That’s television for you! It’s all about timing. It was a rush of excitement straight after the debate in the MSNBC workroom as everyone from students, producers, assistents and Chris Matthews himself searched the web for journalist blog analysis of the debate. Who won? Did the debate change voter opinion? It all happened so fast, before I knew it we were getting ready for the MSNBC post debate show. Wrapping up the final show at around 11:30, we then had to dismantle the set and clean up. Although it was a late night, it was worth every minute. I'm so glad MSNBC could take me on at last notice and I am grateful I had the opportunity to work in so many areas fo the debate. This is a once in a lifetime experience that the average Australian journalism student cannot say they were a part of. Thank you presidential candidates, thank you Ole Miss and thank you MSNBC.