Tips for dealing with trackers

January 1, 2009

Below are some helpful tips for you and your staff when dealing with trackers. As you know, the DCCC currently has 26 trackers on the ground and Democrat Super PACs are pouring vast resources into tracking Republican candidates. Most trackers won’t engage with you, they either want footage of you looking angry to use in an TV AD or to catch you doing or saying something controversial. This might sound simple but the more you smile and avoid looking down, the less useful TV ad footage you will give them. Remember friendly groups can also be considered trackers. No matter what type of event you are at you should assume you are being taped at all times.

Candidate Tips:
• Do not engage with a tracker.
• If you do engage, be positive and upbeat.
• Play 20 questions/put it on your terms.
• Don’t touch anyone with a camera.
• Announce the trackers presence at the public event.
• Don’t let your guard down.

Designate a staffer to handle tracking situations. Staffer should brief the property owner/manager of the event space ahead of time to expect a tracker. At the event the staffer should identify the tracker as soon as they set up and ask the event staff to remove them.

While every situation is unique here are some general rules:
• Public Event/Public Place = Tracker allowed to film. (Public Library)
• Public Event/Private Place generally open to the public = Tracker allowed unless property owner says otherwise. (Restaurant, Coffee House)
• Private Event/Private Place generally open to the public = Tracker not allowed. (Private room in a restaurant)
• Private Event/Private Place = Tracker not allowed. (Home Fundraiser, Factory Tour)
Be firm with the tracker, but be sure you are not violating their rights. (I’m sorry, this is a private event, you don’t have our permission to film here).

Be aware of their presence at all times. If a tracker can hear the conversation, so can their microphone. Jingle keys, talk to him over the conversation, they should not have access to private conversations. Put your body passively in front of the camera. EXAMPLES: http://youtube.com and http://youtube.com.