Susanna Reid on covering the US Election: ‘Adrenaline, late nights and high stakes’

Susanna Reid on covering the US Election: ‘Adrenaline, late nights and high stakes’

As a seasoned television enthusiast with over two decades of broadcasting experience under my belt, I must say that Susanna Reid‘s approach to election coverage is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication, coupled with her ability to remain unflappable in the face of social media attention, truly encapsulates the spirit of journalism.


This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, there was an interview conducted by TopMob with Susanna Reid, a host on Good Morning Britain. The conversation revolved around her preparations for election coverage and managing the focus brought about by social media attention.

Talk us through GMB’s US election plans?

On Monday, November 4th, Ed Balls and I will depart for Washington D.C., following our appearance on Good Morning Britain. We’re eager to immerse ourselves in the city’s vibe. Later, we’ll be back on ground level, delivering the election results program on Wednesday morning.

You’re used to a 3:40am alarm call. With the time difference, you won’t get much sleep…

This week is shaping up to be one where restful sleep may become secondary, as excitement and stress hormones seem to flood your system non-stop!

What does Ed bring to the show?

He’s steeped in politics, a political veteran even at his very young age! He’s not just an expert on British politics – he’s a Senior Fellow at Harvard, so an expert on American politics, too. He’ll bring an experienced eye to our coverage.

Of course, you co-hosted the last US election with Piers Morgan…

In the years 2016 and 2020, we witnessed two presidential elections. Notably, Piers had a particularly close association with Donald Trump. Back in 2016, he predicted Trump’s victory well ahead of time, stating, “This man is not to be underestimated. He’s a winner. He knows how to seal a deal.

He was a lone voice among the media commentariat. People were absolutely convinced Hillary Clinton was going to win it. But Piers stuck to his guns.

How have you prepared this time round?

I have been studying up on Kamala Harris, particularly her experiences in San Francisco, keeping tabs on the battleground states and their upcoming announcements, following news about Donald Trump and his legal battles, and staying updated on briefings regarding our invited guests.

The early-morning time on Good Morning Britain might be ideal, assuming the results are announced promptly.

In 2020, it took a few days for the outcome to become apparent, as one might expect.

How do you deal with receiving so much social media attention?

I won’t be swayed by the negative comments from internet trolls, but I do value the insights that my audience shares about their personal experiences. This has been especially crucial during the lockdown and Partygate periods.

I hardly pay attention to other people’s opinions about me. I have the power to decide what I focus on and what I ignore.

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Susanna Reid on covering the US Election: ‘Adrenaline, late nights and high stakes’

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2024-10-28 18:33