Cartoon Delegate: A Video Sketchbook from the Conventions

WHO:

My name is Rob Rogers and I am the political cartoonist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. One of the highlights of my job is covering the presidential campaign every four years. There is never a shortage of material for cartoons ... the candidates see to that.

WHAT:

The presidential race also gives me a reason to pack up my pens, pencils and erasers (yes, I make mistakes) and leave the safety of my drawing table to join the other journalists, politicians and delegates at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

I have covered every political convention since 1988 (that’s when H.W. Bush picked Dan Quayle as his V.P.) Normally, I do sketches that appear in the paper and on my blog, but in 2012 I wanted to try something new. I am partnering with the ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s cartoon museum, to make a mini documentary of my trip to Tampa and Charlotte. This video sketch diary will give my fans a glimpse into what it is like to be a cartoonist doodling under the big tent at the biggest political circus ever!

WHEN:

The RNC runs August 27^th - 30^th and the DNC runs September 4^th – 6^th.

WHERE:

The RNC is in Tampa and the DNC is in Charlotte.

WHY:

Journalism as we know it is changing dramatically. Newspapers are struggling to stay alive. Editorial cartoonists have suffered along with them, sometimes being the first to be let go when a company downsizes. I hope this mini-documentary, aside from giving a humorus look behind the curtain of our political process, will help show how cartooning and newspaper journalism are still an important part of our collective dialogue.

HOW:

The ToonSeum has agreed to edit, direct and produce the video (Joe Wos producing and Mandi Bridgeman directing.) Since the ToonSeum is a non-profit museum, they have limited resources to cover travel expenses. That is where you come in. In exchange for your generous donations, you will receive some awesome cartoon-related perks. You can snag campaign buttons, signed prints, T-shirts, signed copies of my book, original cartoons and more! Plus, all who donate at least $25 will be invited to attend the screening of this mini-documentary at the ToonSeum (or a larger venue if needed.)

If you can’t donate to this cause, please help spread the word through Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for all your support!

Rob