Special Correspondent Jacqueline Fernandez

Being a journalist is tough. Being a student journalist is even tougher. Student journalists have absolutely no clout and very few connections. This reality has never been more apparent than in my quest to interview New York City Council Member John Liu.

After learning that I had secured press credentials to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, my professor said, “Interview New York City delegates.” I immediately knew who I wanted to interview – John Liu.

I sent Liu an email requesting an interview and felt assured that he would be interested. Then after several days, his lack of response propelled me to take action. I began calling his legislative and district office only to be greeted with the answering machine. I left a couple of voicemails, hoping for a response, but when those were unanswered, the feeling of rejection really began to sink in.

When I didn’t receive a response from Liu or his staff, I searched for other delegates to interview. But then I realized that the answers to my questions could only be answered by Liu.

Liu represents Flushing, Queens, which houses one of the, if not the largest Asian American communities in New York City. His insight into the needs of the Asian American community and what they want from a presidential candidate are incomparable. He’s also a pledged delegate to Clinton, and now that she is no longer the democratic front-runner, his decision or indecision to support Obama could reflect the position of the Asian American community that originally supported Clinton.

Liu encounters Asian Americans from different economic levels, is knowledgeable on how cohesive an Asian American vote can really be, and if it’s even more fragmented than a Latino or black vote. Finally, as the first and only Asian American to serve on the New York City Council, maybe he can shed some light as to why Asian Americans haven’t been included in this dialogue on race that the election has generated.

Then, with a couple of days to spare before going to the DNC, I called his office again and a secretary – who will not be named – answered. After speaking with her, she apologized profusely for this inconvenience and assured me that someone would contact me as soon as possible – and, with that a little pebble of hope had been dropped into my well of rejection.

Now, it’s one day before the DNC, and that pebble has seemingly disappeared, as I still have not received a phone call or email from John Liu, or his team. Soon, Liu and I [and my colleagues] will be in Denver and I can only hope that when we cross paths; he has time to talk about the community he represents, and what this election means to the larger Asian American population.

Why Liu?

Liu is the first and only Asian American to be elected into the New York City Council. He’s also an advocate for the Asian American community.

Racial crimes and discrimination that occur in the Asian American community usually go unnoticed, but Liu has worked to change that. Liu has a history of attaching himself to any injustice occurring in the Asian American community, frequently bringing these issues to the forefront of the public agenda.

Part II
Liu Responded to My ‘Desperately Seeking John Liu’

When I attended the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, I was surprised to see so many congressional representatives and grassroots organizers. However, there was one AAPI I wanted to meet — actually, I had been chasing him: John Liu, the first and only Asian American New York City Council Member.

I had contacted his office several times requesting an interview but didn’t receive a response. I wrote a blog about my experience entitled, “Desperately Seeking John Liu” and emailed it to his offices. I didn’t think anything would come of it.

After Liu finished speaking at the caucus, I went to introduce myself.

“Hi I’m Jackie Fernandez.”

“I know you. I read your blog.”

My stomach tightened and my palms began to sweat.

Then Liu said, “Don’t leave, you’re gonna get your interview.”

So below is the first of a series of interviews I am going to have with John Liu.

But first some brief bio: Liu is one of 16 AAPI delegates in this presidential election, he is also pledged to Clinton. Liu represents several areas of New York: Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Mitchell Gardens, Kissena Park, Harding Heights, Auburndale and parts of Whitestone. He also heads the city council’s transportation committee and serves on the committees for consumer affairs; contracts; education; health; land use; landmarks, public siting & maritime uses; lower Manhattan development; oversight and investigations.

Here goes:

And here’s the interview

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