Journalists like to talk and write and produce, but the most important part of that process is learning how to listen. And that's what makes you a good journalist.
I am not afraid to ask for feedback on my work or appearance, and try to never take that advice personally.
My big challenge, I will say, is contouring. God help us all with contouring.
But when my mother ran for City Council, that was the moment when I knew I wanted to be a political reporter. Some reporters asked her about being married to my father - they have an interracial relationship - as if that was somehow a negative thing.
I think it's incredibly important that we think about diversity in the context of the White House press corps, because it's important that the group of people there is representative of the diversity that we see throughout the country.
If I'm going to the White House, my alarm goes off at 5:00 A. M. Typically there is no snoozing; jump out of bed, text my producer, often start texting with sources if there's breaking news that's happened overnight, and I'm off and running from that moment on.
You have to be essentially ready to interview the President every day that you walk in, at any moment.
I try to have a balanced diet. I try to write down everything that I eat.
I typically set at least three alarms. I have two alarms set on my iPhone, I still use a Blackberry for work, so I set my alarm on that, and then if I'm staying in a hotel, I request a wake-up call. I've never overslept - knock on wood. But I have had an instance where one of my four alarms has failed, so that's why I stand by the multiple alarms.
Why is it appropriate for the President to use a racial slur in any context?
I've recently explored the beauty of doing sit-ups on those endurance balls. It adds a whole new dimension of difficult.
To have come here as an intern for the 'Today' show, to shoot that reel - I looked so serious. To be terrified like that and then to come and sit at this desk, to sit next to my friend Peter Alexander every Saturday, it is the honor of a lifetime.