IFES Honors Bill Schneider
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) presented a one-time award to CNN's Bill Schneider for his extensive coverage and keen insight of the 2008 United States presidential elections. The award was given during the annual IFES Board Members dinner held on March 30, 2009. (Video)
“IFES is pleased to recognize Bill Schneider for his valuable contribution to the coverage of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. CNN played an extraordinary role in showcasing democracy in action, and Bill Schneider had a principal part in explaining this transcendent election to a world eager to follow every twist and turn over the past two years,” says Jean-Pierre Kingsley, IFES president and CEO.
Information on the political affairs of a country and especially the candidates running for office is an important component of democracy as it empowers individuals to make intelligent choices at the ballot box. IFES is presenting this special award to the journalist who most contributed to the flow of elucidating information on the U.S. elections.
“What a campaign! Two years! Fifteen candidates! More than 50 debates! My colleagues and I worked day and night on this story, and the interest of viewers around the world never faded. What stamina! This award is gratifying for me and my colleagues and a tribute to the vibrancy of democratic ideals all over the world,” says Bill Schneider about the award.
Throughout the campaign period for the 2008 United States presidential election, Bill Schneider reaffirmed his place as a leading political commentator by providing thorough coverage and insightful analysis on the candidates and their platforms. His engaging, clear and even-handed delivery greatly contributed to CNN’s ability to attract a large, worldwide audience during the two-year campaign season.
The dinner was attended by IFES’ board members, including Chairman Peter G. Kelly, senior principal of the law firm of Updike, Kelly and Spellacy, P.C. who has had major leadership roles in the Democratic Party, and Vice-Chairman William J. Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs and former special counsel to Ronald Reagan. Former IFES’ Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, and prominent members of the democracy-promotion community were also in attendance. The event took place in Washington, D.C.
