About Laura Kuenssberg
Most of the politicians are on holiday, and after his encounters with the US president, so is Nick.
So for the next few weeks I'll be tending to the blog. I've been working in Westminster since 2003, becoming a political correspondent via ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two's Daily Politics, Newsnight and other encounters with ´óÏó´«Ã½ News across the country over the years.
Highs? Nail-chewing moments as the results dripped in while I was reporting the last US Presidential elections from Washington DC. Talking our way in to a prison for the first ever live outside broadcast for the ´óÏó´«Ã½ from behind bars.
Lows? Spending weeks filming the cull of thousands of animals during the foot and mouth epidemic. Being caught in a hailstorm during a live broadcast at an old coal mine wasn't so much fun either.
I have never however, as some assume, worked full-time in my native land, Scotland. So sporadic trips to Holyrood Parliament, including telling the story of the May election for the 10 o'clock news, have to suffice.
I studied history at Edinburgh and at Georgetown University in Washington DC, indulging an interest in politics stateside. But Westminster goings on are plenty to keep me busy. Parliament may already have packed up for the summer but with Gordon Brown keen to keep the political momentum, and the Conservatives determined to try and get it back, don't be surprised if this turns out to be a very political summer.
I'm 
Comments
Welcome Laura,
I am sure you will have plenty to write about over the summer, particularly as Mr Brown seems determined to push some controversial proposals through while parliament is in recess. Be aware that there is often an anti Scots sentiment expressed by those from south of the Border, something which I am sure you have grown used to post devolution. Can I also express my relief that at last there is a ´óÏó´«Ã½ correspondent who has not resorted to the term 'Tories' when referring to the Conservatives.
I wish you well in your current role.
Welcome to the blog, Laura. I'm sure you'll have plenty to write about over the summer. It probably doesn't matter very much if there aren't any huge political stories: the subtle and unusual points of the stories that don't make the front pages can still make for a fascinating blog.
As Gordon Brown has commented that he would like to learn from history but not the mistakes of history, perhaps this could give you an opportunity to stretch your historical legs during the less demanding holiday period. Both politics and history can be dreary subjects, and looking at things from more distant perspectives can help shake things up a little.
I try not too be concerned too much about the highs and lows. Things change, and if you allow events to impose themselves on you too much you can end up missing something. As Nick may be reminded by his holiday, wherever you go, there you are. Still, he's gone and you're here. This is how things are. It can be no other way. Enjoy your stay, Laura!
Welcome to the blog Laura - keep up Nick's good work!
Keep the blog moving Laura - for those of us who took our summer holidays in July and now need regular political updates to help us through August.
Nice of Ali Miraj to get the recess off to an interesting start. I heard during the 2005 election campaign in Watford [now control yourselves] that he was a part-time DJ. I guess he'll now be off to join Pete Tong in Ibiza...
Welcome Laura!
With your American political experience how would you rate the importance here of the writings of American political advisers such as Dick Morris? His book "The New Prince" published while Clinton was still President sums up much of how the more subtle party positioning has been played here as well as there. I read it again and again near elections! Besides, we see plenty of his Republican counterpart Frank Luntz on the ´óÏó´«Ã½.
Enjoy your stint.
Welcome to the blog Laura,but you dont have to worry about updating it too often as Nick often dissappears for several days at a time without bothering!
Welcome to Nick's blog Laura. If you bear just 1 thing in mind, you'll do well, maybe even better than Nick.
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is paid for by the TV tax by people like me who live in the UK. I'm not interested reading any ´óÏó´«Ã½ blog that wants to divert attention from the UK by talking about things that happen in other places. For example, by all means talk about the political ramifications of the floods in Gloucester & South Yorkshire. But please don't talk about anything American, Russian, African or Asian. The people there don't pay the TV tax i.e. your salary. Thanks.
Laura:
No offense to Nick, but we like your photo better than his.
what did you know that the rest of us didn't?!?
"Lows? Spending weeks filming the cull of thousands of animals during the foot and mouth epidemic."
Well Laura, you'll do then.
But what journo-disaster will bring Mr Robinson back from HIS hols?
None, I imagine . . .
Hello you...
Hope you are well!
Lol salamander
ps: I went to Georgetown after Edinburgh too....weirdy weird.....
xxx