Fox News correspondent Mike Tobin has covered major events all over the world. He’s reported from Iraq, Israel and Qatar to name a few, in addition to being front and center for the Boston Marathon bombing and Sandy Hook tragedies. Tobin’s currently in Ferguson, MO where coverage of the chaos surrounding Mike Brown’s death has captivated America.
Tobin, who is still on the ground in Ferguson, spoke with TVNewser about things he’s witnessed recently while covering the riots.
TVNewser: What is one memory from the chaos in Ferguson that will forever be embedded in your mind?
Tobin: I was really impressed with cameraman Bob Lee. In addition to mastering the technology, the guy drives so hard to get in the action and get the shot. Bob has guts. That’s a great quality on a chaotic story.
TVNewser: Did you ever feel like your safety was in jeopardy?
Tobin: Oh yeah. Those are real bullets. I’m under no illusion that I’m somehow immune. There is also non-lethal stuff – bean bags. I’d prefer not to get hit at all, but the modifier ‘non’ is comforting when you put it in-front of the word ‘lethal.’
TVNewser: How does covering conflict in areas such as Iraq and the Gaza Strip compare to what you witnessed in Ferguson over the last few months?
Tobin: War is War. This is a riot. War is deadly serious. Kids out here in Ferguson treat this like it’s a game. They are running around stealing hair weaves and cases of pop. In the process they are destroying the livelihoods of hardworking people and rationalizing their behavior. I find it less palatable than war.
TVNewser: OK, let’s lighten the mood. Will you be able to get home and celebrate Thanksgiving?
Tobin: I hope to make it. My sister is cooking up a feast. She will serve me up a helping of guilt trip if I don’t get back to Chicago.
TVNewser: You recently climbed a mountain in Ecuador … what was that experience like?
Tobin: I’ve had a pretty big November Huh? We knocked out three mountains in Ecuador. We hit Rachu Pichincha (roughly 15,000 feet) when I first got to Ecuador to acclimatize. Then climbed Cotopaxi, (19,347 feet). And that was just to get the red blood cells pumping to summit Chimborazo (20,440 feet.)
Now that I’ve crossed the 20-thousand foot line. I’m deciding what to do next with my climbing ambitions. I’m seriously considering some Himalayan climbs. Or Denali (McKinley). Both the Himalayas and Denali require a lot of time off work. So, those are considerations.
I’m grateful that the brave and resilient veterans and Ride 2 Recovery let me train with them. Nothing gets you in shape for the big climbs like cycling. Those guys keep me motivated.