Kid reporter travels country
Phoenix Legg stands between figures of the animals representing the two main political parties: the donkey for the Democrat Party and the elephant for the Republican Party. • Photos Submitted
By Tom Victoria
At a time when American media is dividing the country, Phoenix Legg is trying to unify it - one interview at a time.
The 13-year-old traveled the country for the last four years, interviewing people attending rallies and protests.
Unlike current media tactics of trying to inflame situations and conflicts, Phoenix seeks to find common ground among people in a nonpartisan approach.
“We’re really divided as a nation,” he said.
According to Phoenix, people allow their emotions to govern their actions when it should be the opposite.
“Your love of country and commitment to service both inspire and encourage me as your nation’s 48th vice president. Thank you for your example to your peers and fellow citizens of all ages. You are well on your way to a bright future.”
“Objective facts to inform, not subjective emotions to influence,” he said.
While adults are prone to yell at each other, Phoenix made progress convincing people to talk rationally when he interviewed them.
“As a kid, people are more willing to open up to me,” he said.
Emotions initially exploded last year during rioting in various cities as destructive mobs hijacked activism marches such as Black Lives Matter.
Phoenix said even those part of the more volatile factions felt justified in their behavior.
“They would say this is the only way we’re going to be heard,” he said.
Phoenix said they claimed it was all right to destroy property because it is replaceable.
Phoenix covers a rally in Washington, D.C.
He did meet resistance to his questioning at one activism event in New York, where he was blocked from talking to people.
“The human wall was started around me and I was told the organizers for the International Women’s Day march did not want me there,” Phoenix said. “It was public property and there were plenty of reporters. It was a very interesting experience.”
Phoenix also has talked to various elected officials since he began. He met former President Donald Trump at an event in Hershey, Pennsylvania, when he was president-elect. Omarosa Maingault Newman, who was a contestant on Trump’s former reality show “The Apprentice” and later his aide, asked Phoenix if he wanted to meet Trump.
“I was kind of shocked a little bit,” Phoenix said.
He noted upon entering the private area that Trump was talking with state troopers.
“The president’s demeanor was very kind and respectful toward the troopers,” Phoenix said. “The most interesting thing was that news cameras were not even allowed in the back. It was very genuine and not a publicity stunt.”
He then met Trump.
“I think I was starstruck, so I don’t remember much of what he said. I do remember him saying hello and asking my name.”
Once Trump took office, Phoenix subsequently received a White House pass allowing him access to events held at various parts of the country.
In 2017, former Vice President Michael Pence wrote Phoenix a letter. Pence recalled meeting Phoenix twice.
Phoenix holds the letter he received from former Vice President Michael Pence when he was still in office.
“Your love of country and commitment to service both inspire and encourage me as your nation’s 48th vice president,” Pence wrote. “Thank you for your example to your peers and fellow citizens of all ages. You are well on your way to a bright future.”
Throughout the 2020 presidential campaign, Phoenix found many people expressed support for what they deemed the lesser of two evils. He said there were Republicans who did not like Trump’s tweets, but preferred his actions over what a Democrat might do in office. Conversely, there were Democrats who stated their disdain of Biden, but did not want Trump in office.
Phoenix continued covering speeches through January 6, when Trump held a rally decrying alleged election fraud. Although Trump was accused by the media and Congress of being responsible for the violence at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., Phoenix stressed the departing president stated the opposite.
“He told them to march down to the Capitol peacefully and patriotically,” Phoenix said.
He said most of the crowd dispersed after the speech, leaving only a fraction to walk toward ensuing chaos.
Phoenix’s interest in news coverage started while still living in Texas. He would visit his grandparents’ house and watch the television broadcasts.
“It really captivated me,” he said.
Phoenix reports near the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.
Phoenix continued to pay attention to whatever program was shown wherever he was visiting. He would be visiting one relative watching a leftist channel such as MSNBC, then be at another house seeing a right-wing channel such as Fox News. Phoenix eventually noticed the vast disparity in how events were covered, depending on the outlet.
“It’s like almost two different things,” he said about how a single story is presented. “It should be the same thing.”
In addition to the politics, Phoenix was fascinated by the psychology behind people’s words and actions.
“I love reading people,” he said.
Phoenix decided to ask his father, Matthew Legg, if they could cover some of the rallies in the 2016 presidential race during that October.
“I knew it would be a learning experience,” Phoenix said.
Matthew, who was in a position to travel, came to the same conclusion.
“I knew it would be a growth opportunity,” Matthew said.
He said October was extended to December, then into 2017 and beyond.
“He’s always been observant,” Matthew said about his son, who has been home-schooled.
Phoenix started working on his apparel as time progressed. Starting with a shirt and tie, the wardrobe eventually extended to a suit. A fedora, which would make actor George Reeves’ Clark Kent in the classic “Adventures of Superman” television show proud, completed the traditional reporter look.
While reporting from Washington, D.C., Phoenix has interviewed and met several politicians, including Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Republican U.S. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, former Democratic nominee for U.S. president Andrew Yang, former President Donald Trump, and former Vice President Michael Pence.
Along with most men always wearing suits, they used to wear hats. Reporters were known for sporting toppers with their media identification stuck in the hatbands.
Phoenix said the use of the fedora was strictly coincidental as he simply like the look.
“I’ve gotten a lot of compliments about it,” he said.
However, it can be problematic trying to not lose a hat as cinema’s Indiana Jones can attest to while raiding lost arks and embarking on last crusades.
“Sometimes in the wind, it can be tricky,” Phoenix conceded.
His reporting days may be belayed for a while as travel funding becomes as an issue. During the four-year period, Matthew sold a company to garner sufficient money to keep going until now.
But even if there is a pause for Phoenix, he still sees journalism in his future. What he has yet to decide is whether he would create his own outlet or work for an existing one, knowing there are pros and cons to each. Phoenix already has won a scholarship to North Texas University if he goes that route.
Phoenix is among a number of young people today unafraid to cite Bible scripture online despite it not being en vogue in some circles. He said his religious faith is another reason to heal the division.
“God is love,” Phoenix said. “God is peace.”
Whatever the future holds, Matthew hopes there is a change in America and that Phoenix may be part of that shift.
“I’ve been very said to see the country like this,” Matthew said. “Maybe he will make a difference.”
The link to Phoenix's website is: https://www.phoenixrisinginamerica.com/