An Unexpected Fall at the Capitol

They always ask me if I felt something across my foot or shin. My response is usually uncertain. The questioning continues: “What was it like? Did you just fall?” They even suggest I might be clumsy.

I have always believed I’m not clumsy. I work out daily and have taken a few tumbles on early morning runs in Alexandria, Virginia. Sometimes, uneven sidewalks catch me off guard. Besides, I used to ski and studied martial arts, earning a second-degree black belt. Clumsy doesn’t fit me.

Yet, they ask again, “What do you think it was?” I have my theories. I was tired that day. There’s a lip on the stairs near the Memorial Door of the U.S. Capitol. My shoes were brown loafers with rubber soles and a slight scuff, matching my tan summer suit.

Was it the shoes, my fatigue, or perhaps my rush to get the story? I spotted then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with his aides after a meeting with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. I aimed to question Trudeau, though this isn’t about him but rather baseball.

Trudeau, once a fan of the Montreal Expos with his father, the late Pierre Trudeau, was a point of connection. Though the Expos moved to Washington in 2005, rumors swirled about the Tampa Bay Rays splitting their season between Florida and Montreal. Asking Trudeau could have made headlines across networks including Fox and TSN in Canada. Montreal might see baseball return.

However, my endeavor was unsuccessful. In journalism, like baseball, success is infrequent. Many questions remain unasked. On those steps, the opportunity slipped away.

I approached Trudeau, mentioned Tampa Bay, and then I slipped on the Capitol marble, right before the Canadian Prime Minister. I knew the fall was inevitable, holding a microphone with one hand. From martial arts training under Master Kim and Master Yang, I knew how to fall safely. I rolled onto my right shoulder.

My photographer, Robert Fetzer, shouted, “Oh Chad! Oh Chad!” Trudeau paused, but I quickly stood, hoping to rekindle the conversation. It was too late; he departed.

People repeatedly asked, “What tripped you? Were you alright?” Physically, I was fine. Mentally, slightly disoriented. I’ve long suspected certain causes, including the lingering presence of historical figures.

In the 19th century, Rep. William Taulbee did not get along with reporter Charles Kincaid. Taulbee was later shot by Kincaid due to personal grievances. Taulbee’s blood stained the Capitol’s “Y” staircase. Some claim his spirit hinders the Capitol press. Perhaps this entity was responsible.

When asked, “What tripped you?” some suggest, “Was it a ghost?” These questions linger, but I’ll leave you to decide while ensuring I don’t trip you up along the way.

Chad Pergram is Fox News Channel’s Chief Congressional Correspondent, joining in September 2007.