Christian Conner, Author at #WHCInsider

The Hamptons Comes to Washington to Celebrate Holly Peterson’s New Novel

May 22, 2017 By Christian Conner

Co-hosts for the event Kathy O’Hearn, Carol Melton, Heather Podesta, Megan Murphy, Holly Peterson, Hilary Rosen, Tammy Haddad. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

New York Times best-selling author Holly Peterson held a book party for her new novel about class conflict in a playground for the world’s wealthiest people, it Happens in the Hamptons at The Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 17. The party was hosted by Tammy Haddad, Connie Milstein, Hilary Rosen, Heather Podesta, Kathy O’Hearn and Carol Melto.

Megan Murphy, Editor of Bloomberg Businessweek, interviewed Ms. Peterson about the novel and its themes of ambition, romance, and the clash of social classes. Peterson also offers a few insights on the Trump family.

According to Peterson, the same class conflicts that exists throughout America is magnified in elite resort towns. “I think the class conflict that is roiling this country is shown in technicolor in a summer community whether it’s Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard or Aspen. There’s this amazing tension between the classes in these communities.”

Peterson continued, “I think there’s three worlds in my book. You’ve got the old WASP-y Protestants that run these country clubs and drink a lot and play tennis with their Exeter roommates and have money but don’t have serious money. That’s a huge amount of people in the Hamptons, golf clubs and tennis and all that. And then you have these super-rich accomplished New Yorkers, but you also have a very vibrant local community with AV technicians and land surveyors and teachers and biologists and vintners. You have all three worlds interacting all the time. You have them interacting on the beach, they have sex with each other, they play tennis together.”

You can watch coverage of the event here:

https://audioboom.com/posts/5937349-holly-peterson-s-inside-look-at-ambition-surfing-the-trump-family-and-class-conflict-in-the-hamptons

Volta Insider: White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch 2017 Honors Military Veterans and a Free and Fair Press

May 18, 2017 By Christian Conner

Rachel Greenberg interviews Mark Testoni, President & CEO of SAP NS2 | NS2 Serves. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

In the latest episode of Volta Insider, Rachel Greenberg interviewed several prominent attendees of the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch. This year’s Garden Brunch was dedicated to honoring military veterans and their families and celebrating a free press.

Greenberg provides insight into the themes of the Garden Brunch talking to elected officials, media titans, and some of the leading champions for military veterans.

Senator Mark Warner had a message for young people saying, “I think it’s more important than ever for young people to be involved. Because if young people tune out, all you do is turn the keys over to the political extremes on the left or the right. And for a nation that’s about 20 trillion in debt, to leave that kind of debt to the millenials, to our kids would be a disaster. That is why your voices need to be heard.”

Rep. Darrell Issa had creative advice for those interested in pursuing a career in politics, “My advice [to young, aspiring journalists or politicians] … is to do something else first. Really, the breadth of talent of people that go straight into politics, straight into journalism, there’s plenty of them. The outliers — the people that make a difference — are the people that come with something to offer. And so particularly in the case for politics, life experience, real understanding. Whether it’s working in soup kitchens or working on wall street, try to make sure you bring something other than a desire to vote.

Greenberg also spoke with CNN’s Brian Stelter on the new administration’s galvanizing effect on young journalism students, “There are so many problems in media right now, there are so many attempts to tear down the press, to delegitimize the press. But it also makes it a more interesting time to be part of the solution. And I see a lot of students nowawayds more motivated to be a part of it.”

Other interviews include Graham Moore, Academy Award winning screenwriter and author, Art Bilger, founder of the non-profit WorkingNation, and Meghan Ogilvie, CEO of Dog Tag Inc.

Check out the latest episode of Volta Insider here:

http://voltainsider.com/2017/05/16/episode-19-white-house-correspondents-garden-brunch-2017/

Holly Peterson Brings Hamptons Heat to DC

May 18, 2017 By Christian Conner

Co-hosts for the event Kathy O’Hearn, Carol Melton, Heather Podesta, Megan Murphy, Holly Peterson, Hilary Rosen, Tammy Haddad. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

For one night only, The Jefferson hotel was ground zero for all the Hamptons action! BLOOMBERG Business week editor-in-chief Megan Murphy interviewed journalist and bestselling author Holly Peterson on her new book it Happens in the Hamptons.

Connie Milstein and co-hosts Carol Melton, Hilary Rosen, Heather Podesta, and Juleanna Glover, gathered the DC elite at the historic hotel. Guests included Rep. Debbie Dingell, Maureen Dowd, Sally Quinn, and Ms. Peterson’s first boss, Bill Knapp.

Holly Peterson and Maureen Dowd. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Ms. Peterson discussed the disparity between the glamorous island’s haves and have-nots. She also discussed finding harmony in such a polarized place, recounting her time learning to surf with locals and the unique culture of Southhampton.

Guests picked out Hamptons flip flops and buzzed about the announcement of an independent counsel right as the standing room only crowd.

Megan Murphy and Holly Peterson on stage at The Jefferson Hotel. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Spotted: Daniel Lippman, Ryan Williams, Stephanie Cutter, Robyn Bash. Kate Goodall, Tom Forrest, Jonathan Capehart, Ann and Lloyd Hand, Betsy Fischer Martin, Polson Kanneth, Heather Lauer, Anita McBride, Tina Tchen, Melissa Moss, Ryan Williams, Becca Glover, Alyse Nelson, Rupert Allman, Su-Lin Nichols, Sissy Yates, and Jayne Sandman.

White House Correspondent April Ryan Says First Amendment “Under Attack” at the White House Correspondents Garden Brunch

April 30, 2017 By Christian Conner

One of the most experienced White House Correspondents attending this year’s White House Correspondents Garden Brunch, April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks, discussed the importance of the First Amendment in a climate where leaders are deriding the press.

She wrote on the Microsoft Wall and tells us the importance of the First Amendment in a climate where leaders are deriding the press.

“When you attack the press you’re attacking information going to the people. It’s not about us, it’s about the people that get the information.”

VEEP’s Matt Walsh Champions National Endowment for the Arts at Garden Brunch 2017

April 30, 2017 By Christian Conner

Washington’s A-listers gathered with Hollywood celebrities at this year’s White House Correspondents Garden Brunch on the morning of the White House Correspondents Dinner to champion democracy and a free press and to speak up for worthy causes. Matt Walsh, who plays Press Secretary Mike McClintock on HBO’s VEEP and his wife, actress and cofounder of 10th Avenue Tea, Morgan Walsh, discussed their work championing the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We came here to support and advocate for [the National Endowment for the Arts]. We went around Congress trying to get people to appreciate that particular part of government support.”

Senator Mark Warner Talks About the Importance of a Free Press

April 30, 2017 By Christian Conner

Senator Mark Warner made an appearance at this year’s Garden Brunch to champion a free press on the morning of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. According to Senator Warner,“A free press keeps us all honest. A free press is a cornerstone of our American democracy.”

This year’s Garden Brunch celebrated the free press by partnering with Democracy Fund to raise awareness for all of the work they do to provide funding for independent journalism and state and local news outlets. Democracy Fund’s President, Joe Goldman, was awarded this year’s Visionary Award.

Inside the Ballroom at This Year’s White House Correspondents Dinner

April 30, 2017 By Christian Conner

Photo courtesy Haddad Media

Despite the absence of President Trump, last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, had no shortage of star power.

The Daily Mail captured Plank Industries CEO Tom Geddes, CEO of Halcyon House Kate Goodall, and Volta Insider’s Rachel Greenberg seated at the Bloomberg table. Ringside was Senator Chris Coons, Shinola’s Tom Forrest, Working Nation Executive Producer Joan Lynch, Bloomberg’s Washington Bureau Chief Wes Kosova, CEO of Haddad Media Tammy Haddad, and Bloomberg TV anchor Vonnie Quinn.

This year’s Correspondents’ Dinner comedian was The Daily Show Correspondent Hasan Minhaj who, noting President Trump’s absence, said, “Even the president is not beyond the reach of the First Amendment.”

Dog Tag Bakery Alum Sedrick Banks Receives Visionary Award at White House Correspondents Garden Brunch

April 29, 2017 By Christian Conner

Retired Sgt. Maj. Sedrick Banks speaks at the 2017 Garden Brunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

The White House Correspondents Weekend is in full swing as Washington insiders and Hollywood stars gather at Connie Milstein’s Georgetown home for the annual Garden Brunch. This year’s theme is supporting two pillars of democracy: veterans and their families, and a free and fair press. That’s why the hosts have awarded U.S. Army Sergeant Major Sedrick A. Banks (Retired), a Dog Tag Bakery fellow the Visionary Award for overcoming his combat injuries and creating a successful small business.

Mark Testoni talks hiring veterans with NS2 Serves at the 2017 Garden Brunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Mark Testoni, President of SAP National Security Services (NS2). Testoni founded NS2 Serves, a nonprofit that trains and employs veterans in high-tech careers and Ian Kahn who plays George Washington presented him with the award.

According to Testoni, “U.S. Army Sergeant Major Sedrick Banks embodies perseverance. In 2010, Sergeant Major Banks survived a mortar attack while deployed in Iraq. Like so many, he was left with both visible and invisible wounds. Defying the odds, he joined Dog Tag Inc’s program in 2014 in the hopes of turning his entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Sergeant Major Banks launched the Genuine Life Institute – a motivational coaching program.”

Democracy Fund’s Joe Goldman Accepts White House Correspondents Garden Brunch Visionary Award

April 29, 2017 By Christian Conner

Democracy Fund’s Joe Goldman at the Microsoft Wall at the 2017 Garden Brunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

This year’s White House Correspondents Garden Brunch saw celebrities and Washington media gather to celebrate two important pillars of American democracy. One of those pillars, a free and fair press, is essential to keeping our leaders honest. That’s why Democracy Fund president Joe Goldman received this year’s Visionary Award for his work in supporting independent journalists.

Democracy Fund is a bipartisan foundation that supports independent journalists and newsrooms across America through grants. It was founded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.

Democracy Fund’s Joe Goldman stands beside Greta Van Susteren at the 2017 Garden Brunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Introducing Goldman was legendary commentator Greta Van Susteren who took the stage to discuss the important work done by Joe Goldman and Democracy Fund which included giving over $12 million in grants to support press freedom and boost state and local newsrooms. “Last month Democracy Fund and its partners at First Look Media announced $12 million in grants to support press freedom. These grants ensure journalists have the resources and protections they need to meet the reporting challenges of today’s political landscape.”

After accepting the award, Goldman highlighted the need for organizations like Democracy Fund saying, “Hard-hitting journalists play a crucial role in our political system: informing the public and holding power accountable.”

WHCD Preview: A History of WHCD’s Past

April 25, 2017 By Christian Conner

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde following the 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Washington is heating up for the big bash, the White House Correspondents Dinner and the annual Garden Brunch to be held on Saturday, April 29th. You can whet your appetite for all things WHCD and Garden Brunch by catching up on some of our podcasts and stories from previous years.

February 2017 — Why the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Is More Important than Ever

“It’s about an opportunity to lift up good journalism, celebrate up-and-coming journalism, and celebrate the First Amendment—that’s what we’ll be doing this year. And we do encourage our member organizations to bring as many journalists as they can, because that’s what the dinner is about. It’s also about giving journalists a chance to visit with the sources they cover.”

April 2016 — 2016 Garden Brunch Video

April 2015 — Garden Brunchers Recount their First WHCD

April 2015 — 2015 Garden Brunch Video

April 2015: Washington Insider: George Condon’s Candid History of the White House and the Press

Washington Insider’s Tammy Haddad gets a candid and humorous history of the White House and the press from George Condon, White House correspondent for National Journal and unofficial historian of the White House Correspondents’ Association.

The WASHINGTON INSIDER inaugural podcasts, White House Correspondents Weekend focus on the personalities and ambition that fuel politics, power and elections – and ultimately drive policy inside the Beltway. The first seven WASHINGTON INSIDER podcasts are timed to the upcoming 2015 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner weekend, which begins later this week.

February 2015 — Jon Stewart’s performance at the 1997 WHCA Dinner

As he announces his retirement from The Daily Show, we take a look back at Jon Stewart’s performance during the 1997 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.