Archives for March 2011

Reagan Centennial GOP 2012 Debate Moves to September

March 30, 2011 By WHC Insider

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, in conjunction with its debate partners NBC News and POLITICO, are moving the Reagan Centennial GOP Presidential Primary Candidates Debate from May 2 to September 14, 2011.

Why the change? Seems not enough contenders are willing to toss their hat into the ring this early. Moving the debate to the fall will allow “enough time for the full slate of candidates to participate,” said John Heubusch, executive director for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

“The Reagan Foundation prides itself on sponsoring world-class debates in which all of the major candidates in contention can make their point of view known to the widest possible audience,’ said Heubusch. ‘Although there will be a long and impressive list of Republican candidates who eventually take the field, too few have made the commitment thus far for a debate to be worthwhile in early May.“

For more about the move check out POLITICO and read the full release here: http://politi.co/i2Y5U4

Don Graham + DC Student Superstars

March 29, 2011 By WHC Insider

DC Cap Talent Competition Winner Victoria Davis

It could have been a tryout for American Idol, from the terrific talent on stage to the enthusiasm in the audience. Yet, it was for something more important; providing scholarships to DC public and charter school students to go to college. It was the third Annual DC College Access Program All Star Talent Competition and Gala led by co-chairs Donald Graham and Deborah Lehr.

The kids sang, danced and drummed their way across the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Stage as the audience clapped, hooted and voted on their favorites using dial remotes. The judges were internationally renowned opera soprano, Harolyn Blackwell, Olympic gold-medalists, Dominique Dawes, Broadway star, choreographer, and director Baayork Lee, and Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, who knows a few things about competing.

Mr. Graham reminded the audience that it was a GOP led Congress that introduced and voted for this special program that helps keep DC students competitive and motivated by giving them scholarship money for college. Speaker John Boehner was the head of the Education committee that helped pass such a resolution and was awarded a special apple for his work. Congressman John Kline of Minnesota accepted in his honor and joked that the tears would be flowing if Speaker Boehner was there tonight. Ms. Lehr also presented philanthropic superstar, Catherine Reynolds with an award for her great efforts for DC kids and helping many Americans be able to go to college.

ABC7/WJLA’s Leon Harris served as Master of Ceremonies and kept the competition moving and recognized DC Cupcake sisters, Sophie LaMontagne and Katherine Kallinis, for their hard work in the community and their generosity of donating 400 cupcakes to the DC CAP Gala.

It was a tough choice for the judges to pick a winner as all of the contestants were incredibly talented. The final results were: 3rd Place went to Sherman Wood ($4,000 scholarship), 2nd Place to Savannah Cranford ($6,000 scholarship) and 1st Place to Victoria Davis, a terrific singer, ($10,000 scholarship) and plans to pursue a degree in classical music. All of the winners attend the Duke Ellington School of the arts.

Famous faces were everywhere including Julius Genachowski, FCC Chairman, David and Katherine Bradley, John Rogers (Deborah Lehr’s husband,) Steve Elmendorf, Wayne and Lea Berman, Pat Butler, and DC CAP board member Mark Ein.

A dance party followed with a red carpet, a band, fake paparazzi, beautiful starlets and lots of every happy DC students and their families. Even a President Obama impersonator made an appearance.

Mr. Graham moved the crowd with his remark that DC-CAP is not just fulfilling the dreams of the very talented students on the stage but also the friends of those students. Marl Ein moved the crowd by pledging to give a $2,000 scholarship to each of the other seven finalists. Other notable guests were CFO of Discovery Channel, Brad Singer and wife, Ali, co-founders and CEOs of OPNET (a Bethesda based tech company), Marc Cohen and brother, Alain Cohen.

Check out the photos from the competition and after party below!

David Axelrod: Epilepsy "Terrorism of Brain"

March 27, 2011 By WHC Insider

John Vogelstein and David Axelrod

By David Adler

David and Susan Axelrod dazzled the city by the bay with the launch of the CURE Epilepsy 1st Annual West Coast Benefit in San Francisco, CA. Evelyn Nussenbaum and Fred Vogelstein co-chaired the dinner with in-laws, John and Barbara Vogelstein, and Susan Axelrod.

In his keynote address at the Four Seasons David Axelrod, former Senior Adviser to President Obama called epilepsy, “terrorism of the brain. ”

Evelyn Nussenbaum event co-chair said, “We’re in the same place as so many other people affected by epilepsy–grappling with the fact that despite the introduction of many new drugs over the last 50 years, the percentage of people with epilepsy who cannot control their seizures has not changed. It’s over 30 percent.”

Fred Vogelstein told the crowd, “The way we treat and think about epilepsy is in the dark ages. It still scares people so much that those with seizures lose jobs and relationships because of it.”

San Francisco political superstars Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown, joined Susan and David Axelrod to raise awareness and funds to support epilepsy research. The omnipresent and forever mayor in many San Franciscans’ minds, Willie Brown, whipped the crowd into a giving frenzy Phil Donahue style, raising money paddle by paddle to support the “Fund a Need” grant program. Guests included San Francisco County Supervisor Malia Cohen, SF lawyer Rich Guggenhime, Men’s Health Magazine’s Andrew Kramer with his beautiful wife, Caryn and Google’s David and Marimo Drummond. The event also highlighted the groundbreaking work of Bay Area scientists who have received CURE grants to continue their research.

Washington had two terrific Ambassadors, Steve Clemons and Self magazine’s Marc Adelman. One of Washington’s favorite bloggers, Clemons, wrote about the dinner at http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/03/gavin_newsoms_i/

David Axelrod told the audience that the two most amazing women he will ever know are his daughter, Lauren, and his wife Susan, an evangelical epilepsy advocate. He also described the amazing families who he has met through their 30 year journey with epilepsy describing one family friend who votes Republican and watches Bill O’Reilly every night: not important as this is a disease that transcends politics and ideology.

Axelrod addressed the political current climate, “Our politics are so divisive now. Cable TV and instant news allow us to focus on our different beliefs and philosophies. But in the community of those of us affected by epilepsy, those differences do not matter. Epilepsy cuts across all political, social, ethnic, and economic lines. No group is spared. And we must remember and use our common humanity to fight it.”

Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band entertained the crowd fulfilling the New Yorker’s comment that Rowan, a Grammy winner, is “an American treasure.”

To give to the Fund the Need campaign, Click on CUREEpilepsy.org

photos courtesy Drew Altizer

First Annual West Coast Benefit for CURE David Axelrod with Vogelstein twins Fred Vogelstein and Evelyn Nussenbaum, co-chairs Steve Clemons, Gavin Newsom, David Axelrod Red Carpet Arrivals Fred Vogelstei, Evelyn Nussenbaum, and David Axelrod Willie Brown Willie Brown, Susan Axelrod and friends David and Susan Axelrod and friend Gavin Newsom and David Axelrod Steve Clemons, Gavin Newsom and David Axelrod Susan Axelrod, Steve Clemons, Marc Adelman

Remembering Elizabeth Taylor

March 23, 2011 By WHC Insider

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Elizabeth Taylor, a Hollywood legend whose beauty and passion lit up the silver screen, has died at age 79.

Born in London, Taylor enthralled Hollywood as a child actor and charmed audiences with her violet-colored eyes. In a career that spanned seven decades, she earned five Academy Award nominations, was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire, and never strayed far from the public’s interest. For more on her storied life and career, check out The Telegraph.

Her life off-screen earned her as much attention as her film work, with eight headline-grabbing marriages including one to John Warner whom she helped to get elected to the U.S. senate in 1978. USA Today has more on Taylor’s time as a political wife.

While Taylor will always be known as a movie star, for millions worldwide she may perhaps be best remembered for her courageous work on behalf of HIV/AIDS causes. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, which named its main clinic in D.C. after the actress.

The Washington Business Journal has more:

“Her dedication to the cause led her to be her personally for the dedication. That kind of commitment exemplifies why she was so important in the early days of the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Whitman-Walker executive director Don Blanchon in a statement. “We will ensure that she is remembered not just for her career but for her unwavering support for a community and a cause that, in the early days, many would not touch.”

Taylor entered the hospital six weeks ago with congestive heart failure. She passed away Wednesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles surrounded by her four children.

"Dean of DC Press Corps" David Broder Dies

March 9, 2011 By WHC Insider

David S. Broder, Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist and pundit whose political analysis and influence earned him the respect of the Washington press corps, has died at the age of 81.

The Washington Post announced Broder passed away Wednesday at Capital Hospice in Arlington of complications from diabetes.

Broder covered every presidential convention since 1956 and was a fixture on NBC’s “Meet the Press” since the 1960’s. He was lured away from The New York Times in August 1966 by The Washington Post’s managing editor, Benjamin C. Bradlee, who sought Broder’s help in transforming The Washington Post for a new era. Broder and The Post won the Pulitzer Prize in 1974 for coverage of the Watergate scandal. Broder worked on The Post’s national staff and wrote two columns a week for most of the past 40 years. His final column appeared on February 6.

For more on Broder’s notable career, read Robert Kaiser’s remembrance on WashingtonPost.com.

As TIME’s James Poniewozik points out, Broder “helped create an emerging, and hugely influential, profession: the modern electronic-media pundit.” In 2008, Broder marked a milestone with his 400th appearance on “Meet the Press.”

Global Women Advocates Gather in DC

March 8, 2011 By WHC Insider

Women gathered around the world today for the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. At the State Department, First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented the “Women of Courage Awards” and announced a partnership with 10,000 Women and the successful Goldman Sachs Foundation program that goes into the poorest countries and teaches women business skills.

Monday evening some of the nation’s best women’s advocates were brought together by the ONE campaign, the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, CARE, and the US Advocacy Advisory team Mothers Day Every Day at the home of former ONE chief, David Lane. Dr. Helene Gayle, Sheila Nix, Susan McCue and Theresa Shaver urged the crowd to redouble their efforts on behalf of women. Dana Perino, former Bush White House press secretary led a bipartisan call to action with the help of Barbara Bush and sister Jenna Bush Hager.

Barbara Bush’s Global Health Corp is in the process of selecting their third round of fellows. David Lane, who left the ONE campaign to work with Bill Daley at the White House, caught up with old friends as he accepted their well wishes. First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of Staff Tina Tchen, and Jen Klein from the State Department’s women’s section, greeted colleagues and friends including Stephanie Psaki (sister of WH deputy communications director Jen Psaki), Jodee Winterhoff, Teri Whitcraft, and Anita McBride – fresh off her First Ladies Conference. David Lane was cheered when he walked into his own home, the location of some of the great advocacy work for women.

Michelle Obama on first First Ladies Conference

March 7, 2011 By WHC Insider

Anita McBride, former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush and now an executive in residence at American University, kicked-off the The Legacies of America’s First Ladies conference on Monday to celebrate and examine the role of the nation’s first ladies. The day long gathering began with a letter from the current First Lady, Michelle Obama in which she said

It is my honor to serve our nation as First Lady and have the opportunity to touch so many lives. Throughout the course of our history, the accomplished women who have come before me have helped to shape our national character and strengthen our country. Their stories are a fascinating part of our narrative and their commitment to service represents what is best about the American spirit. Each day, I am inspired by their countless contributions and it is a privilege to join their company. I wish you all the best for an enjoyable conference.

McBride, who organized the conference with the American University’s School of Public Affairs , also read a job description written by John Heubusch, president of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, listing the extensive requirements expected of a first lady which include the willingness to relocate to Washington, DC; demonstrated perfection as a human being; and superhuman multi-tasking.

Watch below to hear the full description and ask yourself: forty-six women have filled this important role – would you apply for this job?

Susan Sher, former chief of staff to Michelle Obama, marking her first appearance since leaving the White House, and Melanne Verveer, former chief of staff to Hillary Rodham Clinton, now Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues joined McBride on a panel for a bi-partisan look inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave the role of the modern First Lady.

Other featured panel discussions included insights on first ladies throughout history and behind-the-scenes moments at the White House. Gahl Hodges Burt, Social Secretary to President and Mrs. Reagan recalled a particular moment when close Reagan friend Charlton Heston came to visit. Heston wandered onto the White House lawn while the fife and drum corps marched during an official ceremony. Burt had no choice but to alert secret service over a loud walkie-talkie to ask that Heston be moved. A clever secret service agent replied: “nobody moves Moses.”

Participants included, among others, Presidential Historian Richard Norton Smith; Jean Becker, Deputy Press Secretary to First Lady Barbara Bush; Kathryn Cade, Director of Projects for First Lady Rosalynn Carter; Ann Compton, White House Correspondent for ABC News; Ann Gerhard, Deputy Outlook Editor for the Washington Post; Lois Romano, National Political Correspondent for the Washington Post; and Steve Scully of C-SPAN.

In addition to the conference, McBride is also spearheading the creation of the First Ladies Foundation to cultivate the first non-partisan history on the impact these women have made. CLICK here for more information.

"Meet" Welcomes Erika Masonhall to NBC

March 3, 2011 By WHC Insider

“Meet the Press” rolled out the red carpet Wednesday night for its newest acquisition Erika Masonhall. Betsy Fischer, “Meet The Press” Executive Producer, hosted a cocktail reception at her home to introduce Washington TV and political reporters to the program’s new press representative. For some Hill reporters it was a chance to get reacquainted as Masonhall came to NBC from Capitol Hill, where she worked for several years as the communications director to Senator Joe Lieberman.

Masonhall is representing some of NBC News’s biggest franchises including “Meet the Press” and “Nightly News.” “Meet the Press” Moderator David Gregory invited the crowd of reporters and NBC executives to raise their glasses in a toast Mendenhall.

NBC News President Steve Capus, NBC News press team leader Lauren Kapp and the new Washington Bureau Chief Antoine Sanfuentes, chatted with reporters about the latest Washington buzz on a potential government shutdown, the 2012 GOP field and of course, the upcoming book from Mark Leibovich already causing an uproar on the Hill and in journalism circles.

A state visit from team Politico led by Mike Allen, Jonathan Martin, Manu Raju, and Keach Hagey.

Reporting favorites Emily Goodin, Jackie Kucinich (on her way to USA Today) Jeff Zeleny and Paul Kane enjoyed crab cakes, spring rolls and “Meet the Press” cupcakes made by Marla Romash of “Marla’s Magic.”

McCormick Moves to top of the Gibraltar Rock

March 2, 2011 By WHC Insider

Kelley McCormick with Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron

Kelley McCormick, one of DC’s top communications gurus, has been named partner and chief operating officer of Gibraltar Associates. McCormick will manage clients while focusing on growing the agency and assisting in operations.From the press release:

“We are delighted to have Kelley join the team,” said Eric Bovim, GA’s CEO and co-founder. “With nearly 20 years of agency experience, she is a true agency veteran who knows how to take GA to the next level. With Kelley on board, we are poised to exceed our plans for aggressive growth in corporate communications and consumer marketing.”

McCormick joins GA after nearly nine years at Qorvis Communications, where she most recently served as a partner. Some of her previous clients include Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Feld Entertainment, Scientific American, Bloomberg Businessweek, GQ and World TeamTennis’ Washington Kastles. She has also provided counsel to a number of non-profit organizations including YouthAIDS, Creative Coalition and Earth Conservation Corps.

“I am thrilled to join the GA team. It is a fresh, nimble agency that is entering into a period of intense growth and success,” said McCormick. “I look forward to applying all that I have learned in my 20 years of agency life and putting it towards the continued success of GA.”

McCormick was also recently elected to the Board of the Miss America Organization, where she will work closely with fellow board member, Regina Hopper on developing new initiatives around the MAO mission of empowering young women through education and scholarship.

Celebrating the First Ladies

March 1, 2011 By WHC Insider

Forty-six women have served as First Lady, standing alongside our US Presidents throughout history. To kick off Women’s History Month, the American University’s School of Public Affairs is holding an afternoon conference, The Legacies of America’s First Ladies, to celebrate and examine the role of the nation’s first ladies.

The conference was organized by Anita McBride, former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush and now an executive in residence at American University.

“A first lady’s role may be a mysterious to many, but these leaders behind the leaders help effect change and advance our society in valuable ways,” says McBride.

Susan Sher, former chief of staff to Michelle Obama, will be making her first appearance since leaving the White House. She will be participating in a panel discussion with McBride and Melanne Verveer, former chief of staff to Hillary Rodham Clinton, on how these modern women have redefined what it means to be First Lady.

There will be other panel discussions throughout the afternoon with premier historians, authors, White House correspondents and journalists, who have studied, written, covered and traveled with the first ladies. Representatives from the Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush administrations will also be participating including Gahl Hodges Burt, former special assistant to President Reagan and social secretary.

Events will be held at AU’s Katzen Arts Center and the White House Historical Association, the National Archives’ Presidential Libraries, and American University’s Library are conference partners. For a full list of speakers and conference agenda, click here.