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Archives for January 2022

National Portrait Gallery to Honor Dr. Fauci, José Andrés, Serena and Venus Williams, and others

January 26, 2022 By margaretmturner

2019 National Portrait Gallery Honorees, Courtesy of The Smithsonian

After a pandemic delay, the Portrait of a Nation Gala is back on in 2022 to honor Dr. Fauci, José Andrés, Serena and Venus Williams, and others. This year’s chosen honorees will be celebrated on November 12th, with their portraits added to the Smithsonian museum’s collection. 

The most anticipated honoree is Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, who told The Washington Post that he was highly honored to be receiving the recognition. 

“It is one of the most humbling of all of the recognition that I’ve gotten,” he said. “I’ve lived in Washington the last 50 years and the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery is an iconic place in my mind. It makes me feel humbled and almost embarrassed to be in the same building with the people whose portraits are there.”

Other 2022 award winners are tennis champions and activists Serena and Venus Williams, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, DC chef and humanitarian José Andrés, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, and Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman.

The award was created in 2015 and is given to those who “made transformative contributions to the United States and its people across numerous fields of endeavor, ranging from the arts and sciences to sports and humanitarianism,” according to the Smithsonian. The gallery will display a portrait of each honoree, with the pieces permanently joining the Smithsonian collection. The portraits will be displayed starting November 10th, 2022.

Kim Sajet, the Director of the National Portrait Gallery, told The Post that “It’s a moment to pay gratitude to people who have made the world a better place. It’s about recognizing them in their lifetime, knowing that their portraits will be there for future generations.” 

Unfortunately, the 2021 gala was postponed for twelve months due to the pandemic, however this year it’s back on and set. Previous honorees have included Aretha Franklin, Bill T. Jones, Anna Wintour, Maya Lin, and Madeleine Albright, among others. 

The 2022 honorees have worked to address social justice, health and wellness, economic inequality, and equity and inclusion, and each has had a major impact on the world, especially during the pandemic, Sajet said.

“I’m grateful we have these people in the world right now,” she said. “They have all helped us, in their own way, to cope.

A unique aspect of the gala is that each honoree is at liberty to choose who will present their award. In past years, Patrick Ewing honored Spike Lee, Michelle Obama presented Lin-Manuel Miranda his award, and Robert Redford was chosen to celebrate Madeleine Albright. 

The gala will be held in the museum’s courtyard, with dinner, a private viewing of the portraits, and a performance. However, you don’t have to wait till November to visit the National Portrait Gallery! Click here to see the latest exhibitions and get tickets. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Veteran Washington Post Reporter and Author Robert Costa Joins CBS News

January 21, 2022 By margaretmturner

Robert Costa, Photo Source

Costa is among one of the most prominent political journalists right now, marking a significant move for CBS. Costa and veteran journalist Bob Woodward co-authored Peril, the New York Times best-selling book covering the final year of Trump’s presidency and the initial days of Biden’s presidency.  

Washington Post National Political Reporter Robert Costa and author of the bestselling book,  “Peril” with Bob Woodward is joining CBS News as chief election and campaign correspondent. 

“My reporting will focus on the 2022 midterms, the 2024 election, and American democracy. Stay tuned for in-depth stories, scoops, investigations, and on-the-road reports,” Costa said in a tweet announcing the news.

He will join the CBS News Washington Bureau on February 13th to report for broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. 

Costa has been a national political reporter at the Post since January, 2014, and while he is leaving his longtime position there, he told The New York Times that he plans to continue to collaborate with the Post. 

“I am lucky to call Sally Buzbee and Fred Ryan friends,” Mr. Costa said to The New York Times.  “These are people I’ve worked closely with, and I appreciate their support for this decision.”

During his tenure at the Post, Costa was also moderator and managing editor of PBS Washington Week from 2017-2020, and was a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC from 2015-2020. 

Neeraj Khemlani, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, called Costa “one of the best political reporters of his generation.”

Best of luck to Bob Costa and we wish him all the best! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Uber Expands DC Team with Two New Capitol Hill Hires 

January 20, 2022 By margaretmturner

Punya Krishnappa and Erin Reif

Erin Reif and Punya Krishnappa, both veteran strategists from Capitol Hill, will be joining Uber’s US Federal Affairs team in DC.

Reif will join the team as Senior Manager for Federal Affairs and Krishnappa joins as Manager for Federal Campaigns. Both women have a plethora of experience leading federal campaigns and developing high-impact public affairs strategies to shape public policy and maximize success. 

Prior to joining Uber, Reif spent 27 years working in Congress, initially in the House of Representatives for former Reps. Bob Michel and Ray LaHood. Most recently, Reif served in Sen. Lamar Alexander’s office as a Senior Policy Advisor.

“I’m looking forward to joining Uber’s Federal Affairs team and leveraging my experience on Capitol Hill to achieve policy outcomes that drive growth for the business and advance the interests of riders and drivers across the country,” said Reif to Uber. 

Krishnappa was most recently a Senior Strategist for a Maryland gubernatorial primary candidate. Prior to that, she was a Deputy National Field Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where she oversaw more than 80 congressional races across the country. She has worked on numerous national and statewide campaigns, most notably serving as the Director of States for Michelle Obama’s “When We All Vote” initiative, where she was responsible for managing community partnerships and engagement.

“I’m excited to bring my campaign experiences to this new role and help drive awareness around the key issues and policies that impact riders and drivers across the country,” said Krishnappa.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erin and Punya to our team. They each bring a tremendous range of experience and perspective, deep knowledge of our policy issues, and years of leadership experience both on and off Capitol Hill. They will be an invaluable asset to our team’s work educating policymakers and stakeholders about Uber,” said CR Wooters, Head of Federal Affairs at Uber.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Biden to Hold Press Conference Amid Coronavirus Confusion and a Stalled Agenda In Congress

January 19, 2022 By margaretmturner

Photo Source: Politico

Ahead of his one year anniversary in office, President Biden plans to hold his first formal news conference in months. Biden has remained out of the public eye this week as he prepares for just the second solo White House press conference amid slipping poll performance, 40-year record inflation levels looming, and all-time high COVID-19 cases. 

The President is seeking to  highlight his administration’s progress amid the ongoing pandemic. In announcing the press conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the president “looks forward to speaking directly to the American people.” 

Averages of the most recent national polls compiled by both Real Clear Politics and FiveThirtyEight put Biden’s approval at 42% and disapproval at 52%. 

Biden’s approval rating hovered in the low to mid 50s during his first six months in the White House. But the president’s numbers began to decline in August at the wake of Biden’s much-criticized handling of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan and a surge in COVID-19 cases this summer.

Biden’s approval ratings average has hovered in the low 40s and his disapproval ratings average in the low 50s since mid-October. 

But a Quinnipiac University national poll grabbed headlines last week when it measured the president’s approval at just 33%. A White House memo described the survey as an “outlier.”

However, it’s important that Biden makes this press conference. “There are times when you have to step up. This is one of them,” said David Axelrod, a former top adviser to President Barack Obama, in The Washington Post. “You have to try to shape the narrative of the last year, because you know the media and opposition will.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: biden, covid, DC, Media, News, Press, Washington, White House

Friends and Family Gather to Pay Tribute to the Life and Legacy of David L. Mercer

January 17, 2022 By margaretmturner

David Mercer Memorial
David Mercer memorial reception at Cafe Milano – January 13, 2022 – Click to view Photo Gallery

David Mercer was a nationally recognized democratic strategist, government relations advisor and media commentator.  He developed and maintained strong lasting relationships with significant Washington political operatives and leaders, as well as national business leaders, regardless of their political affiliation. This was a testament to his open-minded, positive views about people and his placing personal relationships ahead of partisanship.  Anyone who met him was touched by his kindness, optimism, clarity of thought, and infectious smile.

Bishop Leah Daughtry officiated and speakers included Marie-Claire Brown, Gordon Hensley, Jamal Simmons, Michelle Bernard, Lauren Hobby, Tali Raebeck, Adam Schubert, Minyon Moore, Heather Johnston, and Scott Mercer. Flutist Kevin Willois concluded by playing “Amazing Grace.”

Following the service, a reception was held at Café Milano, where guests enjoyed some of David’s favorite foods, as well as his signature drink – the newly-named Mercer Martini. On-site Covid testing was mandatory for all guests and KN95 masks were distributed.

Additional guests not pictured included Donna Brazile, Tina Flournoy, Rob Liberatore, Jeffrey Hirschberg, Kiki and Joe McLean, Mark Irion, Jill Alper, Kelly Courtney, Diana Rogalle, Kim Kauffman, Erica Payne, Ilyse Hogue, Liz Sizer, Holly Kinnamon, Jackson Dunn, Michael Simpson, Mary Ann Akers and Michael Isikoff, Katie and David Leavy, Tom Lindenfeld, Tamera Luzzatto, Melissa Moss, Christina Sevilla, Kevin Varney, Alix DeJean, Lyndon Boozer, and Eric Schwarz.

A scholarship fund to attend David’s high school alma mater, Milton Academy,  has been created and was announced at the service. The David Mercer Memorial Fund will be used to help students with demonstrated financial need attend Milton. Donations can be made here https://www.milton.edu/graduates/give/

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Biden-Harris Strategist Symone Sanders To Join MSNBC 

January 10, 2022 By margaretmturner

Symone D. Sanders, the former Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris, joins MSNBC as an anchor, hosting a new weekend program on the cable channel. The hire marks the first big programming move for new MSNBC President Rashida Jones, who took charge of the channel in February 2021 after its longtime head Phil Griffin departed.

Tammy Haddad, Symone Sanders, former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and Rachel Greenberg at the 2016 WHC Garden Brunch

Sanders’s new MSNBC program will air on Saturdays and Sundays starting in the spring, although the title, format, and time slot are all to be determined, according to NBC. She will also serve as a fill-in anchor on the network and host a show on “The Choice,” the streaming arm of MSNBC on NBCUniversal’s digital service, Peacock.

The release states that “Sanders will bring her expertise, spirited rhetoric and sharp political insight to MSNBC’s multi-platform channels. Her program will explore issues at the intersection of politics, culture and race and break down how decisions made in Washington impact electorates, industries, and communities across the country. She will also interview law and policy makers, top government officials, scholars, and thought leaders.” 

Highly accomplished, Sanders was one of the highest-ranking Black women in the Biden White House. In her mid-20s, she became national press secretary for Senator Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign, then joined CNN as a quick-witted and creative commentator. When a Republican official told her to “shut up” during a live interview, her viral response later became the title of her memoir, “No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America.”

Sanders joined the Biden campaign in 2019 as a senior adviser, with particular passions for issues of women and Black voters. She strongly advocated for her candidate, so much so that in March 2020 she tackled a protester who rushed the stage during President Biden’s speech on Super Tuesday. In the transition to the White House, she played an integral part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s team. 

In an interview with The New York Times, Sanders expressed her interest in moving beyond politics and transitioning into media. “I’m a young woman, a young Black woman from the Midwest,” said Ms. Sanders, who grew up in Omaha. “Yes, I do politics, but I’m also a consumer of pop culture. I watch the news, I check Twitter, but I’m also into ‘Real Housewives.’ I’m interested in reaching what I call the nonpolitical group chats, the discussions that are penetrating outside of Washington.”

Sanders isn’t the first White House alum to transition into television news. “I’m going to tell the truth, and sometimes the truth is critical,” she told the New York Times of her new role at MSNBC. “This administration has its critics, just like everyone does — I have my critics — and we’re going to have those conversations.”

As a political spokesperson, Sanders understands the full perspective of the intersection between politics and media. “Oftentimes, when it came to the vice president over the last year, people were not reporting on the truth, they were reporting on the gossip.” 

Speaking last month to The Omaha World-Herald about her decision to leave the Biden Administration, Sanders said that she planned “to continue to be a reliable voice for this White House on the outside, regardless of whatever I do next.” Sanders will remain based in Washington, D.C., as she begins her new role, and she plans to marry her fiance, Shawn Townsend, in August 2022.

Filed Under: DC, Washington, Washington Insider, WHCA Tagged With: Garden Brunch, Media, MSNBC, Symone Sanders, White House, White House Correpondents Dinner

White House Correspondents Association Distances Briefing Room Reporters

January 6, 2022 By margaretmturner

Photo courtesy of Doug Mills via Twitter

The White House Correspondents Association (WCHA) announced it would reduce capacity for journalists attending press briefings due to spikes in omicron variant COVID-19 cases. The WHCA Board voted unanimously to return to a previously set reduced seating arrangement from earlier in the pandemic. 

In an email from the association president, CBS News radio correspondent Steve Portnoy, to the organization’s members, it was announced that 14 seats out of the 49 in the room would be used. 

“Given the virulence of the spread, medical experts have once again advised that it would be prudent to substantially reduce the number of people working in the cramped, poorly ventilated workspace that we share,” Portnoy said as reported by The Hill. 

The change in capacity would be temporary, and the WHCA intends to revisit the seating arrangement later in the month, depending on current climate and case rates. 

“A primary objective is ensuring we are able to hold the administration accountable to the public, while preventing an outbreak that might limit our ability to cover the president in close quarters,” Portnoy said in the original statement.

The WHCA has continued to urge reporters in contact with The White House to stay vigilant by wearing high quality masks and rapid testing frequently. 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Exploring “behind the scenes” of the most powerful city in the world — Washington, D.C. — and those who cover it.

We track the White House Correspondents’ weekend and all the activities around it, from journalists and media companies to the White House and politicos.

Tammy Haddad is Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of WHC Insider and CEO of Haddad Media.

White House Correspondents Insider is not affiliated with or approved by the White House Correspondents’ Association, which is a registered trademark of the WHCA.

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Yesterday @BlueStarFamilies officially kicked off the #DoYourPart campaign on Capitol Hill. BSF CEO @rothdouquet & @craignewmark joined @RepDonBacon, @RepHoulahan, @TimKaine, Michael Collins from @Starbucks & Heidi Andersen from @NextDoor for a briefing moderated by @jonkarl to launch the national campaign to address the quality-of-life challenges undermining our nation’s military members & their families.
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