White House Correspondents Insider

Behind the scenes of the most powerful city in the world — Washington, D.C. — and those who cover it.

New York Times Washington Culture Reporter Katie Rogers on the White House Correspondents Weekend

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Veep’s Matt Walsh and 10thAvenueTea co-founder (and actress) Morgan Walsh . Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

The 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner was the pinnacle of a weekend full of events celebrating and honoring the First Amendment and freedom of the press. Actors, celebrities, journalists, comedians, and countless others all joined together for parties, charity events and political activism throughout the past few days. Washington culture reporter Katie Rogers captured the essence of several of these events in a feature story in the New York Times:

On Saturday, the will to give a party held strong, even as the president prepared to gleefully assail the news media from a farm expo center in Pennsylvania. A long-running brunch, organized by the media consultant Tammy Haddad and held at a private home, drew a crowd of prominent political journalists, including Greta Van Susteren of MSNBC and Bret Baier, the Fox News anchor; politicians; and a handful of military veterans.

Unlike past White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekends, this year the President and White House staff were not in attendance, and have often taken a hostile tone toward the mainstream media. President Trump and his campaign hosted a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Administration employees had also announced they would not attend the dinner in “solidarity” with the president.

The effect of the administration skipping the weekend entirely was not lost on participants.

“364 days of the year they’re competing with each other,” [Tammy] Haddad said of the news media. “I think journalists and influentials are looking at each other with a deep appreciation we’ve never bothered with before.”

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS WEEKEND ANNUAL GARDEN BRUNCH

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Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

For those who missed the action this weekend, please take a look and get involved in one of the three important organizations.

Democracy Fund is a bipartisan nonprofit that invests in organizations working to ensure our political system delivers on its promise to the American people. Founded
by eBay creator Pierre Omidyar, Democracy Fund has already invested more than $50 million and is now stepping up in a big way to support a robust, free press. Democracy Fund and its partners at First Look Media announced $12 million in grants to support press freedom.

Find a way to participate:
http://www.democracyfund.org/

NS2 Serves is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization run by Mark Testoni, the President of SAP National Security Services, Inc. SAP NS2® to give back
to the community SAP serves by training and employing veterans in high-tech careers. As its signature initiative, NS2 Serves offers training and employment assistance to recent veterans of U.S. national security missions. The course is open to post-9/11 U.S. military service veterans and reservists (including disabled veterans) and Gold Star spouses. Full-time, paid participants are trained in world-class software solutions that support U.S. national security, leading to official SAP certifications, which are valuable in many career paths in the U.S. and worldwide.

Please pass this information onto veterans.
http://www.ns2serves.org/about/

Dog Tag Inc. Our friend Connie Milstein created Dog Tag Bakery to provide opportunities for veterans with disabilities, spouses, and caregivers by offering an education
through Georgetown University’s School of Continuing studies and experiential learning in our small business venture at Dog Tag Bakery in Georgetown at 3206 Grace Street NW. Please visit! Upon completion of the Dog Tag Inc. (DTI) program, transitioning veterans are business ready, competitive, and employable. Come and join us for tasty treats, or purchase a dog tag to honor the service of a family member or friend.

To donate, use this link:
http://www.dogtaginc.org/make-a-donation/

But, now we are hoping you will open your wallets, engage your business partners or reach out to your friends at educational institutions to spread the word.

The White House Correspondents weekend is an important weekend but you can make the good feeling last by participating.

You can watch highlights from the 2017 Garden Brunch here:

Thanks again to Connie Milstein who opened her home to us.

President George Washington appears at White House Correspondents’ Annual Garden Brunch

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Ian Kahn, who plays President George Washington, gave an impassioned speech celebrating a free press and the First Amendment at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch. Kahn presented Sergeant Major Sedrick Banks (Ret.), with a Visionary Award for his successes after recovering from severe combat injuries to owning his own small business. Banks was one of the first alums of veteran leadership initiative Dog Tag Bakery.

Kahn also said of the White House press corps and journalists who speak truth to power, “You are the front, you are fighting for liberty and for our freedoms. I think every day, ‘What would George Washington do?’ I think he would thank you. He would ask you to fight for your country.”

Kahn also appears in this season’s Billions series on Showtime.

For more photos from the 2017 #gardenbrunch click here.

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

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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

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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

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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.

2017 Garden Brunch Photos

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The 2017 Garden Brunch took place mid-day on Saturday, April 29th as all in attendance took time during this busy weekend to honor two pillars of democracy: veterans and their families, and a free and fair press.

Please enjoy this collection of photos of the event and countless wonderful participants, courtesy of Haddad Media.

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

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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

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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.”

White House Correspondents’ Dinner In the News

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay / Geralt.

Hollywood’s D.C. Plans for White House Correspondents’ Dinner: No Trump? No Problem!

Hollywood Reporter, April 27, 2017

POTUS won’t be the only famous face absent from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Members in the past have filled their tables with the stars of such D.C.-centered shows as Scandal, Veep and House of Cards, but this year CNN and HuffPost will host student journalists, while Wall Street Journal staffers are bringing family. “We’re treating this event the way it was originally intended: for journalists, by journalists,” says Dow Jones communications director Steve Severinghaus.

The rise and fall — or maybe rebirth? — of the White House correspondents’ dinner

Washington Post, April 26, 2017

When Washington’s signature social event kicks off this weekend, Wolf Blitzer will not be dining with Ashton Kutcher.

Oscar winners will not clink cocktails along moonlit embassy balustrades. Distinguished political analysts will not tumble out of receptions with shoulder-straining gift bags stuffed with luxury cosmetics and gourmet organic cookies. The stars of “Saturday Night Live” will not lean in for selfies with Chuck Schumer.

What time is the White House Correspondents’ Dinner? And other burning questions answered!

Entertainment Weekly, April 27, 2017

This time last year, President Obama joked about the election, bid the Washington press adieu, and finally dropped the mic at his last White House Correspondents’ Dinner in office. Too bad nothing of major political significance has gone down since then and nobody will have anything to talk about this year, right?

Here’s How To Watch The 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Elite Daily, April 27, 2017

The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner is on Saturday, April 29.

Traditionally, this is a star-studded event honoring members of the press through a night of lavish partying and comedy.

Will President Obama Attend The White House Correspondents’ Dinner?

Romper.com, April 27, 2017

Throughout President Obama’s eight years in office, much of the American public came to look forward to the end of April with a level of anticipation usually reserved for a movie premiere. For 20 minutes a year, the leader of the free world turned into a brilliant comedian. And with this year’s guest list still under wraps, one has to wonder, if President Obama attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year. White House Correspondents’ Association President Jeff Mason hinted at “a couple of surprises,” according to The Hill, and that certainly would be a good one.

Samantha Bee Interviewed By Lena Dunham About Not The White House Correspondents Dinner

Entertainment Weekly Canada, April 26, 2017

The power of social media is both a gift and a curse as far as Samantha Bee and Lena Dunham are concerned.  Dunham interviewed Bee for a feature in The Hollywood Reporter and you can bet the two Donald Trump detractors talked politics. The “Full Frontal” host reflected on the overwhelming attention she received the night of the U.S. presidential election. “I really felt a geyser of hatred was the day after the election — actually, the night of the election,” Bee explained. “I checked my Twitter mentions, and it was one of the last times I’ve checked it. I just went off. I just went dark.”

Trump Won’t Attend White House Correspondents’ Dinner – But Hillary Clinton Might

Heatstreet, April 27, 2017

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was Washington’s premiere event during the Obama years but, under Trump, its star power has definitely declined. Unable to attract even the lesser Kardashians for the gala, rumor has it the event’s only celebrity will be the woman who lost the Presidential election.

Hasan Minhaj: Facts About White House Correspondents’ Dinner Host & ‘Daily Show’ Star

Hollywood Life, April 27, 2017

Who’s excited to see Hasan Minhaj host the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner? It’s a tough event this year, but Hasan, hilarious and brutal with the truth, is the perfect pick for the job. Learn more about ‘The Daily Show’ star before the event!