White House Correspondents Insider

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

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

By

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

By

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.

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

By

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

By

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.”

Two Pillars of Democracy to be Honored at Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch

By

Vanessa K. Bush, Helen Mirren, April Ryan and King Chong at the 2016 White House Correspondents Weekend Garden Brunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

The White House Correspondents Weekend has always been full of presidents, politicians and Hollywood stars, but there is also the support of important causes.

The White House Correspondents Dinner scholarship fund for journalism students leads the weekend. The Annual #GardenBrunch raises awareness for causes that are close to their hearts each year. Here’s a look at some of the causes they have championed and some of the big names that have come out to show their support:

2012 – The White Ribbon Alliance, CURE Epilepsy
David Axelrod, Sarah Palin, Arianna Huffington, Rupert and Wendi Murdoch

 

2013 – Miss America Scholarship program, CURE Epilepsy
Kevin Spacey, Eric Cantor, Mallory Hogan – Miss America 2013, Sharon Stone, Travis Kalanick

 

2014 – Dog Tag Bakery, Blue Star Families
Michael Kelly, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Rogers, Patrick Stewart, Father Curry, Jose Andres, Joe Manchin, Reid Scott

2015 – Dog Tag Bakery, Blue Star Families, Partnership for Open and Fair Skies
Chris Matthews, Valerie Jarrett, Steve and Jean Case, Taya Kyle wife of American Sniper Chris Kyle, Craig Newmark, Katie Couric, Kathy-Roth Douquet, Joanna Coles, Chris Dodd

2016 – Halcyon House and Halcyon Incubator, Yellow Ribbons United, Playfield in the Park
Helen Mirren, Bryan Cranston, Rosario Dawson, Jeff Goldblum, Tony Goldwyn, Charlie Rose, Brian Stelter, Tina Tchen, Shelia Johnson, Daniela Lopez, Kevin Plank

The hosts announced today that this year they will honor two pillars of democracy: military veterans and a free press.

Read more about the Garden Brunch here:

WHC Brunch

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Wins Big at SAG Awards, Criticizes Refugee Ban

By

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Godsick and Brad Hall. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series at the SAG Awards Sunday night.  Louis-Dreyfus  portrays former president Selina Meyer  on HBO’s Veep. Now, she is taking her formidable speaking skills into the real world to defend American immigrants.

The 2017 Screen Actors Guild kicked off with numerous passionate political speeches, and Louis-Dreyfus began by taking a humorous look at the presidential predicament, before her speech quickly took a serious turn.

She began by joking about current events and President Trump’s propensity to exaggerate and use “alternative facts.”

“Whether the Russians did or did not hack the voting of tonight’s SAG awards, I look out at the million or probably even a million and a half people in this room, and I say this award is legitimate and I won. I’m the winner. The winner is me. Landslide!” Louis-Dreyfus said to a roar of laughter from the audience.

Taking a more serious tone, Louis-Dreyfus referenced her family’s immigrant history and described Trump’s recent immigration ban as a “blemish” on the country and “un-American.”

“My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France, and I’m an American patriot and I love this country, Louis-Dreyfus continued.  “I am horrified by its blemishes.”

The seven-time Emmy Award-winner concluded her speech by quoting a statement from SAG’s “sister guild” the WGA.

“Our guilds are unions of storytellers who have always welcomed those from other nations, and of varying beliefs, who wish to share their creativity with America. We are grateful to them, we stand with them, we will fight for them.”

Bryan Cranston, friend of White House Correspondents’ Insider, also won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for his role as LBJ in a Television Movie or Miniseries for HBO’S “All the Way.”

Mark Shriver Celebrates Pope Francis 80th Birthday With New Book

By

Pope Francis ascended to the Bishopry of Rome on March 13, 2013, and has awed the world with his humility, humanity and love for all ever since.

In this new era of politics, it is important to remember the thoughts and beliefs of the Holy Father and Mark Shriver does it beautifully in his book, Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis,.

Over the last two and a half years, he researched the book and “learned a lot about what the “least among us” can achieve by working together. I have reflected quite a bit on that and on the Pope’s words since Election Day, and they have reenergized me and given me hope.”

He writes in the Boston Globe over the weekend,

Is his voice relevant as we embark on the era of President-elect Trump, when so many of his Cabinet appointees admire Ayn Rand and her theory of objectivism — that “man exists for his own sake,” that the pursuit of his own happiness is “his highest moral purpose,” that he “must not sacrifice himself to others, nor sacrifice others to himself”?

As Shriver concludes, “Get out of your comfort zone, he says. Get your shoes soiled by the mud of the street.”

We can think of no more appropriate way the Holy Father would want us to celebrate his 80th year on this planet. Thank you Mark Shriver.

First Lady’s Legacy Transcends Race

By

First Lady Michelle Obama announces the Best Picture Oscar to Argo live from the Diplomatic Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2013. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

As the Obama transition out of the White House, we can start to gauge the impact of Michelle Obama on the office of First Lady and her role in American history.

From the outset, her status in history books was already assumed to be set: she would be the first African-American first lady.

But it is clear that her impact on society transcends and expands beyond just that single fact.

Entering the White House in 2009, Michelle made clear her first focus was on the Obama girls, Malia and Sasha, who were 10 and 7 at the time. Michelle’s initial travel and event schedule was quieter than prior first ladies, in order to allow her to spend more time with her daughters.

However, on a trip to London that year, Obama realized the influence and empowerment she could bestow through her position, especially with children and especially disadvantaged youth.

“If you want to know the reason why I’m standing here, it’s because of education. I loved getting A’s. I liked being smart. I loved being on time. I loved getting my work done. I thought being smart was cooler than anything in the world,” she said on that trip. This message would be the backbone of her message as First Lady throughout her time in the White House.

Obama started to “turn the needle” to spend time and effort with projects such as childhood obesity, education, veterans and military families, healthy eating, the Let’s Move! Initiative, and even creating a White House garden.

At the dedication of the garden, Obama said:

“This garden has taught us that if we have the courage to plant a seed, just be brave enough to plant it, then take care of it, water it, tend to it, invite friends to help us take care of it, weather the storms that inevitably come, if we have the courage to do that, we never know what might grow. Now that’s what this garden has taught me, to be fearless in those efforts, to try some new things, to not be afraid to mess up. Things we tell our kids all the time.”

Even when she becomes former first lady, Michelle Obama has cemented that message in the lives of millions of Americans and people across the globe.

All Hail Joanna Coles and The Hearst 100 Power Women’s Lunch

By

Tammy Haddad and Joanna Coles at Michael’s for the Hearst 100 Women’s Power Lunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Women leaders in media, fashion and entertainment converged on the tony Manhattan media destination, Michael’s, to ring in the Hearst 100 Luncheon.

Hearst’s first chief content officer Joanna Coles hosted the lunch, newly elevated to her new role in September, after a smashingly successful tenure as editor in chief at Cosmopolitan.

Coles welcomed the crowd saying “I’m told that Mike Pence begins every meeting with a prayer. I’ll begin our entrée with a prayer and it goes like this: ‘Dear God, protect us from Mike Pence.’”

Cecile Richards also provided remarks to the room of power women on the merits of activism during the incoming Trump administration.

“Many women woke up on the morning of the election in a dead panic… we at Planned Parenthood had a 900 percent increase in women calling to get IUDs [contraceptives] the day after the election,” Richards said. Some of them literally said, ‘I want to get an IUD that will last the full duration of the Trump administration.’”

Cementing the critical role of the media, Richards concluded “women’s magazines and the women’s media have done a heroic job and they did this election in putting women first and telling the stories that no one would tell.”

Guests included Diane Sawyer, Diane von Furstenburg, Arianna Huffington, Megan Murphy, Christine Quinn, Brooke Garber Neidich, Aarthi Ramamurthy, Patti Harris, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Tina Brown,  Gayle King, Norah O’Donnell, Peggy Siegal, and Ali Wentworth.

The Washington squad included Adrienne Arsht, Maria Trabocchi, Tammy Haddad, Stephanie Schriock, Maria Teresa Kumar, Kim Kingsley, Kimball Stroud, and Ilyse Hogue.

Other media stars included NBC’s Stephanie Ruhle, New York Times’ two reporters Vanessa Friedman and Laura Holson and media maven Holly Peterson.

Cecile Richards at the Hearst 100 Power Women’s Lunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Joanna Coles at the Hearst 100 Power Women’s Lunch. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Malin Akerman, Star of Billions, and Tammy Haddad. Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Photo courtesy Haddad Media.

Top US Diplomat, former Time Editor to Harvard Kennedy School

By

Former State Department Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and former Time Managing Editor Richard Stengel has been named Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.

His fellowship studies will concentrate on the connection between government and media.  While in residence at the Shorenstein Center, Stengel will meet with students and faculty, conduct study groups, and speak for the Harvard community at events.  His term as fellow will last from February 1, 2017 through May 2017.

“Mr. Stengel’s combination of experience—from leading one of the nation’s premier news publications to guiding America’s public diplomacy in the Obama administration, not to mention his experience around the world, especially in covering South Africa—make him an unusual and exceptional fit for the Kennedy School,” said Center Director Nicco Mele.  “We look forward to welcoming him to our community.”

Stengel is the longest-serving U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in history.  He was Managing Editor of Time from 2006 through 2013, including 2012 when Time won Magazine of the Year.

The Shorenstein Center is based at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  Its mission is to study and analyze the effects of media and technology, public policy and politics.