White House Correspondents Insider

Behind the scenes of one of the most powerful clubs in America.

2013 White House Correspondents Brunch Video

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The 2013 White House Correspondents’ Dinner and Annual Brunch are over, but it doesn’t stop you from giving to important organizations that need your support the Miss America Foundation for scholarships and CURE epilepsy for brain research. Retired Army Captain Pat Horan and his wife Patty received the Garden Brunch Heroes Award and WHCA President Ed Henry was presented with an award to salute 99 years of White House Correspondents. The Garden Brunch was a great opportunity for the Washington media to interact with charities, tech pioneers and bold-faced names that attended the dinner.

You can donate to Miss America Foundation and CURE from these links.

CNN Gets Tapper, ABC Has Their Own Shuffle and No Go on ''Plan B"

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In case you thought it was the end of the world–well, it’s just another Friday for the District.

In pre-Christmas media shuffle CNN announced that Jake Tapper is their new chief Washington correspondent and anchor. Mike Ryan’s Playbook backstory sheds light on what CNN seems to have in mind for the former ABC correspondent: “Tapper’s new show will initially air during one of the hours that CNN programming is in D.C., between 4 and 7 p.m., after which it will likely find a later time slot. The pitch to Tapper by incoming CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker was key to the hire. Before his White House gig, Tapper was a utility player at ABC News, doing stories on Iraq, the culture wars, and plenty of general assignment stories ranging from the Virginia Tech attacks to interviewing Larry David. A show that focused on a broader palette of story subjects, from politics to international affairs to sports to popular culture, has always been his main goal.”

Which means over at ABC, Jonathan Karl has become their new Chief White House Correspondent and Martha Raddatz is bumped to Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, which the release notes will find her as “primary substitute for George Stephanopoulos on This Week and will contribute regularly to the roundtable” along with Karl.

Going to the pundit side, Politico has Purple Stategies’ Rob Collins being vetted for the National Republican Senatorial Commitee.

Would you call the failure to pass Speaker John Boehner’s “Plan B” proposal “embarrassing”? You’re not alone as nearly everyone lead with that description after last night’s rejection of his fiscal cliff spending plan. Here’s a sampling:

Bloomberg: “The flawed approach left Boehner embarrassed and Republicans without a clear alternative to Obama’s proposal to raise $1.2 trillion in taxes on high earners and cut $1.2 trillion in spending.”

Washington Post’s Right Turn: “House Republicans embarrassed their speaker Thursday night by shutting down his Plan B to protect all but millionaires from a tax hike, come Jan. 1. How close was the GOP to having enough support for Speaker John Boehner’s plan? A senior leadership aide replied glumly, ‘Not close enough.'”

On Morning Joe, David Axelrod said: “But the fact that they couldn’t even pass that was an embarrassment. This is the longest day of the year and certainly true for John Boehner, I’m sure he’s scratching his head right now.”

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More Photos from CURE Epilepsy's Key for the Cure 2012

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We’re looking at more photos from Friday’s Slash the ‘Stache announcement at CURE Epilepsy’s Key to the Cure 2012 event on Friday. Purple Strategies’ Alex Castilianos has put up his own mustache if CURE can get 500 more donors between now and January 1st. From the Ann Hand CURE pins to the red, white and blue jelly beans, the Key to the Cure was a great success.

How big? The Reliable Source got this from Connie Milstein?:

“Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. He looks 10 years younger.”

HuffPost’s DC Impact has a full set of photos from Friday’s reception ranging from Vice President Biden, Susan Axelrod, co-host Heather Podesta and more of the DC insiders.

VP Biden Surprises Axelrods at CURE Epilepsy Event

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CURE Epilepsy’s 2012 Key to the Cure event announced a new Slash The Stache campaign: CNN pundit and Purple Strategies’ own Alex Castellanos has volunteered to give up his moustache if he can bring in 500 more donors. At the event, co-hosted by Connie Milstein and JC de La Haye Saint Hilarie, Tammy Haddad and Susan & David Axelrod, David Axelrod started off remarks with a rhetorical question: “So what’s a mustache,” said Axelrod. “What’s a mustache mean? We got $1.1 million to remove it.”

Held at a private residence in Washington, D.C., Susan and David Axelrod, fresh from their Morning Joe appearance where he lost his iconic mustache, informed the assembled crowd about the DC campaign. “Alex called me and said ‘I’d be willing to join you in this Slash the Stache’ movement if that would be helpful. Tonight we announced on CNN if we can add another 500 donors to the 26 donors we added this month, he will shave his mustache off on CNN. Which, as Alex pointed out, for a Cuban is even harder than it is for me.”

Axelrod closed out his announcement by making way for a surprise guest: Vice President Joe Biden.

“He has great empathy for people who struggle,” said Axelrod in his introduction. “He came out and spoke at our dinner last year in Chicago. Everyone in that room felt like there was a family member there talking to them because he understood their struggles.”

“I came tonight,” said Vice President Biden, “because I think it’s appropriate to nominate Susan for the Nobel peace prize. Because it’s great to be at a bi-partisan event in Washington where everyone knows what to cut and who should pay for it.”

The Vice President went on to address the effects of epilepsy, including the fifteen million effected throughout the world by the disease along with 65,000 that perish from the disease. Referencing his own sister-in-law’s son, Vice President Biden described it as “not only a lightning storm in the brain, but a knife in the heart.”

“All you have to do is look in my sister-in-law’s eyes,” said Biden, “Look at this magnificent child and know there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop the seizure.”

Biden singled out the great scientific work of three top NIH doctors, Dr. Frances Collins, Dr. Story Landis and Dr. Tony Fauci. He also praised the “bi-partisan” efforts of Alex Castellanos in joining the DC Campaign. Washington veteran Heather Podesta is Castellanos co-chair of the new campaign.

Guests included Obama top aides Alan Krueger, Fred Hochberg, Alyssa Mastromonaco, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Favreau, Ben Rhodes, Bruce Reed, Evan Ryan, Tony Blanken and Cody Keenan. Tech was well represented by Fred and Kim Humphries of Microsoft and Walt Mossberg of “All Things Digital.”The Defense Department’s Jeremy Bash and former Defense Department official Doug Wilson attended along with Dr Mark Dybul, the new head of the Global Fund for AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria. GOP Hill top aides Doug Heye (Cantor) and Michael (Boehner) and MK Steel were there to support the cause and Alex Castellanos. Media favorites Jonathan & Betsy Fischer Martin, Ed Henry, Bill Plante,Kimberly Dozier, Luke Russert, Gretel Truong, Kelley McCormick and Patricia Harrison, President of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Washington newcomer, New York Times Congressional reporter Jeremy Peters and partner, Dr. Brendan Camp were greeted by new Washington colleagues. Purple was well represented by Steve McMahon and Rob Collins.

You can watch the full video of the event including the Vice President’s remarks below:

Video streaming by Ustream

Friends and sponsors included Jim McGreevey, American Beverage Association, Dan Whyte, from Brookfield Renewable, Erik Smith from Blue Engine Message & Media, Microsoft, Walmart and American Airlines. Greta Van Susteren and husband John Coale were thanked for their support, friendship and co-sponsoring the event.

David Greenberg was the lucky 11 year old boy along with babysitter Lauren Campbell who were given a ride home by the Vice President in his motorcade!

R.I.P. Axelrod's Mustache 1972-2012

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History was made today on Morning Joe as we all saw David Axelrod‘s mustache for the last time. Well, that’s being overly dramatic since it’ll probably be back in a month, but you know what we’re getting at.

Axelrod promised to put his famed facial hair under the razor if his Slash the’Stache could raise a million dollars–and it did! After presenting New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg with an award at a CURE Epilepsy reception last night, Axelrod showed up to have his public shaving. Surrounded by the MoJoe regulars, his wife Susan and even Willie Geist and Savannah Guthrie beamed in from the set of Today it finally came time to make good on CURE’s promise to slash the ‘stache.

Words can’t describe a stache-less Axelrod. Which is why there’s the now-iconic still of a grinning man who received a million dollars to help fund research for a great cause.

Reckless 'Stache Endangerment Plagues Axelrod

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David Axelrod

Woe unto the man who wields his mustache for personal gain, or at least that’s the thought coming from Alexandra Petri at  WaPo’s ComPost. Taking a second shot at David Axelrod‘s carefree attitude when it comes to putting his ‘stache up for collateral when it comes to bets. Only this time it’s more against the CURE’s new Slash the ‘Stache fundraiser.

This shall not pass! Does he dislike epilepsy research? First, he pits Mustache Preservation against Civic Duty; now, Mustache Preservation must go head-to-head with Supporting Good Causes? Has he no shame? After his loyal mustache fought its way out of the electoral gladiatorial arena, staggering but victorious, he demands that it turn again and battle for its life? At least allow the thing to rest.

Mustaches should not be so lightly bandied about. A mustache is a terrible thing to waste, and it is this cavalier attitude that has made them retreat in terror to their traditional haunts on the upper lips of hipsters and ’70s porn stars.

Tough words! In fact, the toughness is something that every reaction across the Internet seems to have when it comes to a ‘stache-less Joe Scarborough. While sites clamored to come up with the best puns in their headers (Politico: “Scarborough’s close shave”) others felt more of ak “J’accuse” was in order (NY Mag and WaPo: “Joe Scarborough Buys His Way Out of Mustache Bet”).

But even a joke can be helpful, as The Hill chronicled a rare online interaction between Axelrod and Donald Trump that ended with The Donald promising some funds–no confirmed amount–to bring a trimmer ever closer to ending the gloriously preserved mustache. Even without the construction magnate, donations are still coming in to Slash the ‘Stache, which you can donate to here even if you’re concerned about the recklessly endangered facial hair.

CURE Epilepsy Announces Slash The 'Stache

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Joe Scarborough and Susan Axelrod

It may be  Movember, but CURE Epilepsy raised the bar for slashing mustaches.

Earlier today on Morning Joe, David Axelrod came calling after last week’s on-air bet when the senior adviser to Obama’s reelection campaign put up his prized flavor saver if the president lost Pennslvania, Michigan or Minnesota.  But Scarborough would have to grow his own ‘stache if the president swept all three and took North Carolina or Florida.

While the votes are still being sorted in Florida, it was looking likely that Scarborough would have a warm upper lip. As he got a few pop culture examples (the Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, the Borat, the Dali), Axelrod offered to let the MSNBC morning host off the hook by donating to CURE Epilepsy’s new campaign: Slash the ‘Stache. Within seconds, Mika and Joe offered $10,000 for the cause, which you can donate here.

In honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, David Axelrod will follow through with the original bet and shave the mustache that he’s had for the last 40 years–but only if donations reach $1 million. Slash the ‘Stache will culminate with CURE’s Boston event on the 28th, where we’ll find out if Joe and Mika get the first attempt at shaving off the greatest mustache in modern politics–and help  Susan Axelrod see her husband sans ‘stache.

See the original announcement from Morning Joe:

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Magic in the Air at WH Correspondents’ Garden Brunch

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Woody Harrelson is a man of many talents, and at Saturday’s WH Correspondents’ Garden Brunch, he wowed the crowd with some magic tricks.

The mega-movie star pulled out a deck of cards on the back lawn and delighted kids and adults with his magic cards. Here is Woody Harrelson with Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson and David Axelrod.

The Starts Align at WH Correspondents' Dinner Garden Brunch

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Georgetown was the center of the action today as Hollywood stars Lindsay Lohan, Matthew Morrison, and Chase Crawford joined political stars Valerie Jarrett, Gov. Jerry Brown and Haley Barbour and media hot shots Willie Geist, Greta van Susteren, and Arianna Huffington to support the White Ribbon Alliance and CURE Epilepsy at the 19th annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch.

Lindsay Lohan arrived with Greta van Susteren & John Coale, Kris Jenner and lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley and guests lined up to meet her and shake hands.  After listening to the speeches, Lohan wowed the young volunteers who lined up for photos.

Hosted by Tammy Haddad, Kevin Sheekey, Hilary Rosen, Clarke Camper, Mark Ein, Alex Castellanos, Anita Dunn, Bill Knapp, David Adler, Steve McMahon and Franco Nuschese, guests strolled through Ein’s home and marveled at all the star power.

Spotted in the crowd were Bob Barnett and Elle Macpherson, Kris Jenner, Kate Hudson, Kerry Washington, Tim Daly and Woody Harrelson.

Hosain Rahman from Jawbone donated super-hot Jamboxes to anyone who made a significant donation to White Ribbon Alliance or CURE.  Elle Macpherson used her supermodel moxy to quiet the crowd as she, Rosario Dawson and Willie Geist presented the Jamboxes to the lucky donors including Bret Baier, Steve Schmidt and Steve Clemons.

Also honored at the event were Steve and Jean Case for their innovation and philanthropy and Susan Axelrod for her tireless work to find a cure for epilepsy.  GOP power house Alex Castellanos moved the crowd with his speech about Lauren Axelrod’s struggle with relentless seizures.  Both Susan and David Axelrod had tears in their eyes as Alex recounted the family’s battle with their daughter’s illness.

Steve and Jean Case accepted their award from NYSE Euronext’s Clarke Camper with a beautiful reminder that everyone has the power to help people in need.

You can watch the program from the Garden Brunch tonight on C-SPAN prior to the live broadcast of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

White House Corespondents Brunch: CURE and White Ribbon Alliance Summer Hits

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The 2011 WHC Garden Brunch featured two great organizations, CURE Epilepsy and the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. Our honorary co-chairs Susan Axelrod and Wendi Murdoch led the push for advocacy and results.

2011 White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch from whcinsider on Vimeo.

Thanks to your generous donations, CURE Epilepsy is having a record-breaking year in raising funds to find a cure. Your dollars are making a difference. Recently, a CURE-Funded Project had a major breakthrough. UC Irvine and French researchers identified a central switch responsible for the transformation of healthy brain cells into epileptic ones, opening the way to both treat and prevent temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy affects 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population, and TLE is the most common form of the disorder in adults. Among adult neurologic conditions, only migraine headaches are more prevalent. TLE is resistant to treatment in 30 percent of cases.

“We’re quite excited about this discovery,” UCI neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Tallie Z. Baram said. “Understanding how previous brain infections, seizures or injuries can interact with the cellular machinery to cause epilepsy is a crucial step toward designing drugs to prevent the process. We don’t want to just treat people with epilepsy. We hope to develop medicines that will prevent epilepsy from occurring – and influence the lives of millions of people around the globe.”

The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is using the month of July to encourage leaders to recognize the importance of health workers. There is a shortage of more than 3.5 million health workers across the globe and millions of existing health workers lack the support, equipment, and training they need to provide quality care. These nurses, doctors, midwives and community health workers are vital for progress on global health and development and for ensuring the millennium development goals are met.

In September, decision-makers will convene at the United Nations General Assembly to review progress on the Millennium Development Goals. It will be an opportunity for governments to announce substantial and specific commitments to support and invest in health workers. By sharing your voice on these issues, together change can be made.

Here is our photo gallery including David and Susan Axelrod, Rupert and Wendi Murdoch, Sarah and Todd Palin, Matthew Morrison, Jeremy Piven, Bill and Bernie Daley, Tina Tchen, Eric Podwall, Chelsea Handler, T. Boone Pickens and many other notables.

We are proud to support the work of CURE Epilepsy and the White Ribbon Alliance, and encourage you to do the same by clicking on the links below.