How Washington Works

January 16, 2009 - Maulana

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Today’s featured speaker was Sam Donaldson of ABC News. Donaldson’s lecture focused on “How Washington Works.” He did not speak of the formal workings of Washington; he spoke of how things “really” happen here.

He spoke to us about the purpose and the wide range of lobbyists. Donaldson also spoke about the purpose of media in politics and how politicians use the media to their advantage. Apparently the most adept players in the game of politics know when to leak information to the media in order to derail a bill or to get public support (TARP anyone?). Politicians use press releases and personal/professional relationships with journalists in their favor. This brings to mind President-Elect Obama's recent visit to Ohio to talk directly to the people. I'm sure that his camp knew that, in doing so, the media would follow and there would be a renewed discussion around the bailout plan. Does this fall into the category of what Donaldson spoke about, or is this circumventing the media in a sense?

The next portion of the program was a panel discussion with four former members of Congress. The topic of discussion was "The Congress and the Transition." There has been a considerable amount of discussion regarding the fact that Congress is reluctant to upset their constituents about TARP (which hasn't made its way to Main Street yet as the foreclosures continue to increase) and SCHIP (which some, not many but some, are balking about insuring children who are in the U.S. illegally. As if the answer to any of the country's current problems can be solved by denying children, any children healthcare). So is the President-Elect going to try to address his constituency directly? While Obama's plan may be to reach out to the public, he is not without bite to his bark. It is rumored that he is willing to throw a wrench is some of Congress' pending legislation, and, when an incoming president's approval rating is as high as Obama's, that wrench could really slow and already long process.

What does all of this mean? Well to me it means we may have underestimated the amount of difference within the Democratic Party and it points to the foresight our President-Elect had/has to reach out across party lines when his party is not a sure thing. The transition encompasses the first 100 days of President-Elect Obama's administration; in his first 100 days Obama has compiled a considerable to do list that includes (but is not limited to): a plan for Iraq, close Guantanamo Bay, and a first draft of the universal health bill. How will he fair with his 100 day plan? How supportive will Congress be? And how supportive will we be?

Today our group left early to head to the State Department. One of the students in our group had been able to secure us a tour and discussion with Deborah E. Graze, the Director of Outreach. While we were there, we were offered the opportunity to see Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice deliver her farewell speech to her colleagues in the State Department. For me, this was the highlight thus far. I have long admired Condoleeza Rice for her brilliance and her poise. Secretary of State Rice focused her comments on the agency's primary responsibility "... the greatest opportunity that we've had is to act on what America truly believes..." She spoke about always having the highest ideals and intentions in mind, in order that women, children and people may live freely everywhere. While we may not all agree on the methods the Bush administration used, Secretary Rice's words reminded me of the fact that any administration acts with the best interest of the nation at the crux of all its decisions. Furthermore, I believe Secretary Rice truly wanted to exercise diplomacy as the first line of defense, as evidenced by the aerial incident off the coast of China in 2001, but under the administration she served that may have been particularly difficult. Secretary Rice spoke with an undeniable sincerity that actually brought tears to my eyes. I was especially humbled, awed, and proud to be here today.

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