I went. I saw. I met.
The most surprising thing about the White House Correspondents dinner last night was that George Clooney ate at the table directly behind me, about four feet away. With him were the White House Chief of Staff and the Ambassador to the U.N. At the table in front of me was the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. But no one cared about any of them. Folks were jostling me out of the way to get pictures of Clooney before dinner was served. I restrained my urge to lean back during dinner and tell him that I loved O Brother and didn’t really care for Good Night (which I saw a few weeks ago). I had help resisting this urge from his personal body guard, standing directly behind him during dinner in the middle of the ballroom.
I saw (close-up) John McLaughlin, Tony Snow, Lou Dobbs, Margaret Carlson, Matt Cooper, Justice Scalia, Bob Bennett, and dozens more.
I was actually introduced to or had conversations with Morgan Fairchild, John Negraponte, the Saudi Ambassador, and Evan Thomas, among others.
I was a bit surprised by the lack of security. Anyone in formal wear could have walked into the pre-parties and been nose-to-nose with most of the big-wigs without being questioned.
As I thought it would be, rubbing elbows with these folks was interesting. But, I find it hard to get as excited as some of the other people there were — rushing from place to place, trying to ogle as many famous people as possible. People were there to see and be seen. All a bit silly when you think about it… but fun.
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April 30th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Did you happen to see if Clooney was laughing during Stephen Colbert’s routine? What was the reaction of your table and the tables around you at Colbert’s “snarkiness?” Was it inapropos or on par for such events?
Inquiring minds want to know…
April 30th, 2006 at 9:49 pm
Any of those banned-in-the-U.S.A. Cuban cigars?
May 1st, 2006 at 6:09 am
Nope Rex, no cigars.
The times I remember Clooney laughing the most were not during Colbert’s bit. That was consistent with the reaction at the table. People seemed to enjoy Bush and the Bush impersonator much more than Colbert.
I do remember him laughing quite a bit at the video retrospective of Presidential humor. Reagan told a joke about a Republican politician speaking in the South. All he could find to stand on to address the crowd was a big pile of “what Bess Truman tried for 35 years to get Harry to call fertilizer.” One man said to the politician that was the first time he’d ever heard a speech by a Republican. He replied that it was the first time he’d given a Republican speech from atop a Democratic platform.
May 2nd, 2006 at 12:35 pm
I voted twice for Bush, have serious libertarian leanings, and I loved Colbert’s speech. It was fun, irreverent, and just what you’d want in a roasting, pedestal bashing event.
May 4th, 2006 at 7:29 pm
This here redneck grandma from Bush’s hometown is restraining herself not to be jealous. Tony Snow is so hot…who cares about Clooney?
Anyway, if I ever got invited I would have to wear a bib from drooling over a few politicians and newsy people. LOL
Happy for you!
May 4th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
That whole thing was a stitch, though I admit I got tired of Colbert’s ramblings. Bush and Bush were the hit in my book. Of course, seeing George Clooney would have made my day. I’m so glad you got to go. Tux and all.