Social networking

ChrossTalk has become my new and all consuming project at the Network. We sent the first two interviews to the Director of New Media, and if given approval by his superior, our podcasts will appear on the Network's website and Facebook page, which has 200,000+ "likes." Suffice it to say, that would be an amazing opportunity. What's more, Chip is in contact with the Brown Daily Herald (BDH) and the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI).

As someone who socially networked (i.e. on the internet) poorly in high school, I had to slog through other blogs yesterday, learning how to promote ChrossTalk via new media. Designing and constructing the blog was relatively easy. In an effort to spread the word, Chip and I blasted an email to 100s of people on our email lists. I created a ChrossTalk twitter and Facebook page and attempted to synchronize them with the ChrossTalk site. All the while, Chip worked and is working on our rrs feed and creating subscriptions on Itunes. We submitted our url to google crawl and hope in the coming weeks that our site will be the first to appear on the google search engine. It's difficult now getting the systems in place, but then again, we're just a start-up. This a brave new world into which I'm venturing.

In Biology we learned about two reproductive strategies -- K-selection and R-selection. K-selection refers to those species who rear a few children, but take care of them and invest in their survival, like elephants and humans. R-selection refers to those species who produce 1000s of children and hope a few survive. In that spirit, I've employed R-selection for coordinating interviews, also known as "fire-and-forget." I've sent out probably 30 queries, and so far only two have confirmed, a few more denied, and most have not responded. When it comes to organizing interviews through July, I'm in limbo.

As a side note, Chip and I gave Chris a squash lesson: I'm good cop, he's bad cop.

Charles Krauthammer

Today all the interns took the metro to meet with Charles Krauthammer, a conservative columnist for the Washington Post. The meeting was excellent, lasting well over two hours.

Mr. Krauthammer began with a 25 minute discussion on how he found his profession, entitled "how not to become columnist." Interestingly he went to medical school and was a psychiatrist for 3 years but he had a couple of fortuitous career events happen at the right times. When asked to write two columns a week -- the industry norm at the time -- he insisted (successfully) that he write only one, explaining to us that "writing a column is like having sex with a nymphomaniac ... once you stop, you start up right again."

We then moved to question-and-answers. Mr. Krauthammer spoke so eloquently and comprehensively that we spent 90 minutes on four questions. We talked about the importance of studying history, the Obama revolution, the national debt, and Israel. He labeled the intense partisanship in Washington as a positive force, reminding us that being an ideologue means that one adheres to a strict set of political beliefs. Mr. Krauthammer then explained that we are in the midst of a great national and public debate in this country, one that decides whether we honor the tradition of limited government and the Constitution or follow the path of a European Social Democracy and encourage a nanny-state and rampant spending: in the former, the individual defines his own goals in life; in the latter, the government has that job. In my opinion, the former is clearly superior. Our President has been destructive: one has to work real hard to accumulate trillions of debt in just three years. Mr. Krauthammer confirmed my beliefs, explaining that the consequences of reelecting President Obama -- a democratic Reagan, in terms of revolutionary change -- would be disastrous. The Republican presidential field is mediocre at this point. However, there's a generation of up-and-coming stars -- Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan -- who will be prime to run in the following cycles. The question is, can Republicans continue to command public opinion. The President is ignoring entitlement reform, betting that Americans approve of deficit reduction and spending cuts in the abstract, but shirk away from the tangibles.

In other news, ChrossTalk officially went public today, and we posted our fist two podcasts! Please visit www.chrosstalk.wordpress.com.

This weekend

First order of business: I finally figured out how to use my camera and have now uploaded photos to the appropriate posts. If you're at all interested, please look back at some other posts to see the photos I've taken.

For me, this weekend was all about being a tourist.

On Saturday, I visited the National Portrait Gallery. I could've spent hours there, but as I was limited on time, I decided to visit the President's exhibit, which was amazing. Part of Mr. White's US History class was studying portraits of American Presidents: the exhibit displayed many of these famous paintings. I was able to sneak a picture with the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington during his final days in office. I then took the DC Metro downtown to Ben's Chili Bowl, a DC landmark. As all tourists do, I ordered a Chili Half-Smoke. The meal was good, but I honestly don't understand all of the hype. That afternoon I played squash with Chip, and then went to a cook-out (that's what they're called in the South apparently) in Alexandria, VA. In a whimsical and impulsive moment, I had Chris give me a buzz-cut afterwards.

Today, Chris and Pete took me to the Florida Avenue Grill (another DC landmark), and I had my first taste of scrapple, which I thought was DELICIOUS. I took a quick bike ride through the FDR memorial (eh ...) and at 1 pm, I went to Result (the gym) and had my first league match. Unfortunately I lost in 3: I played an older guy, which means he wailed on the ball and hit crazy, unconventional shots. Suffice it to say, I was quite rattled. Tonight, I hosted a dinner party -- Weeds with Sausage -- at the boat.

CHROSSTALK update

Today I worked on CHROSSTALK. All morning I designed and constructed the new website (http://chrosstalk.wordpress.com/), prepared questions for our afternoon interview, and researched talking points for the commentary Chip and I do.

I joined Pete and Justin Goodyear for lunch at Chef Geoff's. I had Justin's dad, Mr. Goodyear, during senior year, and it was really interesting to get to know the family better.

This afternoon, I went to the Progressive Policy Institute, and Chip and I interviewed Will Marshall. Chip then came back to the American Action Network/Forum to record the commentary for our podcast. In order to not distract the other interns in cubicles, Chip and I took a private office. Suffice it say, Chip and I got cross with each other! Our first podcast will most likely go public this Monday.

After work, I went to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. I was surprised at how faded the Declaration was. John Hancock's signature is virtually unrecognizable, less the curve of the lower j. Pete later told me that the document was pinned to a wall in front of sunlight for 50 years.

I returned to the boat, and took a quick sunset bike ride to the Jefferson Memorial. I forgot to bring a bike lock, but nevertheless enjoyed staring at the outside of the monument.

Busy, busy, busy

The morning began with my first ever committee hearing! At 9 am, five other interns and I went to the Dirksen Senate Office Building to here Douglas Holtz-Eakin, our boss, testify before the Senate Finance Committee (http://finance.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=06edea00-5056-a032-520b-ed4523ba7815). I had two big scares. First, I realized in the cab that I had left my ID in the office, but found out that it was not necessary for entrance into the building. Second, when we arrived, there was 50-75 person line -- members of the public, for whom the committee hearing was open. However, the interns and I were able to cut the entire line -- to the chagrin of the public -- and sit in the front row behind Doug, Bruce Vladeck, Gov. Fletcher (R-KY), and Gov. Patrick (D-MA).

I learned that senators do not have to be present at a given hearing. In attendance was Chairman Baucus (D-MT), ranking member Hatch (R-UT), Sen. Rockefeller (D-WV), Sen. Bingaman (D-NM), Sen. Wyden (D-OR), Sen. Nelson (D-FL), Sen. Carper (D-DE), Sen. Cardin (D-MD), Sen. Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Thune (R-SD), and Sen. Burr (R-NC). Interestingly, senators from both parties questioned primarily those testifying who shared similar political views. Consequently, Gov. Patrick spoke a lot, while Doug was asked very little. As with all things public on the Hill, it seemed the hearing was staged. Another intern confirmed that a lot of real work that happens in DC occurs during private bill mark-ups and committee hearings.

That afternoon, Chip and I had lunch to further plan upcoming ChrossTalk episodes. I continue requesting interviews with Washington luminaries. I've employed the fire-and-forget strategy. Cast as many queries as possible and hope that one person actually returns my call. I called Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's office, trying to get an in by emphasizing that Chip and I both attend Brown, and that the podcast will be sponsored by the Brown Daily Herald. We'll see if the Senator's office ever returns my call.

This afternoon, I continued doing research for the primer and had to recycle all the old stationary for the Forum/Network's old address. I spent the last hour of my day working on an excel equation that plotted a commission-donation relationship for potential benefactors. My efforts were fruitless. What would have taken Doug -- a veritable economics genius -- five minutes, took us a failed hour.

Holy crap

Yesterday, I again went to the Capitol Hill Club for breakfast. I was leisurely eating, staring out over the crowd to see if anyone recognizable was dining. Lo and behold, at around 9 am, in walked Michele Bachmann. At first I was incredulous, believing that I confused Rep. Bachmann with another, strikingly similar woman. She sat down at the table next to the bar -- where I was sitting -- and her distinctive Minnesotan accent confirmed that it was indeed Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), a Republican candidate for President in 2012. Unfortunately, I could neither approach her for a conversation nor ask for an interview, because that would have been inappropiate and out of place. As I have said before, Republican Reps go to the basement dining room of the Capitol Hill Club for the express purpose of avoiding picture-hungry gawkers like me. Alas, the moment will last only in my memories and not on iPhoto.

Later that morning, I went with Cameron, an employee at the American Action Forum to an event hosted by Resources for the Future, entitled "Energy Policy Symposium: Market Responses and the Effectiveness of Energy Policies." The conference was about the way in which government can nudge market forces to promote clean energy policies, rather than the normal doom-and-gloom Armageddon scenario one often associates with any discussions regarding the environment. The talks and panels were generally WAY over my head, but nevertheless, still interesting.

My brain was pretty fried after the symposium, but I continued doing research on the Fed primer I will be writing for the Forum (provided they deem it worthy of attaching their name to it).

More legit tasks

I am beginning to establish credibility as an intern. One of my supervisors asked me to code a second round of regulations. This task was far more important than the last, because it was Dodd-Frank specific, and presumably will be used by center-right conservatives on the Hill.

Another Forum employee and I were tasked with writing a primer on the Federal Reserve. The task, suffice it to say, is huge! We have 12 pages to talk about the history, status, and issues surrounding our nation's central bank. Provided that we do a good job, the Forum might use our article on their site.

I'd like to introduce you to a new segment of my blog: Chross Talk. Chip and I are creating a podcast, in which we discuss current event, interview Washington luminaries, and analyze our discussions. We get cross when talking, as we often rattle each other.

A busy weekend

I woke up at 4:45 am on Saturday to take the 6:20 Amtrak back to Newport. The Amtrak normally fills up at New York, but I discovered that if you fake sleep across both chairs, no one bothers you. Once the train leaves the station, I miraculously wake up, and have an extra chair on which to spread out my legs. Everyone else on the train is stuck with a stranger.

That night, I attended a reception for Barry Hinckley, who is running against Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for the 2012 seat (http://www.hinckleyforsenate.com/). Never before have I been in a room with so many conservative Rhode Islanders. The reception was fun, because it was essentially a cocktail 3hr with plenty of hors d'oeuvre's, and it gave me an opportunity to schmooze with like minded individuals. Interestingly, Barry and I know each other from playing squash, and our relationship began when I found out he attended Deerfield, Choate's rival.

The next day, my family and I drove to Hartford to attend a graduation luncheon in honor of Shu Saha, a classmate of mine at Choate. It was great to see some of my friends post-graduation and also to gorge myself on excessive quantities of Indian food.

I took Amtrak back that night. I should add that it's profoundly annoying when fellow passenger near you have an inane conversation. I kid you not ... for 2 hours, these two ladies were talking about trivial matters too loudly and periodically calling friends and using speaker phone. I just wanted to scream "SHUT UP!" but I guess it's important to be polite ...

Friday 6/17/11

The American Action Network/Forum used to share offices with Karl Rove's organization, American Crossroads. Consequently, mail is often delivered to the wrong location. I was elected the messenger and had to deliver a package to American Crossroads and pick up some mail for my the Network/Forum. What should have been a 5 minute walk became 20, due primarily to my lack of any sense of direction. I actually went through a metal detector and got past the security of the wrong building! I arrived and was hoping to meet Karl Rove, but he wasn't in.

I got tickets to see the Nationals, the MLB team for DC. Ben, another intern, and I went to see the game (vs. Orioles): it was the best seats I've ever had! We were 16 rows away from the dugout. And ... the Nationals won! I have to say, the food was such a rip off. Beer, which -- as a disclaimer -- I didn't drink, cost 9 dollars a can. Normally I would blame the Fed for rising prices, but in this situation, the food stands were taking advantage of us.

A Big Day

On Thursday morning, I went to the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill (Capitol Hill Club) to have breakfast. Never before have I been in a room with so many Washington luminaries ... it was pretty awesome. Midway through my bacon-and-eggs, a Rep. from Tennessee (I unfortunately don't remember his name), briefly joined our discussion: it's refreshing to hear politicians discuss contentious matter with content and analysis that extends beyond media soundbite and one sentence phrases. Also in the room was Rep. Herrera (R-WA) and Heather Wilson, who will likely win a 2012 US Senate seat in New Mexico.

After breakfast, I went to Rep. Rich Nugent's (R-FL) office. Though the "Sheriff" wasn't in, I talked with most of his staff. Coincidentally, we were in the Chief of Staff's office when Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) announced his resignation.

Interestingly, I read, later that day, a New York Post headline which read, "Obama beats Weiner."

I continued slogging through coding regulations. This job has taken me hours. If Ron Paul were President, it would have taken 20 minutes. In 2012 I'll be of age to vote: I'm sure you can guess which candidate I will not vote for.

Awkward ...

Yesterday was fun. I had to drop off a package at the office of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Everything was hunky-dory until I arrived. Whereas most members have offices surrounding the Capitol, Congressional and Senate leadership have posh offices right in the building, which for my purposes, meant more security checkpoints. Carrying a pretty large and conspicuous package, I managed to make it past the first round of security, even though the officer stopped and accosted me. I eventually convinced him to let me through. Once I got into the Capitol, I made it through the metal detector, and was about to bolt, when the officer noticed I was clearly nervous and guilty about something and stopped me at the entrance. Because I don't have the proper ID, I was denied entrance, and had to have a random staffer pick up the package. If I had acted like I knew where I was going, I would have been fine. My problem -- I'm not suave.

In the afternoon, former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) came by the office. We locked eyes, but I didn't introduce myself, which was ultimately a mistake. Having been in DC for a couple days, I'm slowly learning with whom it's appropriate to introduce myself and with whom it's inappropriate.

In other news, I've been plugging along on coding and citing regulations, and I was charged with making "professional looking" placards for the office.

Bottom of the Food Chain

The title senior meant  "big man on campus," the top of the social hierarchy. A week later, I have been quickly reminded that I am, once again, way, way, way at the bottom of the food chain.

Take for example the Medicaid Panel I attended yesterday. Luckily, I heard Senator Coburn (R-OK) and Senator Burr (R-NC) deliver the keynote addresses. After their remarks, I was asked to leave the room, and man the registration desk. Unfortunately I missed the rest of the discussion. I'm not complaining though: it's what's to be expected. Also, Chip, whose interning in DC at the Progressive Policy Institute (a very liberal think tank), gave me some company.

The rest of the day was pretty lax. I went to Five Guys for lunch, which was amazing, and then I had some hours in the afternoon off, so I explored DC, vising the Washington Monument, the WW2 Memorial, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial. Given the heat and my lack of fitness, a couple miles walking in the heat felt interminable at times -- I need to hit the gym; I guess. (Another gap year goal of mine is to get a 6 pack. Currently I have a case)

When I returned, I was given more grunt work. The American Action Network/Forum has an upcoming board meeting, so I had to collate and staple 100s of pieces of paper, which took some time. 

I'm loving the internship so far, but it's definitely humbling to be a freshman 1 week after graduating as a senior.

Internship Day 1

Today was busy.

I arrived at the American Action Network/Forum, was assigned a cubicle, and immediately got to work, meeting my co-workers and writing a bio (which took a surprisingly long time). I struggled with being gregarious in an environment where all the other interns are at least 5 years older than I am. With characteristic awkwardness and well employed self-deprecating humor, I managed to meet and befriend most in the office.

I went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch, where all the Chief of Staff's and alums of Floridian representatives were having a reunion . At Choate, I felt like a silenced minority; at this lunch, a member of the vocal majority. Of the 30-40 people there, all were Republicans :) Representative John L. Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, stopped by briefly -- my first encounter with someone famous on the Hill.

This afternoon, I summarized bills, compiled data for the Forum, and helped produce a video with Doug Holltz-Eakin, President of the American Action Forum, former director of the Congressional Budget Office, and former domestic policy adviser to John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign.

Tonight, I went to American University Kogod School of Business, and listened to lectures on leadership ... it was very interesting!

In other news, I bought a camera!

Books and internship

Two things ...

1. My gap year has officially started!! I spent 8+ hours on a train today, traveling from Kingston to DC. All I've learned so far is that I HATE Amtrak and by relation, the government. Excuse the rant, but yes, I'm pretty conservative (I'm priming you for the next 3 weeks). It makes sense that I'm annoyed by a government-run institution -- Amtrak -- and am working at a libertarian advocacy group.

2. One of my gap year goals is to read a book per week. I'm currently reading Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain. Please, please, please leave a comment recommending a book I should read ... I'd really appreciate it.

-- Tomorrow I'm buying a camera, so I'll have pictures in future posts.

Graduation ... roaming vagabond ... The Importance of Being Earnest

I've been an alum from Choate for officially 5 days now! I spent all of senior spring dealing with anxiety for June 5, and when the day came, I honestly felt like it was time.

The last five days I have lived out of my suit case, traveling between Connecticut and Manhattan, attending grad parties and visiting friends. My grad party circuit has ended, and I intend on vegging out until Sunday, when I travel to DC to begin an internship at the American Action Network/Forum.

The highlight of these past 5 days was last night. David Black, my godfather (we might be the only Jewish godfather/son to exist), took me out for a night on the town. We began at the Brooklyn Diner, where I sampled my first calf's liver and onions, and then saw the The Importance of Being Earnest (http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/theater/reviews/14importance.html), which was absolutely hilarious! A Broadway producer, David got us back stage, where we met Brian Bedford, who played Lady Bracknell. Until David told me, I thought the actor playing Bracknell was a weird looking woman. We then had some drinks downtown.