PAGES OF ABSOLUTE POWER ROLAND FLAMINI ON ELECTION YEAR ALLIANCES BOB NIXON ON THE BATTLE FOR POPLAR POINT HOT FASHION SUITS FOR HIM AND HER WOMEN TAKE CHARGE ANGELINA JOLIE MARIANE PEARL CARLY FIORINA AND MORE VITAL VOICES A-LIST STYLISTS AND PARTIES! PARTIES! PARTIES!
WHO ARE THE CITY’S TOP MOVERS AND SHAKERS?
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PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH WITH KUWAIT AMBASSADOR SALEM AL-SABAH AND RIMA AL-SABAH AT THE KUWAIT-AMERICA FOUNDATION MALARIA NO MORE GALA DINNER
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he Washington socialite-hostess gathers the ripe fruit of political, economic, and cultural orchards and serves it up as one fabulous cherry bombe at a charity fundraiser or a private soirée with Cabinet secretaries and other major political players.Two men shake hands in the U.S. Senate and a bill passes – or doesn’t. The influence to effect change, be it in the minds or actions of one’s fellow man, is simultaneously the most ephemeral quantity (how does one qualify or rate it?) and the biggest driving force on our planet. In Washington, the most obvious source of power is political. However, we’ve omitted the names of those who draw government paychecks here, figuring that it would be too obvious to list all the senators, congressmen, and political appointees in Washington, as a quick glance at Google with the aforementioned keywords shows. For our purposes, power is knowledge, access, influence, and, perhaps as important, it is the perception of power itself.
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These things by their very nature cannot remain static – and therefore our list changes with the times. Power in Washington is different than in other big cities. Unlike New York, where wealth-centric power glitters with the subtlety of old gold, wealth doesn’t automatically confer power; in Washington, rather, it depends on how one uses it. Washington’s power is fundamentally colored by its proximity to politics, and in this presidential season, even more so.This year, reading the tea leaves, we gave a larger nod to the power behind the candidates: foreign policy advisors, fundraisers, lobbyists, think tanks that house cabinets-inwaiting, and influential party leaders. When one takes the nature of that beast into consideration, it would make sense that power would change direction, bending with the current of the moment.This year in particular, it would be impossible to call Washington’s power anything but supercharged with political electricity.
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The brains behind the poltical players that shape our nation, the media minds that shape our opinions, the developers who revitalize our region, and the business leaders and philanthropists that are always pushing the envelope ... power, above all, is influence
politics
Top row, left to right: Carly Fiorina, Charles R. Black, Karl Rove, Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. Bottom row, left to right: Al Gore, Tom Daschle, Wesley Clark, Don Beyer. At right: Howard Dean.
POLITICS, LAW AND LOBBYING BOB BARNETT PARTNER WILLIAMS & CONNOLLY
When former British Prime Minister Tony Blair needed a publisher, he called Barnett, a Washington attorney who has brokered book deals for former President Bill Clinton (who received a cool $10 million advance for the bestseller My Life) and former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan. Others on his impressive client list include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bob Woodward, Lynne Cheney, Karen Hughes, Karl Rove, Katharine Graham, Ari Fleischer,Tim Russert, Stephen White, and Barack Obama.
ROBERT BENNETT PARTNER SKADDEN ARPS SLATE MEAGHER & FLOM
A former homicide trial prosecutor, Bennett’s clients have included ex-New York Times reporter Judith Miller, exWorld Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, and the Duke lacrosse players embroiled in the famous rape allegations in 2006. The
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real proof of his pedigree? He was former President Bill Clinton’s lawyer way back when, during the Paula Jones imbroglio.
WAYNE BERMAN MANAGING DIRECTOR OGILVY GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
An admitted political junkie, Berman served as assistant secretary of commerce during the administration of the first President Bush. He is the founder of Berman Enterprises, a lobbying and business consulting firm he merged with The Federalist Group (for a princely sum) and which was recently acquired by Ogilvy Government Relations (where he raked in even greater sums). His role as one of McCain’s early financial supporters is sure to increase his influence if the Republicans retain the White House.
DON BEYER FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA MID-ATLANTIC FINANCE CHAIR FOR OBAMA AND OWNER DON BEYER VOLVO
With whispers growing louder that former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is on
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the short list as Barack Obama’s VP pick, Beyer becomes one of the top Democrats to run for the open Senate seat from Virginia. Either way, he came out early for Obama, and with his wife Megan (who serves on the Women For Obama steering committee with Governor Kane’s wife Anne Holton and Sheila Johnson) has raised a bundle for the candidate as his mid-Atlantic finance director, where he serves with Hyatt heiress Penny Pritzker, Obama’s Presidential National Finance Committee Chair. In short, Beyer has access and clout aplenty.
CHARLES R BLACK FOUNDER BKSH & ASSOCIATES
Black recently left his plush position as chairman (and founder) of the lobbying firm BKSH & Associates, where highprofile clients included General Motors, United Technologies, JP Morgan and AT&T, to work full-time for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign. Black worked on both the Reagan and George H.W. Bush presidential campaigns and served as an advisor to George W. Bush’s campaigns in 2004 and 2000, where he
played a significant role in the Florida recount. Other inner-sanctum lobbyists who have hitched their wagon to McCain’s rising star include former Rep. Tom Loeffler (R-Texas), who founded the Loeffler Group, and Kirk Blalock of Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock, who leads McCain’s younger supporters and has raised more than $250,000 for him.
THOMAS HALE BOGGS JR PARTNER HALE & BOGGS
This year, Boggs’ firm was ranked number one in the National Journal’s listing of Washington lobbying powers. Often labeled “King of the Hill,” most still view Tommy Boggs as the “King of K Street.” His firm boasts the highest receipts of any other lobbying firm, and includes clients ranging from large corporations to large nations.
WILLIAM J CLINTON CHAIRMAN WILLIAM J CLINTON FOUNDATION
Regardless of whether or not Sen. Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, the former President will continue to
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exert his power within Democratic circles and beyond. Earlier this year, we learned that he has earned approximately $100 million since leaving the White House and raised $400 million for his Clinton Global Initiative foundation, which attracts over 50 heads of state to its annual conference. Last year’s gathering brought in $7.3 billion in committed donations for causes near to Clinton’s heart: health security, economic empowerment, environmental security, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding. The former president is also Senator Clinton’s top foreign policy advisor together with Madeleine Albright, Richard Holbrooke, and a host of retired generals.
TOM AND LINDA DASCHLE SPECIAL POLICY ADVISOR ALTSON & BIRD AND LOBBYIST BAKER DONELSON BEARMAN & CALDWELL RESPECTIVELY
When the former Senate majority leader lost his South Dakota seat, some thought his political days were numbered. But as one of the first senior Democrats to throw
his weight behind Obama, Daschle’s access and influence on the potential presidential nominee is considerable, ranking with such Obama longtime friends as Harvard Law Review classmates Julius Genachowski of Rock Creek Ventures and Tom Perelli of Jenner and Block. He and his wife, Linda, one of the top aviation lobbyists in town, are among Washington’s premiere power couples.
RICK DAVIS AND MARK SALTER CAMPAIGN MANAGER AND FORMER SENATE CHIEF OF STAFF TO JOHN MCCAIN RESPECTIVELY
Salter, who is known as “McCain’s closest confidante and alter-ego,” recently left his Senate position to join manager Rick Davis and senior advisor Steve Schmidt in leading the campaign. A speechwriter for McCain and a former aide to neo-conservative diplomat Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Salter is also close with Bill Kristol, McCain’s most influential foreign policy advisor. Together with Davis, whose lobbying shop stepped up to the plate for McCain last year when
almost all hope was lost, they are the campaign’s primary gatekeepers. Davis has assembled a team of trusted McCain advisors that includes Doug Holts-Eakin and Kevin Hassatt (of AEI), both of whom advise on domestic policy.
Most importantly, Dean is one of the few who can bring the gavel down on “superdelegates” and settle the contentious nominee fight by the end of June.
FRANK FAHRENKOPF JR PRESIDENT & CEO AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
HOWARD DEAN CHAIRMAN DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Although perhaps deliberately not as omnipresent as his predecessor, Terry McAuliffe, Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign revolutionized inter net fundraising, and insiders say Obama’s success in this arena is “Dean 3.0.” His power is also reflected in his enforcement of the presidential candidates’ agreement on the Florida and Michigan vote, as well as the fact that he appoints the 25 swing votes to the Democratic Convention Credentials Committee (which could ultimately help decide who becomes the nominee should this race go all the way). Party powers are also impressed with his micro-targeted approach to rebuilding the DNC’s voter file and the rollout of his 50-state strategy.
Forget Vegas: viva Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. A former Republican party chairman, Fahrenkopf is the national advocate for the commercial casino industry and is responsible for positioning the AGA to address regulatory, political, and educational issues affecting its members. Now he’s pushing legislation to allow casinos to operate in the U.S. instead of offshore and enable users to gamble from their television sets.
CARLY FIORINA CHAIR VICTORY REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Over the past year, Washington has seen more and more of the former Hewlett Packard head and savvy business executive, and after recently being named chairman
POWER POLITICIAN To get to the White House, you’re going to need more than a good babysitter The chief of staff is any politician’s right hand, responsible for everything from personnel to daily briefings to throwing on a tux to accompany the boss to a fundraiser. Among the busiest: Jay Heimbach in Sen. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) office and Eric Mogilnicki in Ted Kennedy’s (D-MA).
SPEECHWRITER A good speechwriter gets inside the politician’s head, mimics their speech patterns, and delivers the right tone every time. Golden pens: Jeff Nusbaum and the team at West Wing Writers, Wendy Button (freelance), Jon Favreau (Obama), and Mark Salter (McCain).
SCHEDULER Schedulers are the nerve center of a politician’s office, filtering the countless
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requests and invitations while simultaneously tracking where the boss is, how long they’ll be there, and what happens after that. Among the best: Sue Keenom with Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Sally Cluthe with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Robin McCain in the office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
POLLSTER Politicians have an insatiable appetite for poll numbers, and their chief pollster is a powerful asset, often steering the boss wherever they point. The numbers guys: Harrison Hickman, Jim Zogby, Mark Mellman, Celinda Lake, Stan Greenberg, and Frank Luntz.
FUNDRAISING GURU Political fundraising is big business, but it’s also fraught with legal and ethical perils. The fundraising guru keeps their eye on every aspect of a candidate’s financial
survival. Hot right now: Obama National Finance Director Julianna Smoot, McCain advisor Tom Loeffler, and Clinton Finance Director Jonathan Muntz.
IMAGE CONSULTANT A political star needs to project an image that inspires confidence, from his tie to his handshake. The image consultant analyzes their every move and correct their flaws. Among the best: former TV correspondent C. Jackson Bain, Republican image consultant Fifi Frandle, and former Hill staffer Marjorie Kline.
TRAVELING CHIEF OF STAFF The traveling chief of staff is ready with vital information, water, a second cell phone, and anything else the boss needs.The pressure of this job means they usually burn out after about two years. Still going: Joe Donoghue (McCain), Huma Abedin (Clinton), and Reggie Love (Obama).
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CHIEF OF STAFF
LAW/lobbying
Left to right: Brendan Sullivan, Jr., Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr., Bob Bennett, Til Hazel, and Bob Barnett.
HOWARD FRIEDMAN
been a major force behind the anti-piracy movement, encouraged movie theater attendance through a variety of catchy “campaigns,” and replaced the late Jack Valenti as its prime lobbyist. A freemason and friend of the World Food Program, he continues to speak passionately on matters of world agriculture and its globalization.
PRESIDENT AMERICAN-ISRAEL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
JULEANNA GLOVER
of Victory 2008 for the RNC, we’re likely to see more of her. An early supporter of McCain (who’s been open about his lack of economic knowledge), her name has been discussed as one of his possible Cabinet picks.
The AIPAC presidency carries with it Congress’s utmost attention, as Friedman knows well. The New York Times called this million-member powerhouse “the most important organization affecting America’s relationship with Israel.” However, “JStreet,” which recently launched a PAC and lobbying arm, may soon provide an alternative and perhaps more “progressive, mainstream pro-Israeli” voice, given that it has recruited respected former members of AIPAC and prominent Israelis and American Jewish community members from security, military, diplomatic, political, religious, and academic backgrounds. Though the political influence Friedman and AIPAC exert is undeniable, JStreet appears poised to succeed in its mandate to broaden the public policy debate.
DAN GLICKMAN PRESIDENT MPAA
President Bill Clinton appointed this former Kansas congressman secretary of agriculture, and Glickman served in the administration from 1995 to 2001. A Pollywood player in the truest sense of the word, he took over the Motion Picture Association of America in 2004, where he’s
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LOBBYIST ASHCROFT GROUP
Glover, who once worked for Vice President Cheney, has made her Wyoming Avenue residence a place to be for power hobnobbing, the release of the latest “it book,” or fundraisers for local charities. The Republican operative and power hostess is known as much for putting on her dancing shoes as her power suits. As an early backer of McCain’s presidential bid, she traveled with the senator and assisted with communications during the crunch before he locked the nomination.
WARREN GORRELL CHAIRMAN HOGAN & HARTSON
Known for his law practice in corporate finance, securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and investment trusts, this superlawyer is able to manage his practice as well as his firm – no small task with over 1,100 lawyers and 22 offices worldwide.
WALTER ISAACSON PRESIDENT & CEO THE ASPEN INSTITUTE
After a career that included stints as the editor in chief of Time Magazine and as chairman of CNN, this successful
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journalist and best-selling author now cultivates enlightened leadership and intellectual dialogue at the Aspen Institute. A political moderate, Isaacson’s influence derives from his ability to bring major players like Colin Powell, Bill Clinton, and Henry Kissinger to the table to tackle some of the most divisive political issues of our time.
A day doesn’t go by without the Pew Research Center’s studies getting mentioned in the press. Kohut not only helps to gauge public opinion on everything from current issues to voting trends throughout the election, but he also gives valuable interpretation of the data which is very useful to political analysts.
AL GORE
ANTHONY LAKE AND SUSAN RICE
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF CURRENT TV
SENIOR FELLOWS AT THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION
Gore must get mighty tired of repeating the phrase, “I have no plans to run.” but he’ll have to forgive those who can’t stop asking; 2007 was definitely the Year of Gore. Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, starring in the Academy-Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, organizing global warming benefit concert Live Earth, Gore went from losing the 2000 election by one Supreme Court vote to becoming a bona fide environmental rock star in a comeback that rivaled John Travolta’s. As arguably the most senior Democratic leader and super-delegate who remains uncommitted, he is likely to play a key role in the eventual resolution of the nomination race. Moreover, together with a coterie of environmental groups like the NRDC, the Sierra Club, and the Alliance for Climate Protection (which he chairs), he continues to exert tremendous influence on environmental security policy.
Word has it that former Clinton National Security Advisor Tony Lake and Susan Rice (a former assistant secretary of state under Clinton) are Senator Obama’s two top foreign policy advisors. As such, the duo are members of a team that includes foreign policy director Denis McDonaugh (formerly with Tom Daschle), Center for American Progress foreign policy expert Lawrence Korb, Clinton-era National Security Council Southeast Europe specialist Mark Brzezinski, and recently departed Pulitzer-prize-winner Samantha Power. Obama will put all these players to good use if elected, as he’ll no doubt have a number of foreign policy conundrums to sort out ….
ANDREW KOHUT DIRECTOR PEW RESEARCH CENTER
BILL KRISTOL CO-FOUNDER OF PROJECT FOR THE NEW AMERICAN CENTURY
Although Dick Armitage may be the primary realist foreign policy advisor to John McCain, insiders consider Bill Kristol (Fox News commentator, Weekly Standard editor, former chief of staff to VP
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Quayle, son of neo-con godfather Irving Kristol, Iraq war cheerleader, and now, op-ed columnist for The New York Times) to be the most influential voice in the campaign on such matters. As a testament to his influence, Kristol has helped to embed other neo-cons into the McCain camp, including Randy Scheunemann (McCain’s foreign policy director who drafted the Iraq Liberation Act and served on the PNAC board with Kristol), former CIA director James Woolsey, former Wall Street Journal editorial editor Max Boot, and brothers Robert and Frederick Kagan, of SAIS and AEI, respectively, who coauthored the report that led to the Iraqsurge strategy and were brought into the administration with the support of Dick Cheney and Joe Lieberman to convince the President to approve the escalation.
WAYNE LAPIERRE CEO NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
As controversial as gun laws are, there’s no doubt that gun lobbyists are a powerful bunch regardless of the outcome of a particular bill. LaPierre has served as executive vice president and chief executive officer of the National Rifle Association since 1991. He’s no stranger to politics, and he lobbied effectively against presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004. In a congress run by Democrats, his power is reflected in the absence of anti-handgun legislation.
GROVER NORQUIST PRESIDENT AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Norquist, who serves on the board and performs standup comedy for the Funniest Celebrity in D.C. competition, has had an extensive list of corporate interests over the years (including serving on the board of the NRA and acting as an advisor to Microsoft). This in-your-face lobbyist heads the conservative Americans for Tax Reform and hosts the “centerright weekly Wednesday meetings” for Republican power players (recently hosting Condoleezza Rice). McCain will likely need to reach out to Norquist (who has expanded these weekly gatherings to 45 state capitals) to solidify his Republican base.
BILL NOVELLI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AARP
As we know from the deterioration of the financial stability of Social Security, Americans are aging in record numbers.
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This pretty much makes the AARP one of the most powerful interest groups on the planet. Novelli has made it his mission to explore economic changes in Social Security and prioritize the continued well-being of 35 million American senior citizens age 50 or older, half of whom remain actively employed. He has also successfully crusaded against President Bush’s approach to health care and will exert considerable influence in the upcoming presidential election.
THEODORE OLSEN PARTNER GIBSON DUNN & CRUTCHER
As former solicitor general of the United States and assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel, Olsen has argued nearly 50 Supreme Court cases, including the infamous Bush v. Gore and Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board. He has served as private counsel under the Reagan and the current Bush administration, and insiders say he is likely to manage McCain’s judicial selection committee.
DAVID PLOUFFE AND DAVID AXELROD PARTNERS AKP&D MESSAGE & MEDIA
A former strategist at the Democratic Congressional and Senatorial Campaign committees, Plouffe, together with pollster-strategist David Axelrod, is in the nerve center of the Obama campaign. The two are joined there by Director of Communications Robert Gibbs (who travels with Obama), National Press Secretary Bill Burton, speechwriter Jon Faverau, and Domestic Policy Advisor Heather Higgenbottom. Axelrod and Plouffe have produced winning media and messages for over 150 campaigns at the local, state, and national levels and, along with Obama’s Senate Chief of Staff Peter Rouse, have helped turn a relative newcomer into the likely nominee for the Democratic party.
TONY PODESTA PRESIDENT PODESTA GROUP
Podesta has been named one of Washington’s top lobbyists and bestconnected dealmakers by The National Journal, Wired magazine, and The Hill newspaper. As a legislative and public relations strategist, his message is frequently on point, and he played an instrumental role in Senator Clinton’s win in Pennsylvania. Additionally, his ties to members of Congress and local interest
groups make him an obvious choice for a list of Washington’s must-hire-lobbyists.
CECILE RICHARDS PRESIDENT PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA
Raised in Texas (she’s the daughter of the late former Texas Gov. Anne Richards), Cecile Richards obviously doesn’t cotton to antiquated notions of women’s roles. She previously served as founder and president of America Votes, a coalition of more than 30 national organizations, including the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, of which she also served as president. As former deputy chief of staff to Rep. Nancy Pelosi she has considerable access and influence, as does her husband, Kirk Adams of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
KARL ROVE POLITICAL OPERATIVE AND COMMENTATOR
Though he’s no longer in the power seat at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, most believe that Rove’s star is still rising. Right-wing Republicans can’t get enough of his political commentary on Fox News, and the man known as “Bush’s brain” recently signed big contracts with The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Simon & Schuster; the latter offered him a cool $1.5 million for his memoirs.The GOP still believes he holds the cards to securing the Republican base McCain needs to win.
BOB STRAUSS AND BRUCE MCLEAN FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD RESPECTIVELY
Bob Strauss and Bruce McLean preside over top lawyer and lobbying shop Akin Gump, which just won a $666 million Medicare settlement (the largest in the history of Medicare program) from the Federal Government for 660 hospitals, on top of a string of successful cases. American Lawyer ranked their litigation practice as among the five best in the country. Partner Steven Ross, who manages the firm’s oversight practice (ranked second by National Journal after Patton Boggs in terms of revenue) says the workload has more than doubled from 2006 to 2007.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN JR AND GREG CRAIG PARTNERS WILLIAMS & CONNOLLY
Although this law firm has its fair share
of star talent, Sullivan and Craig are two standouts. In addition to his legal practice, where he’s represented a host of wellknown clients including John Hinckley and Elian Gonzales, Craig has handled debate negotiations for the Obama campaign and advises the senator on foreign policy. Sullivan has defended Ollie North during the Iran-Contra scandal, enough to get him Mount Olympus status among Washington litigators. Described by The Washington Post as a “world-class lawyer,” and consistently ranked by the National Law Journal as one of “America’s One Hundred Most Influential Lawyers,” Sullivan has also represented former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros, former chairman of Cendant Corporation Walter A. Forbes, and a number of states against Microsoft.
JOHN SWEENEY PRESIDENT THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR - CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS
Sweeney ushered in a breath of fresh air at the major labor union, bringing with him a focus on a younger generation of workers. Eventually, his commitment to change shook up the AFL-CIO, which split in two. Service Employees International Union president and power broker Andrew Stern now leads the new “Change To Win” branch of the AFL/CIO with Anna Burger, SEIU International secretary-treasurer and James Hoffa. Jr. of the Teamsters. Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees International, stuck with Sweeney and the AFL-CIO. Taken together, these five represent the most influential players in the labor movement and will exert considerable influence in this year’s presidential election.
JOHN PODESTA STROBE TALBOTT AND CHRIS DEMUTH PRESIDENT CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS PRESIDENT THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION AND PRESIDENT AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE RESPECTIVELY
These three think tanks likely house the largest number of future cabinet members and political staffers ready to return to government when the White House changes hands. Podesta, who was President Clinton’s chief of staff, founded and developed CAP into the pre-eminent
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BUSINESS
Top row, left to right: Abe Pollin, James Johnson, Fred Malek, Anthony Lewis, Michael Harreld. Bottom row, left to right: David Rubenstein, Sheila Johnson, Steve Case, Ted Leonsis, and Vernon Jordan. At right: Daniel Snyder
center left think-tank. A number of CAP’s fellows are busy advising Clinton, and even more have signed on with Obama.Talbott, who was a Rhodes Scholar with President Clinton, helms the centrist Brookings Institution, whose reports are the thirdmost cited by members of Congress. Brookings fellows are advising all three campaigns. Since 1986, Christopher DeMuth has presided over the growth and rising influence of AEI on the Republican right, bringing in neo-conservative architects of the Iraq war such as Richard Pearle. AEI’s Kevin Hassett is one of John McCain’s key economic advisors.
HOWARD WOLFSON COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT
When chief strategist Mark Penn was stripped of his title, political consultant and former Glover Park Group partner Howard Wolfson took over the top job in the Clinton campaign. Ironically, though the titles may have changed (and pollster/ strategist Geoff Garrin has been brought in), much is the same, with Penn’s firm, Burson-Marsteller continuing “to poll
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for the campaign and play an important role advising both Senator Clinton and former President Clinton” (according to an internal email), while Wolfson and Garrin are tasked with helping to shape the Senator’s message.
GENERAL ANTHONY ZINNI AND GENERAL WESLEY CLARK These two outspoken anti-Iraq war generals have helped bolster the Democratic party’s position on foreign policy. Zinni is considered a top choice for vice president on an Obama ticket and Clark, who has Southern and national security credentials, has been an ardent advocate for Senator Clinton and is likely to be tapped for a senior role if either Democratic candidate wins.
BUSINESS AND PHILANTHROPY LYLES CARR AND NELS OLSON HEADHUNTERS THE MCCORMICK GROUP AND KORN FERRY RESPECTIVELY
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Who needs Washington Post Classifieds when you have these top Washington headhunters to find your next job? Known for being key players in the K Street business scene, Carr and Olsen have each skillfully landed major private sector posts for former government officials and top legal professionals around the city. In this market, their phones must be ringing off the hook. Just hope you aren’t put on terminal hold.
STEVE AND JEAN CASE CHAIRMAN REVOLUTION AND CHAIRWOMAN THE CASE FOUNDATION RESPECTIVELY
Steve Case may have left the helm of AOL, but he’s still been quietly working to revolutionize the health and wellness industry with his aptly named Revolution Health, as well as Exclusive Resorts and Miraval. He is developing an $800 million, 650-acre luxury resort in Costa Rica. His star power helped attract Carly Fiorina and others to his latest projects. In 2007, Case and Ted Leonsis joined in a $5.5million investment in widget syndication specialist Clearspring Technologies. He and his wife Jean, have leveraged two
decades of business experience to make a mark in philanthropic circles.
THOMAS DONOHUE PRESIDENT & CEO U S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Since Donohue took over in 1997, the Chamber has tripled its annual revenues to $160 million and has been influential in helping to lower trade barriers and win new free trade agreements on the international stage.Through its grassroots organization, www.voteforbusiness.com, the Chamber has become highly influential in helping to elect pro-business candidates.
RICHARD D FAIRBANK AND NIGEL MORRIS CEO & CO-FOUNDER CAPITAL ONE RESPECTIVELY
Americans are buying more and paying later than ever before, thanks in part to Fairbank and Morris, the grand viziers of credit lines. For 11 years, Fairbank has been CEO of Capital One Financial (COF), which ranks number two within diversified financials. Co-founder Morris grew the company’s customer base to
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45 million, managed loans increased to more than $70 billion, and the company emerged as one of the top seven issuers of credit cards in the world. When one can happily waive an annual salary and live on stock options, as Fairbank reportedly does, one has it made — especially if that stock is in the 11th largest bank in the world, Capital One. Fairbank is also partner in Lincoln Holdings LLC, and one of the coowners of the Capitals pro-hockey team as well as the Washington Mystics.
MICHAEL HARRELD REGIONAL PRESIDENT PNC BANK
PNC Bank enjoyed a banner year in 2007 due to a previous merger with Riggs Bank which increased business by 30 percent. Harreld spent 16 years at the helm in Louisville, Ky., prior to a 2005 move to the Washington area to run PNC’s operations here. Wife Susan is highly involved in civic organizations; in 2007, the Harrelds chaired the Wolf Trap Gala, among other events here.
JAMES JOHNSON VICE CHAIRMAN PERSEUS LLC
Johnson’s presence in Washington power circles is fortified by his sheer ubiquity. He has run Fannie Mae, led the Brookings Institution, been chairman of the Kennedy Center, and has been involved in almost every Democratic presidential campaign (he’s thrown his weight behind Obama) since 1972. In addition to helming Perseus, he is a board member of Goldman Sachs, Gannett Company, Inc., KB Home, Target Corporation, Temple-Inland, and UnitedHealth Group, as well as a member of the American Friends of Bilderberg, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Trilateral Commission.
SHEILA JOHNSON CEO OF SALAMANDER HOSPITALITY AND MANAGING PARTNER OF THE WASHINGTON MYSTICS
This beloved former violin teacher and BET co-founder became a power presence in Washington, where she’s the first woman to be an owner or partner in professional sports franchises: she’s co-owner of the Wizards, the Capitals, and the Washington Mystics. Johnson is also CEO of Salamander Hospitality, which encompasses the new 168 room Salamander Resort and Spa and Market Salamander, both located in Middleburg, as well as the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Florida, which features four 18-
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hole courses, including “Copperhead,” a regular stop on the PGA-tour. Johnson is also the chairman of the board of governors of Parsons The New School for Design, and she sits on the board of VH1’s “Save the Music” and Americans for the Arts. In 2007, Johnson added Hollywood credits to her résumé when she helped produce two films: Kicking It, which premiered at Sundance, and A Powerful Noise, which is opening at the Tribeca Film Festival. Johnson’s backing of Barack Obama (she serves on the Women for Obama steering committee) will likely only increase her influence if he wins.
VERNON JORDAN SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR LAZARD FRERES & CO AND SENIOR COUNSEL AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD
Jordan may sit on more corporate boards than anyone else in the country, and he’s remained an active player in Washington despite spending considerable time in New York. He’s a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was part of the Iraq Study Group. Although he is a big Clinton supporter, he also hosted one of the first fundraisers for Obama’s Senate campaign. In short, this Democratic powerbroker could play an instrumental role in healing the nomination fight over the next few months and is likely to see his influence increase should either Democrat win the presidency.
ROBERT KOGOD AND ROBERT SMITH PHILANTHROPISTS
You don’t even have to live in Washington to know these two names.Their donations include $45 million to the University of Maryland (Smith) and $25 million to the Smithsonian (Kogod). These brothersin-law made their fortune in the family real estate business (Charles E. Smith) and they’re not about to take a break anytime soon. The latest big gift is a $5 million donation by Smith to sponsor the Newseum’s Big Screen Theater, but both names are visible on numerous buildings throughout the city.
TED LEONSIS MAJORITY OWNER WASHINGTON CAPITALS
After a serious plane crash in the ’80s, Leonsis sat down and made a list of 101 things to accomplish, including owning a
sports team, producing a movie, creating a net worth of over $100 million, owning a Ferrari, meeting Bill Gates, and even taking care of his in-laws. There’s little left for this vice chairman emeritus of AOL to do, since he achieved many of these things by 2007. To name one, he had an incredibly successful run at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival with his movie Nanking (which also made the Oscar nominee short list) and then followed up by getting his next film, Kicking It, into the Sundance, Tribeca and Silverdocs film festivals. But it’s the philanthropic heart beating off-camera which led to Leonsis’ coining the term “filmanthropy,” which remains the hallmark of his silver-screen efforts.
JOHN LEE CHAIRMAN NORTHERN VIRGINIA TECH COUNCIL & CEO LEE TECHNOLOGIES
Boasting 1,100 companies and over 200,000 employees, Lee’s technology company is one of the largest in the world. So it seems a natural fit that he also leads the regions’s largest technology industry association.The N.V.T.C’s annual networking events connect area leaders and are considered to be a “hot ticket.” The Council and Lee’s influence will only continue to grow.
TONY LEWIS PRESIDENT VERIZON WASHINGTON D C
Since the lifelong jazz drummer took over operations for Verizon in 2005, he hasn’t missed a beat. As president of one of the city’s largest corporations, Lewis has been instrumental in helping engage his 1,400 employees from the region to give back, not only through monetary donations but by volunteering their time while staying on the clock.
FRED MALEK FOUNDER THAYER CAPITAL
Baseball teams (Texas Rangers), hotel chains (Ritz-Carlton), airlines (Northwest), real estate services (C.B. Richard Ellis): Malek, who has handled the acquisitions of all the above, is also responsible for returning baseball to the nation’s capital. He’s a frequent flier in the black-tie charity circle, close to the presidential family and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is a determined political player whose moniker during the Nixon administration was “Hatchet
Man.” His babies, Thayer Capital and Thayer Lodging, have given birth to seven equity funds with $1.5 billion in capital and four hotel investment funds with $1 billion committed. Malek wisely invested early in McCain’s presidential bid (even holding signs for him in South Carolina) and serves as deputy national finance chair for his campaign, for which daughter Michelle Olsen has raised $100,000.
J W MARRIOTT CHAIRMAN MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
He’s the force behind the $4 billion and growing hotel chain. Having acquired the Ritz Carlton, among other brands, Marriott continues to grow and look for other opportunities to add to their holdings worldwide.They have over 3,000 hotels in 70 countries and recently added a new boutique, “Edition,” in collaboration with Ian Schraeger, with two slated to open in Washington.
TONY NICELY CHAIRMAN GEICO
Nicely shaped GEICO into the $21.9 billion insurance behemoth that it is today and helped expand its brand with the gecko (and most recently, the “caveman”) advertising icon, raising its policyholder count to nearly 8 million and counting.
DAVID RUBENSTEIN CO-FOUNDER THE CARLYLE GROUP
When officials at the National Archives needed someone to buy the last privately owned copy of the Magna Carta for $21 million, it’s no surprise they called this economic powerhouse to put in the winning bid at the December Sotheby’s auction. Though his firm took plenty of heat for the collapse of two of its outsidemanaged funds, experts say losses are “minimal from a financial standpoint.” The Group quickly raised $1.35 billion to invest in debt and equity issued by distressed companies and pushed their assets to $81.1 billion in a total of 60 funds.
ROGER AND VICKI SANT FOUNDER THE AES CORPORATION AND PRESIDENT THE SUMMIT FOUNDATION RESPECTIVELY
Through the Summit Foundation, these philanthropists have made grants of $9 million to the National Symphony Orchestra, $10 million to the Smithsonian Museum of National History, and millions
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THE POWER CEO Because you won’t beat your 4th Quarter earnings estimates all by yourself … EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT The loyal, long-time executive assistant oversees a small army of secondary assistants, and filters mail, email, and phone calls. Everyone knows who they are. Leonard Lauder has Jeannie Janiro. David Rubenstein has Laura Boring.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL We all need a good lawyer sometimes, but the CEO needs a full-time in-house advisor who is loyal enough to protect him and tough enough to stand up to him. Jonathan Klein has Michael Saylor’s ear at Microstrategy; Jeffrey Ferguson at the Carlyle Group oversees a team of 18 lawyers.
HOUR TECH GUY When a Power CEO can’t get his email, it’s a big deal. Minutes lost can translate into
more to the Phillips Collection. In 2005, Vicki Sant took over from Robert H. Smith as president of the National Gallery of Art. They carry out their philanthropy with great discretion and tact and have a sterling reputation in A-List circles.
GARY SHAPIRO CEO CONSUMER ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION
Under Shapiro’s leadership, CEA, the uniting force for nearly 2,200 consumer technology companies in the U.S., led a profitable transition to HDTV and oversaw the introduction of the everpresent iPhone, bluetooth and Nintendo’s Wii. Shapiro’s influence will grow as technology continues to play an increasing role in our lives. IL LU ST RATI ON BY J.C. SUAR È S
DANIEL SNYDER CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON REDSKINS
He’s got the second-highest grossing team in the NFL. Under his ownership, the Redskins were named the second most valuable team by Forbes Magazine. With draft hype at an all time high, we’re on the edge of our seats waiting to see who new head coach Jim Zorn will bring in for this season’s kickoff.
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millions of dollars, so the 24 hour tech guy is crucial. Tech-savvy Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty relies on Jessen Sukrutam to keep him plugged in.
him written up in the right places. Alana Davis reps AOL heavyweight Ted Leonsis; AOL Co-Founder James Kimsey works with Victoria Michael.
PHILANTHROPIC ADVISOR
DRIVER
The philanthropic advisor sifts through all the worthy causes out there, and makes sure donations are well structured and effective. Among the best: Peter Karoff and Ellen Remmer consult wealthy families at The Philanthropy Initiative; Patty Stonesifer channels Bill Gates as CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
A driver straddles the space between a CEO’s professional and private lives.When the boss leaves the office, only his driver knows where he really goes … CNN uses Sunny’s Limo for VIPs, uber-lawyer Bob Bennett prefers Star Limousine.
PERSONAL PUBLICIST The CEO’s personal publicist makes sure the dark side of capitalism doesn’t tarnish a squeaky-clean corporate figurehead. They train him to speak to press, and get
MICHAEL SONNENREICH CEO KIKAKU AMERICA INTL AND VICE CHAIR OF PHARMA INTL TOKYO
This former president of the Washington National Opera is highly cultured and extensively traveled, his education having taken place on two continents, at Harvard Law School, The University of Wisconsin and the University of Madrid. He continues to be active in multiple professional and philanthropic capacities, including his roles as advisor at Johns Hopkins University’s Nitze School of Advanced International Studies and as an overseer at Tufts University Medical School. Last year, this former Nixon aide used his extensive Rolodex, a single phone call, and his uncanny political abilities to help free a group of jailed workers employed in an American factory in Asia, thereby averting the shut-down of that company’s operations and prompting a reconciliation with the host government.
CAROL COLE THOMPSON PRESIDENT AND CEO VENTURE PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS
Founded by former governor Mark Warner, Mario Marino, and Raul
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PILOTS The most powerful CEOs own their own jets (not to be confused with a timeshare) and two full-time pilots who pal around with the CEO before ‘wheelsup.’ Executive Jet Management will hire them, fuel up, and maintain your jet.
Fernandez,VPP is funded by a who’s who of power investors such as Jack Davies,Ted Leonsis, Jim Kimsey, Steve Case, and Peter Barris. Thompson served as special advisor to President Clinton for the District of Columbia and spent 12 years in local government holding major management and staff positions, most notably as the first woman to be appointed city administrator. Under Thompson’s leadership, the VPP investors created a $31 million non-profit fund that invests in D.C.-area organizations and is revolutionizing philanthropy.
WOLF BLITZER HOST CNN’S “SITUATION ROOM”
Blitzer moved to Washington in 1972 after reporting for the Jerusalem Post and joined CNN as its Pentagon correspondent on the eve of the first Persian Gulf War. As one of the hardest working journalist in the biz (his show is on for three hours on weekdays and his Sunday broadcast covers more airtime than other Sunday shows) Blitzer has seen his ratings rise and eclipse his competitors at FOX News.
MEDIA
DAVID AND KATHERINE BRADLEY
ROBERT ALLBRITTON
CHAIRMAN ATLANTIC MEDIA COMPANY AND PRESIDENT CITYBRIDGE FOUNDATION
CHAIRMAN AND CEO ALLBRITTON COMMUNICATIONS
With ten TV stations and an influential newspaper (The Politico), Allbritton Communications annually posts substantial growth (11.5 percent last year). Through strategic hirings at the paper like Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, the publication’s influence is reflected in the fact that powerbrokers claim The Politico is first in their morning news digest.
RESPECTIVELY
At the tender age of 26, Fullbright scholar David Bradley founded the Advisory Board Company, which he grew into a phenomenally successful enterprise. His next project, in 1999, was the acquisition and growth of the Atlantic Media Group, which owns The National Journal, Hotline, Congress Daily,The Atlantic Monthly, and other publications, and provided a perfect
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MEDIA
Top row, left to right: Wolf Blitzer, Don Graham, Tim Russert, Bob Schieffer, Katharine Weymouth. Bottom row, left to right: Chris Matthews, George Will, Chris Wallace, George Stephanopoulos, and David Bradley. At right: Robert Novak.
platform for the media mogul to showcase his resolve in pursuing topseated journalists like The New Yorker’s Jeffrey Goldberg and blogger Andrew
Sullivan. In short, Bradley cultivates a culture of talent, hosting local roundtables for top journalists to speak with prominent thinkers and business
BLOG AND WEB POWER
ANDREW SULLIVAN, andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com
CRAIG DUBOW
MATT STOLLER, Openleft.com
Dubow began his career in advertising
KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ, www.nationalreview.com
CHRIS CILLIZZA, washingtonpost.com/thefix
MICHELLE MALKIN, Michellemalkin.com
CHARLIE COOK, Cookpolitical.com
JOSHUA MICAH MARSHALL, Talkingpointsmemo.com
DON HAZEN, Alternet.org JOHN H HINDERAKER, Powerlineblog.com ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, Huffingtonpost.com MIKE KREMPASKY, Redstate.com
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PRESIDENT & CEO XM SATELLITE RADIO
CHRISTY HARDEN SMITH, Firedoglake.com
DAVID BROCK, Mediamatters.org
MARK HALPERIN, Thepage.time.com
NATE DAVIS
Since 2006, Davis has put the techsavvy smarts he exercised at his previous appointment, executive vice president of all technical operations at Nextel, to good use at XM. Davis also serves on the boards of Mutual of America Capital Management Corporation and Charter Communications. XM is poised to become even more relevant with the launch of POTUS ‘08 (created in association with C-SPAN), the first national radio channel completely devoted to a presidential campaign. Davis’ impending merger with XM’s top competitor, Sirius Satellite Radio, may be the best evidence of his power and influence.
Faster than newspapers, blogs are the bread and butter of the next generation of media pundits
MATT DRUDGE, Thedrudgereport.com
leaders. His wife, Katherine, runs the CityBridge Foundation, their family foundation, which supports a host of education and health-related initiatives.
JOHN MCINTYRE, Realclearpolitics.com MARKOS MOULITSAS, Dailykos.com
CEO GANNETT INC
sales, where a firm handshake and eye contact traditionally put dinner on the table. After parlaying his people skills into a spot at a local radio station, his rise was meteoric.Today, Gannett is America’s largest newspaper group in terms of circulation. The company’s 90 daily newspapers in the U.S. have a combined daily paid circulation of approximately 7.3 million. In addition, Gannett owns nearly 1,000 nondaily publications and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine of approximately 23 million circulation.
JOHN FAHEY AND TIM KELLY PRESIDENT & CEO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOBAL MEDIA RESPECTIVELY
The environment is hot right now (all too literally, according to reports on global warming), and National Geographic’s brand is on top of environmental issues and reportage. Fahey has led an evolution of the National Geographic Society, including its entry into cable television with the National Geographic Channel, which now airs in 34 languages and reaches more than
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250 million homes in 166 countries, and the international expansion of National Geographic magazine, now published in 29 local-language editions. Kelly, formerly the president of National Geographic’s television & film division, was appointed president of the new National Geographic Global Media group in October 2007, where he oversees the production of awardwinning content.
DONALD E GRAHAM
ROBERT NOVAK
JOURNALISTS
JOURNALIST
Some say that Novak’s power is clearly reflected in the fact that he managed to reveal the identity of a covert CIA agent and still avoid prosecution. Regardless, this right-leaning press man dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” retains access to senior Republicans (like Karl Rove) and influential Democrats (like Rep. Rahm Emmanuel).
These power players control the information the world relies on to make informed decisions. MIKE ALLEN, chief political correspondent for The Politico DAN BALZ, national political correspondent for The Washington Post DAVID BROOKS, columnist for The New York Times RONALD BROWNSTEIN, political director for Atlantic Media Company
CHAIRMAN THE WASHINGTON POST
KEITH OLBERMANN
JAY CARNEY, deputy Washington bureau chief for Time Magazine
Since his 1991 inauguration, this cheery CEO – known for his hardball tactics and sharp business acumen – continues to maintain the Post’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier Washington newsroom (taking home an impressive six Pulitzers in 2008). Though the paper is negotiating several employee buyouts and suffering a significant decrease in circulation, The Washington Post continues to be a media power house.
HOST “COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN”
DAVID CORN, Washington Editor for The Nation
JOHN HENDRICKS AND DAVID ZASLAV CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS RESPECTIVELY
Zaslav, a one-time head of NBC Universal cable and domestic television, had been at the network since 1989, when he helped launch CNBC. He met Hendricks, the founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, when he was creating Discovery. In 2006, Zaslav took over the top spot at Discovery Communications, citing his extreme joy at working with Hendricks, whom he considers a mentor and friend.
CHRIS MATTHEWS HOST “HARDBALL WITH CHRIS MATTHEWS”
Much more than a talking head, Matthews is an American History buff who lives and breathes politics, has authored numerous books, and, together with Tim Russert and Keith Olbermann, has increased the influence of NBC/MSNBC’s news operations. He’s also one half of a serious power couple: Wife Kathleen Matthews, who anchored News 7 on WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Washington, is now executive vice president of J.W. Marriott. Future possibilities for this pundit may include a race for the U.S. Senate – on an April episode of “The Colbert Report,” Matthews mentioned a possible run in Pennsylvania, saying that his boyhood dream was to be a senator.
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This razor-sharp news anchor with a deadpan wit has seen his MSNBC prime time ratings soar (inching out archnemesis Bill O’Reilly of FOX News). He writes his own material and, though he resides in New York, his nightly broadcast impacts the course of the news cycle and political debates in Washington. And his “special comments,” while ruffling more that a few feathers have helped steel the resolve of Washington politicos to take on the administrations positions on topics ranging from the Iraq war to wiretapping to the erosion of habeas corpus. His newfound influence has landed him a spot as co-anchor with Chris Matthews of MSNBC’s election night coverage.
TIM RUSSERT
JOHN DICKERSON, chief political correspondent for Slate magazine MAUREEN DOWD, columnist for The New York Times HOWARD FINEMAN, senior Washington correspondent and columnist for Newsweek RON FOURNIER, writer for the Associated Press TOM FRIEDMAN, foreign affairs columnist for The New York Times DAVID GREGORY, host of “Race for the White House” on MSNBC SEYMOUR M HERSH, contributing writer for The New Yorker CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, columnist for Vanity Fair BRIT HUME, managing editor, host of “Special Report with Brit Hume” on Fox News GWEN IFILL, moderator and managing editor for Washington Week DAVID IGNATIUS, associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post MICHAEL ISIKOFF, investigative correspondent for Newsweek AL KAMEN “In the Loop” columnist forThe Washington Post KATTY KAY Washington correspondent for BBC World News America
HOST NBC’S “MEET THE PRESS”
ADAM NAGOURNEY, political columnist for The New York Times
The longest-serving anchor in the popular Sunday talkfest’s 60-year history, Russert wins the eyes and ears of over five million political junkies every Sunday morning. Not only does “MTP” continue to be one of the highest revenue- generating shows on television, it’s one of the key media gatekeepers for the Oval Office in the 2008 election.
SUSAN PAGE, Washington bureau chief for USA Today
BOB SCHIEFFER
ADRIAN WOOLRIDGE, “Lexington” columnist for The Economist
ANCHOR “FACE THE NATION”
With ratings that regularly beat those of George Stephanopoulos and oodles of lifetime achievement nods, Schieffer’s span of almost 40 years at CBS is hard to beat, and he’s not leaving anytime soon. Schieffer recently told The New York Times that he was putting off retirement for an indefinite period of time at the behest of CBS News president Sean McManus. His considerable audience seems to appreciate a less-confrontational (and perhaps more sober) setting, in which to catch the latest political developments.
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DANA PRIEST, writer for The Washington Post EUGENE ROBINSON, associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post JAKE TAPPER, senior national correspondent for ABC News CHUCK TODD, political director for NBC News JOHN WOLCOTT, Washington bureau chief of Knight-Ridder News Service RICHARD WOLFFE, senior White House correspondent Newsweek
BOB WOODWARD, assistant managing editor of The Washington Post
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS HOST “THIS WEEK”
This former Clinton administration advisor has soared to new heights since he made the big switch from politics to journalism. Now acting as ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent and hosting Sunday morning news show “This Week,” this award-winning reporter also made The New York Times bestseller list with his memoir of the Clinton years. Though he took considerable heat
for asking the Democratic candidates Sean Hannity-Fox News-prompted questions when he moderated their debate, perhaps this will help him further develop his nonpartisan credentials.
CHRIS WALLACE HOST FOXNEWS
With the extensive list of high-profile political guests (including former president Clinton, with whom he sparred on-air) who have appeared on Wallace’s
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real estate
Left to right: Wesley Foster, Jr., Jim Abdo, Joe Robert, Jr., Tom Anderson, and Ted Lerner
“FoxNews Sunday” show, it’s no wonder he makes our Power 100 again this year. With his quick and aggressive demeanor, this guy can get anyone to talk…which is probably why he has won nearly every major broadcast news award.
KATHARINE WEYMOUTH PUBLISHER THE WASHINGTON POST AND CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON POST MEDIA GROUP
Weymouth, a Stanford educated lawyer and granddaughter of the late Katharine Graham, became vice president of newspaper advertising for the $8.8 billion media and education company in 2005. In February of this year, she was named chairman of Washington Post Media, solidifying her role as an integral part of this media power-conglomerate.
GEORGE F WILL SYNDICATED COLUMNIST
He may be as old-school as bobby socks and fraternity pins, but George Will remains a voice of reason for conservatives. An op-ed writer for The Washington Post (his column is also syndicated in more than 450 newspapers), his trophy case is chock-full of editorial nods, including a Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary. Will also writes a column for Newsweek, is a contributing analyst for ABC News, and has been a regular participant on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday mornings since 1981.
REAL ESTATE JIM ABDO FOUNDER ABDO DEVELOPMENT
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Abdo revitalized Dupont Circle, and nowburgeoning Logan Circle, where nightclubs, high-end boutiques and galleries line the corridors. Most recently his $200 million investment on H Street NE is transforming the former “riot corridor” (now known as Senate Square) into a luxury residential development that has attracted such highprofile buyers as former Mayor Anthony Williams and Mystics owner Sheila Johnson. Abdo currently has his sights set on redeveloping the New York Avenue gateway to Washington, where he controls 16 acres of land now approved for 3.5 million square feet of development. On the philanthropic front, he and his wife Mai are a driving force behind the National Children’s Museum, scheduled to reopen in 2012 at the National Harbor. Abdo’s ability to gain access and influence the powersthat-be in local government bodes well for him as he reshapes the face of Washington.
TOM ANDERSON DANA LANDRY WILLIAM F X MOODY AND MARC SCHAPPELL FOUNDERS WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES
Despite the challenging real estate market, this firm continues to set records in highend sales.They sell 40 percent of their own listings (the national average is 17 percent) by uniting all of their agents, who include stars Nancy Taylor Bubes, Giselle Theberge and Jim Bell, behind each client. From $25 million homes to $500,000 condos, WFP handles a substantial percentage of the sales and purchases of the most valuable properties in the area.
A JAMES CLARK CHAIRMAN CLARK ENTERPRISES
As the grandfather of one of the largest construction companies in the U.S. with just over $2 billion in annual revenue, Clark’s name carries plenty of clout. He and CEO Larry Nussdorf have personally touched almost every major building project in town (the National’s Stadium and the Verizon Center), and as the winning bidder are the force behind the controversial proposed development of Anacostia National Park.
P WESLEY FOSTER JR AND BRENDA SHIPLETT PRESIDENT L & F COMPANIES AND GENERAL MANAGER LONG & FOSTER RESPECTIVELY
Under Foster and Shiplett’s leadership, the L&F Companies (which encompass Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Prosperity Mortgage Company, Mid-States Title Insurance Agency, Inc, and Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc.) continued to grow despite a tough market, reporting a sale volume of $61 billion last year. Shiplett is the top exec and Foster’s right-hand woman (she’s general manager for Long & Foster’s Virginia/West Virginia region).
JOHN T “TIL” HAZEL PARTNER REED SMITH HAZEL & THOMAS
Since the ’60s, the Hazel family’s major commercial developments (Tysons Corner, for example) have been legendary and farreaching, and the sheer number of companies under family auspices is staggering. Among them are Hazel Land Companies, Inc.,
Hazel Peterson Development Company, William A, Hazel, Inc., and the ubiquitous law firm of Reed, Smith, Hazel & Thomas, the undisputed expert in matters involving D.C. government.
BENJAMIN JACOBS DONALD BROWN AND JOSEPH GILDENHORN PARTNERS JBG COMPANIES
Real-estate giant The JBG Companies has recently been redeveloping tracts of land in Bethesda, and most recently closed the purchase of Bethesda commercial hub Artery Plaza for $135 million. A power player since 1960, JBG continues to be one of the dominant players (with Mike Glosserman acting as managing partner) in the Washington-area real estate market.
TED LERNER PRESIDENT LERNER ENTERPRISES AND PRINCIPAL OWNER OF THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Nobody tells this guy what to do. He’s a key player in Washington-area real estate growth, developing more than 6,000 apartments and over 22,000 homes, creating one of the largest privately-owned real estate operations in the region, and making the Forbes 400 richest Americans list. His tactical and quiet approach to business won him ownership of the Washington Nationals, and this Washington native made headlines recently with the kickoff of the Nationals’ third season in their splashy new $661 million stadium.
HERB MILLER CHAIRMAN & CEO WESTERN
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arts
Left to right: John “Jack” DeGioia, Placido Domingo, Michael Kahn, Paul Greenhalgh, Michael Kaiser, and George Vradenburg.
DEVELOPMENT CORP
WASHINGTON INC
JOHN “JACK” DEGIOIA
Potomac Mills is a legendary shopping mecca, and Miller is the force behind it. He also built Gallery Place and developed Washington Harbor. Miller, who sold his luxurious Georgetown mansion in 2007 for a whopping $24 million, is now working on the redevelopment of Georgetown Park and continues to be a force to reckon with in Washington real estate circles.
Baltimore has the Harbor, but Washington’s waterfront is woefully underdeveloped in terms of family-friendly fare. Ratner Salzberg and Forest City Washington saw the vast potential sleeping in the District’s Southeast quadrant, and with a 42 acreplot “The Yards” situated between the new Nationals baseball stadium, the Navy Yard, M Street SE and the Anacostia River, Ratner Salzberg is well on her way to creating Washington’s newest, fully-loaded waterfront neighborhood. The project will encompass 5.5 million square feet of development, 2,800 residential units, 1.8 million square feet of office space, and 400,000 square feet of retail, and with the first phase slated to open in 2010, The Yards may well become a neighborhood hub as prosperous and bustling as the northwest corner of the city.
PRESIDENT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
ABE POLLIN CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Still running his company at age 77, this real estate and sports tycoon has been as much a part of the D.C. development scene as the Lerner clan. But Pollin doesn’t stop there. He serves as chairman of the Advisory Council for UNICEF and the American Foundation for Autistic Children, donating generously to charities around the world. He even has an award named in his honor, which recognizes those dedicated to helping the Washington community.
JOE ROBERT JR CHAIRMAN J E ROBERT COMPANIES
Each fall, real-estate magnate Robert pulls together a boys-only night where CEO’s, Cabinet members, senators, and tycoons gather for a dinner that raises millions for Fight For Children, which distributes grants to Washington schools. Robert can count among his friends Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, and Herbie Hancock, as well as a host of Republican politicians.
DEBORAH RATNER SALZBERG PRESIDENT FOREST CITY
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ARTS AND ACADEMIA G WAYNE CLOUGH SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN
As the Smithsonian’s newly appointed head honcho, Clough, the former president of Georgia Institute of Technology, will oversee 136 million objects, artworks and specimens; 26.8 million visitors; 19 museums; 9 research centers; and one nasty mess left by Lawrence Small. His predecessor’s spending habits had a trickle-down effect that will force Clough to clean house and restore faith in the museum powerhouse. It’s expected that Clough will send a message from day one that employees are there to serve the Institution. He’ll have a mandate, and congressional watchdogs will be watching.
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When the first “scholar without a collar” became the 48th president of Georgetown University, many were skeptical about how things would shake out with a non-Jesuit at the helm. But it seems that DeGioia’s steady hand has led to a successful $1 billion capital campaign, a lower (more competitive) rate of admissions, the basketball team returning to its winning ways after a depressing several-year losing streak, and a teaching staff that reads like a list of former Cabinet members.
PLACIDO DOMINGO GENERAL DIRECTOR WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
Washington’s, and perhaps the world’s, most beloved tenor has boldly been pushing the boundaries as the director of WNO, putting the company on the international stage through challenging productions such as Wagner’s Ring cycle in 2009. His sexy version of La Boheme brought in younger audience members, and even more experienced the show via a telecast to several colleges and universities. The opera has more social cachet than almost any other arts institution, and that’s due in large part to Domingo’s draw.
STEPHEN FULLER DIRECTOR CENTER FOR REGIONAL ANALYSIS GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
Known for making economics as lively as
a Redskins football match, this go-to-guy is the number-one source for economic, housing, and employment trends in the Washington area. The regional powersthat-be gobble up his analysis before making business decisions.
PAUL GREENHALGH DIRECTOR THE CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
It was no secret that when Greenhalgh arrived from across the pond, the gallery was in need of major changes. The director quickly took charge by bringing together one of the largest exhibitions in contemporary art: Modernism, a show that won critical praise and audience appreciation. He followed up with blockbuster shows devoted to Annie Leibowitz and Ansel Adams, which were also picked up by museums across the country.
MICHAEL KAHN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY
Michael Kahn has brought some of the most daring new interpretations of classical theater to Washington in recent years – as well as big names like Kevin Spacey and Dame Judy Dench.With the opening of the brand-new Harman Center, things can only get bigger and better at the nation’s foremost theater dedicated to Shakespeare’s works.
MICHAEL KAISER PRESIDENT THE JOHN F KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
With record-breaking fundraising, critically acclaimed performances, and successful
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PHILANTHROPY/social power
Left to right: Katherine Bradley, Rima Al-Sabah, Jean Case, Sally Quinn, and Roger and Vicki Sant
renovations underway, Kaiser remains the backbone of Washington’s preeminent performing arts center. His experience arranging contracts with the Kirov Opera and Ballet, the Royal Shakespeare Company, New York City Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet as well as his famed festivals keep seats soldout and patrons contributing regularly.
commitment to the city’s cultural life has made Washington a better place to live.
MASON LECKY AND MAUREEN V MILLER
RESPECTIVELY
DIRECTORS OF ADMISSIONS ST ALBANS SCHOOL AND NATIONAL CATHEDRAL SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY
Like a Bravo channel reality competition, these ladies – heads of two of the most competitive schools in the area – decide whose child is in and whose is out. As spots in top-notch private schools (including Sidwell Friends, Landon, Maret, Georgetown Prep, and The Potomac School) become increasingly competitive, parents will go to any lengths to enroll their kids in these schools. Getting in pays off – the alumni rosters from these A+ academic institutions are as impressive as a list of attendees of a Gridiron Club dinner party. Bush brothers Neil and Marvin, J.W. Marriott Jr., and Former Rep. Jesse Jackson all took Geometry in the shadow of the National Cathedral.
GEORGE VRADENBURG PRESIDENT THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION
He’s the president of the Phillips Collection and the Vradenburg Foundation, making him one of the most prominent members of Washington’s art community.This former AOL-Time Warner strategic advisor’s
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SOCIAL POWER BEN BRADLEE AND SALLY QUINN FORMER WASHINGTON POST EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND AUTHOR
It’s somewhat ironic that Sally Quinn once said, “I don’t invite people because of who they are in the administration or their positions of power. The few who do come, are there because I like them.” When this hostess and her husband Ben Bradlee open the doors to their N Street mansion, it is the titans of media who enter. These days, their affairs tend to be more intimate dinners and cocktail parties, which makes their invitation one that’s rarely turned down.
AMBASSADOR OF KUWAIT SALEM AL-SABAH AND RIMA AL-SABAH AMBASSADOR AND HOSTESS RESPECTIVELY
With guest lists that include President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Cabinet secretaries and members of Congress, as well as visiting stars like Angelina Jolie, Michael Douglas, and Randy Travis, the Al-Sabahs’ gatherings are one of the hardest invites to score. The couple have single-handedly raised millions of dollars for causes ranging from eradicating malaria in Africa to building schools for girls in Afghanistan.
ROGER KIRK PRESIDENT ALIBI CLUB
If you thought getting into the Chevy Chase Club was difficult, try gaining membership to the Alibi Club. Founded in 1884, it remains one of the most exclusive social networks in the country, with Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, CIA directors and other high-ranking officials. Kirk exerts considerable influence on Washington’s elite networking scene.
RELIGION REV H BEECHER HICKS JR PASTOR METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
For over 30 years, Hicks has packed 6,000 souls into his church every week. His library of recordings and books have reached countless people, and he’s one of the most influential voices in the capital’s African American community. Hicks is best known for his dedication to local learning and community initiatives: to name a few, the Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council, the Metropolitan Day School, and the Metropolitan Community Development Program are dear to his heart.
RABBI DAVID SAPERSTEIN CO-CHAIR THE COALITION TO PRESERVE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Saperstein succeeded Richard Hirsch to become Director of the Religious Action Center – the Washington-based political lobbying arm of the Reform movement – where he works to preserve church-state separation and maintain a liberal outlook in the Supreme Court. Also the co-chair of
the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty, Saperstein was ranked the number five most influential rabbi in the country according to Newsweek. J.J. Goldberg’s book, Jewish Power, calls the Religious Action Center “one of the most powerful Jewish bodies in Washington, second only to AIPAC.”
REV LON SOLOMON SENIOR PASTOR OF MCLEAN BIBLE CHURCH
At the pulpit of one of the fastest growing churches in the country, this McLean based minister has the eyes and ears of his 10,000 member congregation each Sunday morning, and delivers his sermons in a $90 million complex that seems more like a campus than a cloister. When he’s not at the pulpit, Solomon’s church ministry carries out a wide variety of outreach programs and services, and employs more than 300 fulltime staff members. Seated in the pews on Sunday you can be sure to find top politicos including Senator James Inhofe, Pentagon officials and foreign policy honchos.
THE MOST REV DONALD W WUERL S T D ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF WASHINGTON
Donald W. Wuerl was appointed the sixth archbishop of Washington on May 16, 2006. As the spiritual leader of the more than 580,000 Catholics in 140 parishes throughout the district and five Maryland counties, he’s got plenty of clout, especially depending on what happens in the next life. After the successful visit of Pope Benedict XVI, a cardinal’s hat may be in the offing for Wuerl.
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