Politics with James Reed: Republicans Weigh In on Obama Town Halls and O’Donnell

Disclaimer: Opinions stated herein belong to the individuals, and do not reflect the opinions of WRGW News or WRGW.

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at the Fourth Estate Dinner, hosted by the National Press Club. On Saturday morning, I briefly interviewed Ken Buck, the Republican Senatorial nominee for Colorado at a luncheon hosted by the GW College Republicans.

Regarding President Obama's recent town hall held at GW and its effect on the November general election:

“Obviously, it is an effort by the President to energize the youth vote,” Graham said. Graham attributed the youth vote to Obama’s victory in 2008. He also said that the youth have become “disillusioned” by the agenda of the Democratic Party, the “Obama spending machine,” and the expansion of government. As a result, Graham said, the youth are having “second thoughts” on the Democratic agenda pushed by the President.

On the other hand, Buck spoke positively on Obama’s town halls, saying, “Anytime President Obama opens his mouth, Republicans gain votes.” Buck welcomed Obama to Colorado in hopes of lowering his credibility and approval rating.

Schieffer Honored at National Press Club

The National Press Club honored Bob Schieffer at the 38th Annual Forth Estate Award Dinner Friday. Schieffer, host of Face the Nation and former host of the CBS Evening News, has won seven Emmy Awards and has been inducted into the Broadcasting/Cable Hall of Fame. The event featured a reception, dinner, and a roast featuring Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), former Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), and CBS News President Sean McManus.

Alan Bjerga, President of the North American Agricultural Journalists and President of the National Press Club, emceed the event. Although the event was a black-tie optional, many guests dressed in western attire at the request of Schieffer, given that he was born and raised in Texas. Past Forth Estate Award winners were in attendance, including Helen Thomas, former member of the White House Press Corps, and Christiane Amanpour, anchor of ABC News’s This Week.

Senator Graham spoke highly of Schieffer and his style of reporting. Graham was surprised that out of all the Republican senators, he was chosen. “He could have chosen out of a group of talented individuals but he chose me,” Graham said. He also took a jab at his colleague, former Senator Nunn, saying that since Schieffer chose him “shows the current state of the Democratic Party”. Graham praised Scheffer for his years of broadcasting by reporting the news in a personal perspective.

In a personal interview with Schieffer after the event, he gave a word of advice to aspiring journalists. “[Journalism] is the best way to spend your life. It is fun. It’s good work and you can really make a difference.”