Avoid traffic congestion prior to Dec. 1 panel on press and the 2016 presidential election

Members planning to attend Thursday evening's National Press Club panel discussion on the press and the 2016 presidential election should take note that the annual White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for the same night.

Historically the White House event has led to rush hour traffic congestion in downtown Washington.

There are options to the gridlock. Metro's Metro Center rail station serving the red, blue, orange and silver lines is just over a block from the Club. Or, you could come early, beat the crowd and enjoy refreshments at the Reliable Source on the Club's 14th floor before settling in for the 7 p.m. discussion on Dec. 1.

The National Press Club’s Broadcast Committee is hosting the event, a lively analysis of the synergies and conflicts between the candidates and the media that covered them.

The event is free for Club members, but they must register online. Guest tickets are $10 each.

Panel moderator and Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan, Hillary Clinton campaign reporter Abby Phillip of The Washington Post, NBC News national correspondent Peter Alexander and former Bill Clinton White House press secretary and Commission on Presidential Debates co-chair Mike McCurry will look back on a truly unprecedented presidential campaign cycle.