Newsmakers

May 2008

Friday, May 16, 2008

3:00 PM  RIDC, Russian Think Tank (NPC Newsmaker)

Description: The President of the Russian Institute for Democracy and Cooperation (RIDC), DR. ANDRANIK MIGRANYAN; and The President of the American University in Moscow, DR. EDWARD LOZANASKY will discuss the goals and objectives of RIDC, the first Russian think tank in the U.S.; and the agenda of the 27th annual World Russian Forum (WRF) to be held May 19 in the Hart Senate Office Building.
O There are numerous Western think tanks in Moscow and the opening of the RIDC office in Washington is a response to that. One view is that this is Kremlin "tit for tat" because of what it sees as excessive criticism of its backtracking on democracy and considers interference in its internal affairs. Dr. Migranyan will explain the institute's agenda.
O The WRF has been held annually since 1981. Its goal is to promote U.S.-Russian cooperation in economics, security, science, education and culture. Speakers include prominent Russian and American leaders in these fields. A new U.S. administration can make these relations better or worse, depending on who becomes president.

Contacts:
National Press Club: PETER HICKMAN, 301/530-1210 (H&O/T&F), 202/662-7540 (NPC), pjhickman@hotmail.com
Speakers: EDWARD LOZANSKY, 202/364-0200 (TEL), 240/554-15650 (FAX), lozansky@gmail.com

Sponsored by:Newsmakers Committee

Location: Zenger Room

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

10:00 AM  2008 US Presidential Race (NPC Newsmaker)

Description: Press Coverage of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Race

Veteran political journalists with extensive experience covering U.S. presidential campaigns in print, television and radio going back to the 1950s will discuss the mishaps and strengths of this year's media coverage to date.

Jon Margolis, Writer, journalist, former chief correspondent, Chicago Tribune
John Mashek, US News & World Report, former political correspondent, Boston Globe
Christine Dolan, London Mirror, former CNN political director
Jules Witcover, Syndicated political columnist, author
Hal Bruno, Former ABC News political director
Jack Nelson, Former Los Angeles Times Washington bureau chief

"Is the 2008 election comparable to the 1968 election? Has the comparison been fair or even accurate? What are the similarities and differences? Some pundits are using the word "hijacking" if Barack Obama is not the Democratic nominee. Is that fair? Has race coverage been fair? What is the Ralph Nader effect this time?

"Are character, values and personal stories more important than governance capabilities? What stories should not have been reported, and are under-reported? Is it the responsibility of the press to report spin as strategy? What is the significance of race, gender and demographics? What is the truth about Washington and bi-partisanship efforts?

"What is the role of mainstream political reporters? How has 24-hours cable news/Internet changed the news landscape? What effect does U.S. political reporting have on foreign coverage? Have the global market and geopolitical picture been covered? What about candidates' foreign policy inconsistencies?
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CONTACTS: National Press Club: Ron Baygents, (202) 347-5554; ronbaygents@aol.com
Christine Dolan, (571) 839-2081; DolanChristine@aol.com

Sponsored by:Newsmakers Committee

Location: Zenger Room

July 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

3:00 PM  Ambassador of France (NPC Newsmaker)

Description: The Ambassador of France to the United States
H.E. PIERRE VIMONT will preview

FRANCE'S PLANS AND PRIORITIES FOR ITS EUROPEAN UNION PRESIDENCY

France's presidency will come at a defining moment: the EU will be preparing for substantial institutional changes under the Lisbon Treaty and for continuation of the transatlantic partnership with a new U.S. administration. To follow up on the work of the Slovenian presidency, the main priorities of the French presidency will include significant sustainable development, immigration policy and defense.

Contacts:
National Press Club: PETER HICKMAN
301/530-1210 (H&0/T&F), 202/662-7540 (NPC), pjhickman@hotmail.com
Ambassador Vimont: EMMANUEL LENAIN (Press Counselor, Embassy of France)
202/944-6080 (TEL), 202/944-6085/6072 (FAX), emmanuel.lenain@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Sponsored by:Newsmakers Committee

Location: Lisagor Room