This is why I moved here...

I don't have any pictures to prove it, but tonight I was in the same room with 4 people I consider to be celebrities! All my newsie friends (who are also nerdy enough to become star struck at the sound of these names)...you're going to be jealous! I heard Dan Rather, David Gregory, Helen Thomas, and David Sanger reporting live from the National Press Club (well, kind of)! It was actually a taping of the Kalb Report, a forum on Journalism and Public Policy. It was exhilarating to hear a lively debate about the effectiveness of press coverage of the White House. I just love hearing how professional journalists feel about their craft! These reporters have covered presidencies dating back to JFK, and definitely know their stuff! I will say, I was most impressed by David Gregory, the current White House Correspondent for NBC. He has some great insight into the role the press plays in a post 9/11 atmosphere. He's quite articulate (as all journalists should be) but also very down to earth (which all journalists should also be). Gregory and Helen Thomas duked it out a bit when debating whether the press asked enough hard questions of the president before we entered the War in Iraq. To see the institution that is Helen Thomas sticking it to Gregory, check your local listings for the date and time that the Kalb Report "Thank You, Mr. President" airs in your area. It's definitely a good discussion. And many thanks to my friend Mike for hooking me up with a ticket...its events like this that just don't happen in Utah!