Radio & TV Correspondent's Dinner : K Street Magazine

You’ve probably seen the coverage of the annual Radio & Television Association Correspondent’s Dinner on the news… with the President’s humorous speech, and Karl Rove’s rapping and dancing. Well, I was there and I promise, it was even better in person!

Chad Pergram, of Capitol News Connection and one of last year’s award recipients, was incredibly generous enough to secure me a ticket to the dinner. I sat with Representative Ken Hulshof (MO) on one side and George Foote on the other – and we enjoyed conversation with other wonderful people seated at our table, including Rep. Dennis Kuccinich (OH).

The highlights of the evening (other than the presentation of awards, of course) were JibJab’s new “That’s What we Call the News” cartoon, a laugh-out-loud self-deprecating speech by the President, and the entertainment… Colin Mockery and Brad Sherwood and from Whose Line is it Anyway!!!

Another personal highlight for me was the opportunity to finally meet Chris Matthews, one of my judges at Miss America, and his lovely wife. He was kind enough to chat with me for a moment and even pose for a picture. We didn’t talk about why I didn’t make the Top Ten… but I did find out that he has a new book on the way – and if it’s as good as Hardball, I can’t wait to read it!

The hugest THANK YOU ever to Chad Pergram and Capitol News Connection for allowing me to share in this incredible evening. As an aspiring journalist (I’m still trying to decide on next steps…) this was a most amazing opportunity!