I'm a very happy boy tonight. I have just booked a flight to Washington DC so I can be there for the Super Tuesday primaries. I'll be going for nine days, from 31 January. Washington is my favourite city in the world - it is a city of huge variety, great sights, wonderful restaurants and bars. I must have been there at least a dozen times now. I have few regrets in my life, but not ever having worked in Washington is one of them.
It'll also be good to catch up with two of my best friends, Daniel Forrester and Mark Milosch. I met both of them through the MP I used to work for in the mid 1980s, Patrick Thompson as they worked for him in the Commons as research assistants. To this day they remain two of my closest friends. They're the sort of friends who you may not see for several years, but when you get together again it's like the intervening time hadn't happened. I'm also hoping to hook up with Tim Shipman and Toby Harnden who are the Sunday Telegraph and Daily Telegraph Washington correspondents. Tim was a good friend from his lobby days with the Mail and I met Toby when I was in Washington in 2001. What he doesn;t know about US politics is not worth knowing.
One bit of advice, has anyone ever stayed at the Mayflower Hotel? It would normally be out of my price range, but Virgin have an incredible rate there at the moment.
I know I have a lot of readers in Washington DC, so I need another bit of advice. What should I do on Super Tuesday? Naturally I'm hoping to do a bit of writing and broadcasting while I'm there, and I also hope to post a daily video interview to the blog which I will film with my brand new equipment. By the time I go, the new blog design should be ready, complete with video screen. Don't worry, you won't be getting daily films of me, it'll be 5-10 minutes interviews with interesting people.
Ronald Reagan's speechwriter Peggy Noonan has agreed to be interviewed. If you're into US politics, she's a must read columnist on the Wall Street Journal and her book about her work for Reagan. WHAT I SAW AT THE REVOLUTION is one of my all time top political books.
So as you can tell, I'm quite excited. It will be my longest trip abroad for quite a few years.
46 comments:
Iain, I'm sure you will have a great time - what a fantastic experience.
You will be there when history is made - it will be the day when millions of Americans realise that there is genuine hope for the future of the world. I hope you get to shake Obama's hand. :)
I stayed at the Mayflower for one night once. I ran into John Kenneth Galbraith there. Literally. We were coming in opposition directions round a corner in a corridor. Crash! He wasn't half tall.
I can't remember anything about the hotel, so I must not have found anything wrong with it. But things change, so I wouldn't like to say anything positive, just in case.
If Obama can pull this off by Nov 2008 with MOMENTUM, David Cameron ought to be well on the way to do the same PROVIDED The Team stick together and they all look like The Government in Waiting !
The CHALLENGE is to convince the LibDems that each time they vote for one of their own people, they hand a preservation vote to Gordon Brown !
Oh Dear !
Iain, look up the Mayflower on tripadvisor.com. Then you will get the REAL truth!
Iain, if you are catching up with Shippers in DC, make sure he opens up one of the nice bottles of Zinfandel It is one of the best ZInfandel's I have ever tasted, and he has promised me a case!!
It’s McCain that will make history – as the oldest man to assume the office of president.
Have fun I'm soooo jealous.
Iain ,
I agree with you that DC is a great place--enjoy!
If you've never been to Alexandria, south of DC at the end of one of the Metro lines, you should try it. It's where George Washington used to drink,attend church and meet his fellow Masons(only a few miles from Mount vernon).
Well, sometimes evil happens and the electorate takes collective leave of its senses. Tony Blair got in, after all.
But Obama, bright as he is, hasn't a clue about governing. He isn't even an experienced junior senator because he started running for president the day he was elected. He's never attended to the business of government in any meaningful way. I believe - correct me if I'm wrong, somebody, he sits on some foreign affairs committee and have never attended a single meeting.
He hasn't a clue about the world - although doubtless he can find those two centres of influence, Kenya and Indonesia on the atlas - and has built his opinion of Britain on a one-day stopover in London.
He wants a new beginning - for Obama. He has no ideas. His pretended indignation with the status quo and focus on "change" is worrying, because I don't think he even understands the status quo, never mind what he would change it for.
Thank God America has more checks and balances than Britain, because if this fellow gets in wanting to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmoneeee, we're in for a rough flight.
I read Tony Blair correctly the first time I ever saw him on TV and I have the same creepy feeling about Obama.
[10:20] - Just a little factoid. Did you know, when George Washington was made head of state after independence from the British, they sat around considering what the name of the office of head of state should be, and they seriously considered king? Because that was all they had ever known ... To their credit, they settled on president,but even this consideration brings it home to us what a new journey the Americans were embarking on. I don't believe such had been essayed in human history before.
I am full of admiration for the Founding Fathers and their successors and the way they have developed America into top nation in a mere 300 years. It's incredible. I am profoundly fond of this country.
"Anonymous said...It’s McCain that will make history – as the oldest man to assume the office of president. January 06, 2008 10:14 PM"
Oh. Great? How inspiring. :)
Iain, my favourite memory is always walking into Georgetown along the river and under the overpass. Turtles sunning themselves in the greasy water. I think any fan of democracy, of any stripe, must love that place. But good luck.
I can thoroughly recommend the Old Ebbitt Grill, round the corner from the White House, for breakfast. Great for meeting people. Very reasonable price compared with Britain and absolutely top quality. I wish I was going. http://www.ebbitt.com/
Julian
Julian, it's one of my favourite hangouts!
Iain, you have to try this place when you're in DC
http://dailygrill.zgraph.net/location.cfm?subsections_id=29
The food is to die for, and the portions are huuuuuge!!
I was there in July, courtesy of Google Earth, we did a spy tour of DC, very interesting if you get the chance to go (www.spiesofwashingtontour.com).
Other than that, what to do on the day of the primaries, you have to be joking, there is so much to see and do.
Have a great time, I'm jealous, would love to go back there one day.
re: verity's comment about an elected king.
It's worth remembering that elected monarchies wouldn't have seemed as odd in 1789 as they do now. The King of Poland was elected - indeed, I understand that concerns about foreign royals being elected as Kings of Poland are the reason for the natural-born citizen clause in the constitution - and I can think of three other elected heads of state in 1789: Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Doge of Venice and Pope. All four elected heads of state disappeared over the next twenty years, and only the Pope would be restored at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
After Britain, the second biggest contemporaneous influence over the US constitution was probably the many proposals for reform of Poland that had been proposed, by Poles and others, throughout the eighteenth century. Ancient examples, both Greek and Roman were the other major practical influence on the constitution (there were many theoretical influences). The Bible, in spite of what some modern Americans will say, was almost completely irrelevant to the constitutionalists; perhaps only the census has any biblical connection.
you lucky sod :P
i've still got a while left.
Have an amazing time.
I am deeply envious. You lucky thing. Rest assured I will be checking out all your Washington output.
I was in DC the day of the infamous 2000 election.
I have to say it was very dull because anybody important was of course NOT in Washington, they were in the places where the action was taking place. I fortunately flew to Broward County day three after the election and had a great time with a hanging chad I met!
... and most exciting of all, you can hobnob with Shane Greer while you are there ...
Alan Douglas
I love the States but I'm not keen on Washington - perhaps I wasn't there long enough to learn its delights. I'm a Boston man at heart.
Dale - master innovator of formats.
Verity - all about Obama's the new Blair. Why? It's because her instincts are twitching.
What evidence is there that Verity's instincts are the soundest basis to judge political leaders, one might ask?
She claims that she realised Blair was dangerous.
So did millions of others, Verity.
It wasn't difficult to know Blair was dangerous. All you had to do was listen to what he was saying.
Obama having no history or experience of government is why he has a different approach. He's not part of the corruption system. His words are not of a spinner trying to creep. He's a person who sees things simply and clearly, sets strategic objectives and achieves them.
To my mind, the greatest threat is not Obama, but to Obama. Clear-sighted individuals who refuse to join the corruption game get taken out e.g. JFK.
Ed, I have to say I have never quite "got" Boston.
Richard Gadsen - Yeah. Poland. Right. We'll call you.
Iain,
Can you remind these people that there is very little difference between a one part state and what they have two and call democratic,
Bloody septic tanks
Tapestry, calm down! I didn't claim that I was unique! Millions, well, hundreds of thousands, OK, thousands of people recognised Blair for what he is and were never disillusioned.
Tapestry writes: Obama having no history or experience of government is why he has a different approach.
Agreed! And that is why I am embarking on a career of brain surgery tomorrow! Frankly, history and experience are overrated! Personally, I believe that if you go in through the pupil of the eye, it will work.
"He's a person who sees things simply and clearly" me too! [and] "sets strategic objectives and achieves them".
What has he "achieved"??
Tapestry: "Obama having no history or experience of government is why he has a different approach."
Yeah. Ignorance.
I know I have a lot of readers in Washington DC, so I need another bit of advice. What should I do on Super Tuesday?
Easy. Take in the National Gallery and at noon until three listen to Rush Limbaugh.
And to Tapestry who just said; To my mind, the greatest threat is not Obama, but to Obama. Clear-sighted individuals who refuse to join the corruption game get taken out e.g. JFK.
If you really think JFK was a sea-green incorruptible then... words fail me.
Alexandria, nearly impossible to fond a duff bar. Lunch - The Sign of the Whale.
DC - way better than Boston
Obama has taken AIPAC's schilling.
No hope there.
Iain,
I was in DC for the 2004 elections and there was an awesome atmosphere here:
http://www.hawkanddoveonline.com/
And a bar a couple of doors down, everyone wearing Tshirts and really getting into the spirit!
Very jealous!
I stayed at the Mayflower about two years ago. The room was very comfortable (but a bit bland like all Marriot Hotels) and the location is great. The communal areas were a bit confusing and breakfast was served in a Starbucks type area in the lobby - you are better off going out for breakfast. However, there were TV crews milling around so should be great if you want to spot politicos or give an impromptu interview.
PS- I give this view on the basis that this does not mean we are going to be asked to vote on our top 10 DC hotels.
If you do see Toby, please give him my very fondest regards. We are old friends from his Royal Navy days and have recently got back in touch after nearly 15 years! I read one of his articles that ruffled my feathers and e-mailed him my comments! He had the good grace to reply in great detail and we have since exchanged reminiscences via hotmail. He's one of the good guys and particularly deserves respect for the way he stood up to Saville. As fatherhood has recently descended upon him, I rather suspect he is not quite the party animal I remember so vividly but I hope you find time to share a glass or two with him.
Yours
Gareth Sutton
p.s. Boy do I know some stories about Toby!!!!
Go and have lunch in one of the House cafeterias, which are open to the public. The Rayburn deli is probably the best. You can pick up lots of gossip waiting in the queue with the MCs and their staffers.
As a couple of people have mentioned Boston, I am going to slip through the door they opened and opine that one of the most wonderful, many-layered, many-textured, stylish, sophisticated cities in N America is Montreal.
Verity - and Montreal has the benefit of NOT being in the USA! Reason enough, some would say, to go.
Sadly, I feel the founding fathers would turn in their graves if they were to see what has become of the great potential nation they started!
America could offer so much more to the world. It could be a net contributer in terms of culture, philanthropy and economic stability, but sadly, I see it as a net drain. It jumps around, acting as a global policeman, enforcing values which half the world doesn't even share, and then complains when people start burning old glory.
Don't get me wrong - capitalism, democracy, liberty and freedom - all great American values which I share and believe in, and which many decent American folk still believe in as well. It is just that with the exception of capitalism, America's ruling elites doesn't practice they preach these days.
I am not going all 'Fahrenheit 911' on you, but the corruption, the greed, the stench of Guantanamo bay and the illegal torture it metes out - it shames America, which I fear is slowly rotting from this inside out.
We need a strong America, and America which stands up for the little guy, but who also sees the value of diplomacy as well as the gun! An America where the principles on which the republic was founded actually mean more than the mere words of the pledge of allegiance!
America is strongest when it recognizes that, just as America can be diverse yet cohesive, so the world's populations can be diverse and cohesive.
America doesn't have an ideology, it is an ideology - and that is the reason for its strength. But as a Conservative, I can see that neo-Conservatism under Bush has been a profoundly bad thing for the USA and the wider world.
The next President must seek to redress the balance, and bring America back into the fold, not stand outside calling the shots!
I love America - but just not the one Bush has created!
Sea Shanty Irish here:
Iain, DC's a great town to visit and all, but really is about the WORST place to be on Super Tuesday.
Because the whole point of the entire election process is that THIS is when we tell the Beltway Bandits what the deal is - not the other way around!!!
Even more true this go-around methinks.
As for lodging, suggest you switch reservations IMMEDIATELY to the nearest Motel 6 in the closest primary state. Will likely learn more heading to the ice machine in the lobby (or the Denny's or Shoney's next door) than snacking in the buffet line with Senator Snort and his entourage.
Sea Shanty Irish here
Iain, perhaps you might consider renting a car and driving to DELAWARE on morning of Super Tuesday. Because that's the closest state to DC that's holding a primary that day.
That way, you could actually see the real deal, as opposed to getting it via another talking head (either on TV or in the buffet line).
Delaware is VERY convenient for this purpose, could drive to Dover (lovely drive once your on the east side of Chesapeake Bay) then up to Willmington, back via Newark and return to DC early enought to beat the rush hour traffic AND catch the returns from all over that evening.
more Sea Shanty
IF you do insist on wasting your valuable time where the action is NOT on Super Tuesday . . . namely DC . . . then at least check out the famed MADAMS ORGAN district . . . woop, make that ADAMS MORGAN . . .
Ian-
Try the Hay-Adams Hotel's "Off the Record" bar late on Super Tuesday. It often is a watering hole for high profile pols and media. The same holds true for the Capital Grille (601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW). Since press coverage will be based out of DC, you stand a good chance of hearing some top-notch political talk.
If you haven't done so already, pay a visit to Mount Vernon (perhaps your friends in the press can get you a nice tour). If you do, pop in to the Union Street Public House (121 S. Union St.--right by the Potomac River)--in Alexandria for lunch or a drink.
Should you have more time on your hands, then make a trip to Annapolis, Maryland or Maryland's Eastern Shore (I recommend Easton or Chestertown). Lovely places.
Ahhh I LOVE DC, spent 5 months interning there for congressman Phil English back in '99. It was all so much better pre-9/11. I've been back since though for hols, can't get enough of the place! Pentagon City for shopping - the best!
Went on our honeymoon to Boston though, and just happened to walk into a big crowd and discovered it was John Kerry launching his bid for the presidency! Very strange being there but great fun!
Anyway just adding my voice to the other jealous ones!!
Iain. In all sincerity, what do you feel about the fact that Iowa, and possibly South Carolina, maybe Michigan and who knows where else, are endorsing a raving homophobe, creationist as Republican candidate, even if he is very generous with tax money to the poor and needy?
Doesn't that take a bit of the 'buzz' out of meeting the chums in 'electrifying' DC?
Anonymous, I have already given my views on Mr Huckabee in a previous post. I am not a fan. I'd rather vote Democrat than vote for him.
Verity said:
I stayed at the Mayflower for one night once. I ran into John Kenneth Galbraith there. Literally. We were coming in opposition directions round a corner in a corridor. Crash! He wasn't half tall.
So now we have the truth as to how Verity was fired after just 24 hours in her job as a cleaner at the Mayflower.
Arrgghh, sorry then Iain. I was actually going to add a disclaimer 'if you've posted on this (Huckabee) before and I missed it, sorry'. So, sorry. Have a nice trip/day/whatever ;-)
I have few regrets in my life, but not ever having worked in Washington is one of them.
Well, it's not too late is it? You've got a few decades on John McCain, for starters.
I'll actually be staying at the Mayflower for a conference that week. Been there before and it's fine, good location and decent rooms. Nothing too memeorable. I am also looking for an interesting place to watch the returrns - I'll do my voting via absentee ballot this week, and be waiting for an Obama win!
I haven't spotted anything yet, but I'll keep an eye on your blog to see if anyone has a good suggestion - and maybe I'll see you there!
Deanna
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