The old real estate adage—“location, location, location”—also seemed to apply to the pre-parties for the White House Correspondents Association dinner held at the Hilton Washington in Dupont Circle on Saturday, April 21. An open-door policy allowed guests to choose their party, and the fetes that were closest to the dining room won out. We asked revelers about their impressions and expectations for the evening:
“The Newsweek party is the first party we’ve been to, and it’s definitely very lively and lots of energy, lots of excitement.”
—Nancy Jacobson, Democratic consultant for Hillary Clinton
“It’s kind of the same drill with every one of these dinners. They’re all held here, and we all go to them. I would like to have this reception time be a lot longer. I think the pre-party is the new post-party.”
—Josephine Hearn, reporter, The Politico
“I’ve just been here [at the Newsweek party] a short time, but it seems like it’s a real happenin’ place. Lot of people there. This is much more lively than the terrace is. Everyone’s standing around trying to get their picture taken with a celebrity [at Newsweek].”
—Roger Wallace, television producer
“I went over to Newsweek, but this one [CNN] is sort of better-known celebrities. This one gets all the TV people; that one had some of the political people.”
—Bill Samii, research analyst, Center for Naval Analyses
“I thought the CNN decor was good; it was very different than previous years’. The Atlantic Media party was fantastic—outside, it was breezy, perfect for this time of year.”
—Loretta Ucelli, public relations executive
“I love the balloons in the Newsweek party. I think it’s just fabulous. Our host and hostess are just as nice as they can be.”
—Bunny Adams, wife of Newsweek guest Frank Adams
“I think the Newsweek party is great. The decorations are very American, appropriate for the occasion, and I think it’s great to have Jane Fonda and Henry Kissinger here. I’m just happy to be here.”
—Anonymous Newsweek guest
