Oh what a night!
My mind was wandering last night while I was watching the White House Cirrespondents Dinner last night in Washington D.C. on CSPAN.
I had to admit I was a little envious for not being there at first. Then when I saw the list of reality stars and politicians invited, I realized that the guest list was not really based on if you made it among the Washington media elites or not.
There is also the issue of media types smoozing with the stars. I'm not going to say if that is a good or bad thing, especially since I have done it a few times myself as a National Press Club member.
My own brushings with celebrities has been numerous. Robert Duvall called me out by name at a media event last year, and I once bellied up to a bar near Ted Danson of Cheers fame.
I will not even go into all the times I have talked to national, state and local political leaders. Let's just say I had suspicions about how honest Eliot Spitzer before the rest of the country did from my experience covering the governor.
What I would say is that the New York Times was off the mark by taking a stand for not having a table at the dinner. The paper probably could not afford to send personnel to the event.
My take is let the reporters enjoy a night of glitz and glamor. The dinner only comes once a year, but maybe it is easy for me to say because I have been caught on CSPAN attending black tie affairs, or author readings or the like.
Oh, to dress in black!