The Hoover Institution held its fall media roundtable on September 14 and 15, 2015.
As the 2016 presidential election ramps up, the theme of the two-day roundtable was “The 2017 White House Agenda.” Sessions focused on key topics surrounding the 2016 campaigns, such as foreign policy, education, immigration, healthcare, and the economy. Nearly 30 members of the national media were in attendance, covering a cross section of outlets and publications: FOX News, NBC News, CBS News, New York Times, Washington Post, POLITICO, Los Angeles Times, National Review, Daily Beast, Daily Caller, Real Clear Politics, and the Weekly Standard.
“There's no place in my professional life that challenges me in the same way Hoover does,” stated participant Chris Stirewalt, FOX News. “Working in a business where conventional wisdom and sound bite shorthand often pass for insight, it is invaluable to be pushed to do deeper, critical thinking about substantive issues. It's calisthenics for flabby Beltway brains.”
Over the course of the two-day conference, participants engaged in dynamic and often candid discussions with Hoover Institution fellows. Secretary Condoleezza Rice kicked off the roundtable on Monday with conversation on foreign policy, followed by General Jim Mattis who discussed military and defense policy. David Davenport moderated two sessions, first with Terry Moe and Bill Evers on common core, and second with John Cochrane, Lanhee Chen and Tim Kane on immigration. Amy Zegart gave a presentation on the growing threat of cybersecurity and John Taylor and John Cochrane talked about the economy and the Federal Reserve.
“The media roundtables have proven to be enormously effective in staying top of mind as a resource on critical and timely issues,” stated Eryn Tillman, Director of Public Affairs. “Given that most national media outlets are headquartered in Washington, DC, and New York City, the roundtable provides an opportunity for participants to see our talent firsthand while engaging in a thoughtful exchange of ideas.”
The second day included sessions from Ed Lazear on wages and inequality, Scott Atlas on healthcare and Secretary George Shultz on foreign policy. The afternoon session wrapped with Kori Schake and Michael McFaul who spoke about the Middle East and Russia and Ukraine.
Hugh Hewitt, host of the nationally syndicated Hugh Hewitt Show and co-moderator of the CNN Republican Debate which immediately followed the roundtable, broadcasted his show live from the Hoover studio both days, interviewing Hoover director Tom Gilligan, Hoover fellows, and other roundtable participants
