POLITICO Resolutions 2011
January 3rd, 2011
by Amie Parnes
Like it or not, 2011 is here.
The new year offers everyone a chance to start over, rebuild and resolve to do things better. (That’s the hope, anyway.) Here are the goals that a few Washingtonians - from lawmakers to journalists to political strategists - have set for themselves this year:
Rep. Eric Cantor, the soon-to-be House majority leader: “Professionally to make the most of the golden opportunity that the new Republican Majority has been given and personally to make sure that I talk with my 3 kids (two of which are away at college) each day - whether by phone, text or IChat/GoogleTalk.”
Steve Elmendorf, Democratic lobbyist: “To think more before I speak and pause more before I hit send on the BlackBerry.”
Greta Van Susteren of Fox News: “To go on a camping trip with gal pals Hillary, Sarah, and Nancy. (Sarah will catch the food but since Nancy is coming, no guns. It will be by bow and arrow and I hope Hillary is bringing the McCain vodka.)
Tony Fratto, former White House spokesman and founder of Hamilton Place Strategies: “I resolve to maintain at least two or three of my best vices — especially coffee. I’ll consider 2011 a monumental failure if I don’t double my coffee consumption.”
Kristina Schake, communications director for first lady Michelle Obama: “Buy furniture and settle into D.C. Stop doing a daily comparison of the temperature of D.C. versus L.A.”
Betsy Fischer, executive producer, “Meet the Press”: “This year, I do hearby resolve to do MORE: home cooking, e-mail deleting, distance running, fun reading and LESS: Internet surfing, over-scheduling, impulse buying and needless worrying.”
Karen Finney, political consultant: “Mine is less of a resolution and more of a reminder/reflection. I use the New Year as a time to re-commit myself to a personal discipline of gratitude - to actively appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, the things and people I’m grateful for, and making sure that the people in my life know that I sincerely appreciate them. This is a cynical town, and it’s very easy to drive toward ‘the next thing’ and not take the time to appreciate where you are. I find that when I practice the discipline of gratitude I also remember why I was drawn to politics in the first place - as a way to make a positive difference.”
Juleanna Glover, lobbyist and political consultant: “It’s boring - It’s to make sure that every exec in charge of compliance at every Fortune 200 company knows we have the most former U.S. attorneys of any national entity. Ha! I’m such a pathetic workaholic!”
Mike Steel, spokesman for House Speaker-elect John Boehner: “I want to run more.”
Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post, on Twitter: “My 2010 new year’s resolution was more sleep and that’s my 2011 resolution too.”
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah): “No jail time.”
Tammy Haddad, founder of Haddad Media: “I plan to find someone who has actually gone thru - not just walked up to - the secret passageway from the White House to the Treasury building. I also pledge to spread the word that epilepsy can be beat if we take it out of the shadows and push for answers on causes and cures.”
Rob Collins of the American Action Network: “More: family time, belt buckles, anything with the word majority in it and Korean barbecue. Less: red meat, liberals and skinny jeans.”
Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post: “Since I totally failed to honor my resolution to go to a cultural institution a week, I’m going to renew that one. And I’m going to try out this whole spa treatment thing. People rave about it so I suppose I should give it a look-see.”
April Ryan, White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks: “I want to be stress-free ... so I can live longer.”
CBS political analyst Jamal Simmons: “I do most of my resolving in July for my birthday. New Year’s Eve is just an opportunity for a midyear check-in. My goal this year in anticipation of my next birthday is simple. I’m taking 40. 40 is not taking me.”
Radio host Bill Press: “My 3 NY resolutions: go on diet, exercise, and give up alcohol. I always make same 3, because I know I’ll break them and can make same ones next year!”
Ben LaBolt, spokesman for Rahm Emanuel’s mayoral campaign and former White House spokesman: “To do whatever it takes to bring ‘Magnum P.I.’ back on the air.”
Anita McBride, former chief of staff to Laura Bush: “1) Spend more time teaching my children about Italy, their Italian heritage,and their ancestors’ courageous journey to build a life in America. 2) Read more, write more, but e-mail less 3) Figure out how to be a mom of a teenager.”
John Feehery, Republican strategist and president of QGA communications: “Greater balance in all aspects of my life.”
Mike McCurry, former White House press secretary: “To find multiple ways to help people rediscover faith in a way that helps them transform the culture of our politics.”
Courtney O’Donnell, communications director to second lady Dr. Jill Biden: “To finally learn German! I’ve been promising my husband (born and raised in Germany) that I would learn the language for over 10 years now and I think the time has come ... So - einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr to all!”