Behind the Scenes at Va Gov’s Debate
09/17/09 Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D) squared off in a much anticipated debate Thursday morning sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and held at the Capital One Complex in Tysons Corner, Va. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos.
The moderator David Gregory, host of Meet the Press, gets a pre-debate briefing.
Bob McDonnell looks over the stage beforehand. When staff informs him that the candidates will come in front of the podiums to shake hands at the start of the debate, McDonnell walks over and rehearses shaking hands with no one.
Creigh Deeds tries out the podium before the start of the debate.
Robert Demeria [Manager, Gvt Affairs Fairfax Co. Chamber of Commerce - sponsor of the debate] explains the ground rules.
Gregory and McDonnell greet each other backstage. The organizers and the campaign staff were careful the candidates not see or talk to each other before the start of the debate. They were sequestered in rooms away from each other and each viewed the stage while the other was not there.
Creigh Deeds waits to be introduced backstage.
The debate begins.
Washington Portrait: Andrea Rodgers
DC Socialite Andrea Rodgers hosts the Capital City Ball Kick off Party to benefit Innocents at Risk at The Georgetown Club.
’09 Look Book Launch
09/16/09 Fashionistas like my friend Malinda (photo above) came out Wednesday night for the DC-based charity Fashion Fights Poverty’s ’09 Look Book launch party at L2 in Georgetown. FFP’s big event is a huge fashion show which takes place next Friday at the Mayflower Hotel.
BBQ at Walter Reed
09/16/09 Wednesday afternoon I took pix at an end of summer BBQ at Mologne House on the grounds of Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital sponsored by the National Pork Board.
This was a great event. America’s pork producers doing lunch for wounded soldiers, their families and staff. The volunteers from the National Pork Board grilled and grilled until they ran out of buns and then kept on grilling and serving wounded vets and medical personnel until they completely ran out of food. Before they started, I heard that they had enough to serve 2000 people!
Celebrity Chef Mark Salter of The Inn at Perry’s Cabin enjoys The Other White Meat as much as the next guy.
Checking the meat’s temperature.
The ladies are from the Washington Capitals’ dance team.
The Hogettes.
Lunch with President Washington.
