For The Washington Post - Former Clinton White House spokesman Mike McCurry, now a partner at government relations firm Public Strategies Washington, and Frank Fahrenkopf, the former RNC chairman who now leads the American Gaming Association.
Discussion about expectations for Wednesday night’s debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney has mostly focused on the candidates themselves: Who’s playing the lower-the-bar game? Who needs a breakout performance?
But what happens on that stage has much to do with the planning by the folks at the Commission on Presidential Debates, the nonpartisan group that sponsors and produces the face-offs between White House aspirants.
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Before the presidential candidates get their grilling, the Loop thought it would be a good time to turn some questions on the commission’s co-chairs, former Clinton White House spokesman Mike McCurry — now a partner at government relations firm Public Strategies Washington — and Frank Fahrenkopf, a former Republican National Committee chairman who now leads the American Gaming Association.
Q&A with Mike McCurry:
Which Cabinet secretary would you most like to hang out with, and what would you do?
For fun, having a beer with Leon Panetta, and for conversation, asking Hillary Clinton what was the weirdest thing that happened in her travels around the planet.
What’s your favorite non-work-related Web site/app/magazine?
The Christian Century, a remaining bastion of common sense in the mainstream Protestant church.
Fill in the blank: People would be surprised to know that I _________.
I am completing a master’s degree at Wesley Theological Seminary.
What’s your dream job?
Not ordained minister . . . . God has standards for things like that. But running a credible program that gets people thinking about how they treat each other in public life.
What motivated you to go into public service?
My dad, who died this past summer. He was a career civil servant and taught me to believe that government can indeed help people who need it.
Favorite TV show?
“Newsroom.”
Which character from that show do you most identify with?
Charlie Skinner, the Sam Waterston character. He gets things right and he likes bourbon.
What subject, other than your work, do you know the most about?
Old Testament influences on the New Testament. . . . We should pay more attention.
What’s the best job you ever had?
I told President Clinton once he gave me two great jobs, but being State Department spokesman was more fun and challenging than being White House press secretary.
Fill in the blank: I’m scared of _________________.
Dying before I have grandchildren.
What’s one word you wish people would use to describe you?
Lovable.
You can draft one person in the private sector to come work for the federal government. Who would it be, and what would you have them do?
Billy Shore, founder of Share Our Strength. I’d have him reorganize programs that help the poor and hungry and I’d give him the authority to require every political appointee to figure out how to serve their local community.
Q&A with Frank Fahrenkopf:
Which Cabinet secretary would you most like to hang out with, and what would you do?
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and we would play golf.
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