The Harry Walker Agency - 2006 Election Analysis

Looking Ahead to Election 2008

The Harry Walker Agency represents the largest group of political insiders – a roster that includes policy advocates such as Vice President Al Gore and Ambassador L. Paul Bremer as well as Political Pundits, including Cokie Roberts and Bill O’Reilly. Our speakers address the challenges facing both Democrats and Republicans – and what the outcome of these elections means for the pressing issues that are in the headlines daily. In addition to a few solo suggestions, consider scheduling a lively debate for your next event to engage your audience and bring balance to campaign issues.

For honest, concise commentary on everything from current policy changes to the already-looming 2008 elections, look no further than The Harry Walker Agency – our speakers run the gamut in terms of point of view – and we’ll ensure your organization is paired up with an expert who truly meets your needs!

Political Pundits & DC Insiders

Emmy Awarding-Winning Journalist Wolf Blitzer draws on his unique international breadth of experience and depth of understanding when discussing the issues facing Washington and the world today. Known for his frequent coverage of developing stories in Israel and the Middle East, Wolf shares his expert perspective on the challenges along the road to achieving peace in the Middle East, and how a Democratic Congress will further alter this path.

Host of the Top-Rated The O’Reilly Factor and Bestselling Author Bill O’Reilly enlightens audiences with his insider, no-spin approach to the most current events and issues in our world. Audiences can count on Bill to take on our country, politicians, and celebrities with his characteristic no-nonsense analysis.

Longtime Congressional Correspondent Cokie Roberts has been covering Washington politics for years, so it’s no wonder she has quite a bit to say about the current political climate. With unmatched authority, Cokie brings a practiced political eye and keen perspective to the issues currently facing lawmakers, not only regarding foreign and economic policy but also the social issues affecting women today – and how the shift in Congressional power will change the direction of those policies.

Named “one of the top 50 journalists” byWashingtonian Magazine, Steve Roberts is a Leading Political Pundit and Consummate Political Analyst, who is well placed to explain the politics that dominate the news and affect the lives of all Americans.

From the Pentagon to the private sector, former Pentagon Spokeswoman Torie Clarke has been at the center of some of the most historic events in the United States in recent years. Torie explains how Washington works and how this newly elected Congress, the Bush Administration, and the media will work together to get things done. Applying her personal motto, “Own up, stand up, speak up,” to the current batch of political officials, Torie makes strong statements on the actions of today’s leaders.

The First Woman and Youngest Person Ever to Serve as White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers is a highly sought-after political analyst and commentator. A well-known Washington insider, Dee Dee provides a distinct perspective into what the Bush administration’s tactics will be in the next few months whilst they react to the recent elections. Her behind-the-scenes knowledge of Washington, the major players, and national politics make Dee Dee’s analysis all the more fascinating – and convincing.

The Only Press Secretary in United States History to be Appointed by Two Presidents, Marlin Fitzwater discusses partisan politics in the new Congress, providing a historical perspective on the sure-to-be interesting months ahead. And he does it all with a humor and wit that leaves audiences wanting more.

Former White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart talks candidly and humorously about the new players in Congress as well as tactics they should follow while dealing with the media, who – although sometimes seen as politics’ greatest enemy – are just as often viewed as its greatest ally. His unique perspective into both worlds (as an award-winning journalist as well as a government employee) makes his advice all the more worthwhile.

A Key Adviser on Two Presidential Campaigns with a lifetime of first-hand political experience, Mary Cheney offers a unique and compelling perspective on American politics. She offers specific insight into the legacy of George W. Bush, as well as the impending 2008 elections.

Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary, Washington Post Columnist and Fox News Contributor Charles Krauthammer offers audiences new perspectives on current international affairs, U.S. politics, foreign policy and culture in the wake of a new political landscape. A board-certified psychiatrist with his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, Krauthammer also discusses the raging debate over stem cell research, a deciding factor in the Missouri midterm elections.

A Champion of First Amendment Rights and Advocate for Preserving Journalistic Integrity, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Judith Miller spent 85 days in jail for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury and protecting her confidential sources. Having spent years covering national security issues, with particular emphasis on the Middle East, terrorism, and Islam, Judith Miller clearly explains current Arab and Muslim issues to an American audience.

Named a "Literary Lion" by the New York Public Library, Historian, Columnist and Bestselling Author Richard Reeves is very well known for his acclaimed and bestselling trilogy on the American Presidency. Known for his groundbreaking perspectives and insights, Mr. Reeves comments on American politics, current events, and global issues to provide a fresh look at our past, present and future.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author Ron Suskind has delved into the secret world of post-9/11 government, mapping out for his audience the strategies behind the war on terror. He now looks at the Bush administration’s post-midterm election tactics regarding Iraq, and how the war will affect the Bush legacy, no matter what the results.

Bob Woodward, the Assistant Managing Editor of The Washington Post, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author, is one of the most respected investigative reporters in today’s media. With a behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s groundbreaking news stories, his unique insights are unmatched. Waxing on observations made in his most recent book, State of Denial: Bush at War Part III, Woodward dissects the effects of the midterm elections on the war in Iraq.

The McLaughlin Group is the nation’s most raucous, penetrating and highest rated public affairs program on television. With wit and humor they point out the ironies, patterns, and surprises of the issues and actions of our nation’s leaders.

A National Political Correspondent for NPR, Mara Liasson offers audiences a candid perspective on the role of the media in today’s political environment, and how the American people’s questions are really being addressed by journalists in press rooms across the country. From Massachusetts to Montana, Mara discusses what was really driving the votes in the past election, and how those issues will be addressed within the new Congressional makeup.

NBC Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell shares her observations on today’s headline news, politics and life in Washington, D.C. Her experiences as one of the first women to cover five presidents, the Congress, and foreign policy has afforded her a unique perspective on today’s politics and the media, in particular, the wave of change facing Congress in the present.

The controversy behind electronic voting may have reached its pinnacle during the 2006 midterm elections – even beyond 2000’s infamous CHAD ballot incident. Now, voters across the nation are questioning the accuracy of their states’ voting procedures. Donna Brazile is Chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute (VRI), an organization established in 2001 to help protect and promote the rights of all Americans participating in the political process. Donna makes audiences aware of their voting rights as well as steps they can take to protect them. She also clears up the facts and fictions behind electronic voting.

Policy Makers & Diplomacy Experts

A key member of President George W. Bush's inner circle, Karl Rove has been called a master strategist: “[his] game has always been long term,” says columnist David Broder, “and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.” He played a pivotal role in two winning Presidential campaigns, the conversion of Texas from a Democrat stronghold, and was at the President’s side since he began his race for the Texas governor’s office 14 years ago.

As Vice President of the United States, Winner of the Popular Vote in the Mind-Whirling Campaign of 2000, Al Gore offers a unique perspective on national and international affairs. He is also one of the most powerful champions of environmental awareness in America today. Vice President Gore discusses the role environmental issues played in these past elections and their significance in the 2008 presidential campaign.

A leader of extraordinary depth, Max Cleland explores today's political headlines, providing insights from the perspective of a decorated Vietnam Veteran turned respected U.S. Senator. Cleland shares insights gained from having spent decades on the national political stage serving numerous presidential administrations, providing audiences with tactics on how great leaders achieve results.

Chairman of the Bipartisan National Commission on Terrorism and Presidential Envoy to Iraq (2003-2004) Ambassador L. Paul Bremer is one of the world’s leading experts on crisis management, terrorism and homeland security. His leadership role as Presidential Envoy to Iraq gives him a unique perspective on the war against terrorism as well as insights on how to be an effective leader during periods of change, particularly those the Bush administration is facing at this very moment.

As Attorney General in President George W. Bush's administration (2001-2005) John Ashcroft is a uniquely positioned expert on leadership and legal issues currently facing the nation. He also remarks on the turbulent senatorial campaign that played out in his home state during the 2006 midterm elections.

Secretary of the Treasury (1999-2001) Larry Summers is an expert on domestic economics and a leading authority on international finance. He takes a look at the Fed under the leadership of Ben Bernanke, the short-term role that the midterm elections have played on domestic and foreign economic policy, and the long-term effect (if any) a Democratic-controlled Congress will have on the market.

Michael Gerson, Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Presidential Speechwriting to President George W. Bush, presents a dynamic overview of what lies ahead now that the Democrats have won the House and Senate, and how the next two years will affect the 2008 Presidential elections. Will Democratic and Republican leaders work together to achieve greater political and moral goals - or give in to darker, more divisive tendencies? Mr. Gerson analyzes all sides and presents his case by providing examples from his five eventful years of White House service.

Columbia Business School Dean and Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors under President George W. Bush (2001-2003) R. Glenn Hubbard’s groundbreaking research in the areas of tax policy, monetary economics, international finance and corporate finance has earned him international acclaim as a leader in economic theory and application. He explains how the current political climate will affect the economics of our nation in the forthcoming years.

White House National Economic Advisor in the Clinton Administration Gene Sperling brings real world experience to the challenges affecting the global economy today. Drawing upon his two decades as a high-level government economic advisor, Sperling explains the trends that merge key economic issues and politics.

For those looking ahead to the next presidential race, the biggest buzz in the world of politics today could be Unity '08 – a movement, co-founded by former White House Chief of Staff under President Carter and Bestselling Author Hamilton Jordan, to create a new political party; one that intends to run an internet ticket for President which crosses party lines. Will 2008 bring the first Internet president? Jordan is the expert to ask.

World-renowned for his unparalleled skills in the art of diplomacy, former Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize-Winner Dr. Henry Kissinger understands first-hand the delicate balance of world power and the American influence. Drawing on past experiences with some of the most important foreign policy leaders of our time, as well as his current experience as an international corporate consultant, Dr. Kissinger advances our understanding of international relations and the resulting impact on our domestic economy and security.

Former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean took the passenger seat during the 2006 midterm elections while his son, Tom Kean, Jr. fought (and lost) a hard political fight for a place in the U.S. Senate. Kean reflects on the overall effect a Democratic Congress will have on American politics as well as the steps federal, state and local governments to implement his famed 9-11 recommendations.

Known as an intellectual, passionate, and challenging voice for democracy, social responsibility, and diversity, former New York Governor Mario Cuomo reminds us of our collective American legacy. With his son, Andrew Cuomo, now Attorney General of New York, Governor Cuomo looks to the future of his political party.

National Economic Advisor in the Clinton Administration and First Woman Dean of London Business School, Dr. Laura D'Andrea Tyson articulates global economic issues and the real world challenges and solutions facing world markets today. Offering unfailingly frank, direct and principled advice she addresses economic forecasting, specific industry sectors, prospects for world trade and international markets.

For more than twelve years, Special Middle East Coordinator (1988-2000) Ambassador Dennis Ross shaped the United States' involvement in the Middle East peace process. A highly skilled diplomat, Ambassador Ross’ tireless approach accounted for several successful negotiations. Ambassador Ross shares his views on our current status in the Middle East and what, if anything, we can do to move forward.