Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy, 2005-2009 ; Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs, 2002–2005 ; Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy, Human Rights, and International Operations, 2001–2002

An expert on U.S. foreign policy around the globe and a top White House adviser on Middle Eastern issues, Elliott Abrams has served in major foreign policy positions for two Republican U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.  

SPOTLIGHT VIDEO! Elliott Abrams participated in a special debate on March 25th, sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia and hosted by Margaret Warner of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer . Mr. Abrams and other members of the panel addressed the threat of Iran's nuclear arms. Click here to view the debate.

Anchor of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer ; Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; CNN Senior White House Correspondent

One of the most insightful journalists in America today, Wolf Blitzer draws on his unique international breadth of experience and depth of understanding when discussing the issues facing Washington and the world today.

Secretary of Homeland Security, 2005-2009

Leader and statesman, Michael Chertoff came to the job of 2nd Secretary of Homeland Security with a background heavy with experience in fighting terrorism, having served as the head of the Justice Department's criminal division in the months after Sept. 11th. As Assistant Attorney General, he helped trace the 9/11 terrorist attacks to the al-Qaeda network, and worked to increase information sharing within the FBI and with state and local officials. In 2003, after Mr. Chertoff had proved instrumental in winning approval of the Patriot Act and other anti-terrorism measures, President Bush called him "a key leader in the war on terror," and turned to Mr. Chertoff in early 2005 to head the Department of Homeland Security. Overseeing the federal behemoth operating 22 agencies and 180,000 employees and facing the daunting task of managing the risk of numerous threats to America’s security, Secretary Chertoff implemented programs and capabilities that did not exist prior to September 11, to better equip the U.S. to deal with the threats of the 21st century across land, sea, and air.

52nd Governor of New York State

Known as an intellectual, passionate, and challenging voice for democracy, social responsibility, and diversity, Governor Mario Cuomo reminds us of our collective American legacy.

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; News Anchor, NBC’s Today Show; Anchor, Dateline NBC

News anchor and esteemed journalist Ann Curry, of NBC’s Today, is one of the most visible and personable female broadcasters in America. Her belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of service echo through her work, allowing her to impact millions of lives daily.

Chairman, Senate Committee of Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, 1995-1999; United States Senator, 1981-1999

A legendary defender of the Middle Class and fighter of bureaucracy, Alfonse D'Amato questions our bi-partisan society and how Washington will maintain thoughtful representation of the people.

CNBC Contributor; Founder, Democracy for America; Chairman, Democratic National Committee, 2005-2009; Architect of the “50-State Strategy”; 2004 Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for President; Governor of Vermont, 1991-2003

Howard Dean's groundbreaking campaign for the U.S. Presidency and subsequent four years as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee have provided him with both an insider's view and a reformer's commitment to the economy, foreign trade policy and international relations. His 12 years as Governor and his Chairmanship of the National Governor's Association have given him a vast knowledge of domestic issues. His skillful stewardship of the party as Democratic National Committee chair began in 2005 and continued through the inauguration of President Barack Obama. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean made the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory, while integrating national and state party operations and standing up for Democrats' core values. 

The Only Press Secretary in United States History to be Appointed by Two Presidents (President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush), 1987-1992

Few are better qualified to comment on the Presidency than the legendary Marlin Fitzwater, who stood next to two Presidents (Reagan and Bush Sr.) during cold war summits, economic downturns, and eight military conflicts. He gave over 850 press briefings in six years, winning praise for his celebrated wit, intelligence, and ability to clarify the issues.

Chairman and CEO of Forbes Media; Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine; Republican Candidate for President, 1996 and 2000

As Chairman and CEO of Forbes Inc. and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine, Steve Forbes is front and center on the economic challenges that we all face. Making frequent appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, Mr. Forbes has become the voice of calm in these turbulent economic times.

18th Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, 2003-2007; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1995-2007; Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon; Leading Voice on the Healthcare Debate; Board Member, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Co-chair, Partnership for a healthier America; Founder, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)

Doctor and Senator Bill Frist is both a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Currently Professor of Business and Medicine at Vanderbilt University, he is uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in health care policy. Senator Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare and is one of only two individuals to rank in the top ten of each of the five inaugural Modern Healthcare Magazine annual surveys of the most powerful people in healthcare in the United States.

Astronaut; United States Senator (Ohio), 1974-1999

John Glenn draws upon his extraordinary life experiences – as an astronaut, corporate executive and Senator – to illuminate audiences with the values, leadership and bravery that our age craves.

Bestselling Author ; Award-winning Journalist; News and Media Analyst, Fox News

Bernard Goldberg, the television news reporter and author of Bias, a New York Times #1 bestseller, is widely seen as one of the most original writers and thinkers in broadcast journalism. He has covered stories all over the world for CBS News and has won 10 Emmy awards for excellence in journalism. He won six of his Emmys at CBS, and four more at HBO, where he now reports for the widely acclaimed broadcast Real Sports. Bernie has written op-ed pieces that appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, about a wide range of subjects, including baseball, manners, and journalism. He is also a news and media analyst for Fox News where he comments regularly on the state of the press and television news as well as on politics and culture for the network’s top rated program, The O’Reilly Factor.

Former Presidential candidates Fred Thompson and Howard Dean face off  in a rousing program on the issues of the day, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, the future of American politics and more.

Karen Hughes and Howard Dean face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Counselor to President George W. Bush, 2001-2002; Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, 2005-2007; Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller

Karen Hughes is a senior strategist helping business leaders strengthen their corporate/CEO reputations, achieve business goals through effective communications and shape positive public and stakeholder perceptions. She has also been described as "the most powerful woman ever to serve in the White House" (Dallas Morning News) and "the most powerful public diplomacy czar in decades" (The Boston Globe). As Under Secretary of State, she traveled to more than 50 countries, meeting world leaders and reaching out to international audiences.

White House Press Secretary, 1998-2000; Political Analyst and Commentator

Joe Lockhart talks candidly and humorously about the players on the Washington scene and the issues facing industry and individuals today. Mr. Lockhart also offers insight into how real solutions exist outside the beltway. A consummate strategist adept at educating audiences about current political issues and how to manage those issues to their best advantage, Mr. Lockhart addresses the following:

U.S. Representative from New York (1990 – 1997); Senior Principal, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

Susan Molinari is a risk-taker and trailblazer for liberal Republicans and working mothers. A U.S. Representative from 1990 to 1997, Ms. Molinari quickly became “one of the most distinctive Members of the House” and “one of the most visible voices for her party” according to the authoritative Almanac of American Politics. As a result, after just four years in Washington, and just weeks after the election of the first GOP House majority in 40 years, Ms. Molinari was elected by her colleagues to the eight-person Republican Majority Leadership, making her the highest-ranking woman in the Congress.

White House Press Secretary, 1993-1994; Political Analyst and Commentator; Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Author, Why Women Should Rule the World

Armed with sharp political insights and a refreshingly irreverent sense of humor, Dee Dee Myers charms and enlightens audiences of every political persuasion with her insightful behind-the-scenes look at Washington, national politics and the major players in both.

Host of Top-Rated The O’Reilly Factor; Bestselling Author and Syndicated News Columnist

A journalist for more than 30 years, Bill O'Reilly is known for hard hitting, uncompromising No Spin reporting and analysis.

Republican Political Strategist

Audiences will discover why The Wall Street Journal called Ralph Reed “Perhaps the finest political operative of his generation.” Widely credited with giving voice to the “silent majority,” Dr. Reed is a master of grass roots organizing.

Political Analyst for ABC News; NPR Senior News Analyst; Former Co-Anchor, This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts

Long-time ABC Congressional Correspondent and leading political pundit, Cokie Roberts is one of the most esteemed and brilliant broadcast journalists of our time.

Co-authors of From This Day Forward

For Steve and Cokie Roberts, almost 40 years of marriage have been based on their commonalities rather than their differences. With wit and affection, they reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, about communication, equality, money and love.

Leading Political Pundit; “One of the Top 50 Journalists,” Washingtonian Magazine

A well-known commentator and journalist for 40 years, Steve Roberts has covered some of the major events of our time.

Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; Author, Courage and Consequence ; Fox News Contributor; Wall Street Journal Columnist; Newsweek Columnist

Sponsors hosting Karl Rove's lectures have reported that he is "provocative, lively and thoughtful" (Nomura) with crowds being "very responsive, often erupting in applause" (Wabash College). Karl Rove has been described by respected author and columnist Michael Barone in US News & World Report as “unique...no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.” A key member of the President’s inner circle, he has been called a master strategist whose “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 was ranked #1 on both the Telegraph.co.uk’s List of the “50 Most Influential Political Pundits in America” and New York Magazine's “Most Popular Political Pundit Index.” As a Fox News contributor, Karl provides a “genuine feel of inside knowledge,” says David Zurawik, a television critic for The Baltimore Sun.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1977-1979; United States Congressman, 1973-1977; Mayor of Atlanta, 1982-1990; Co-Founding Principal and Chairman, GoodWorks International

Ambassador, Congressman, Mayor, humanitarian, ordained minister, international businessman, and sports enthusiast, Andrew Young has been serving and shaping our country for almost 50 years.

Respected political historian; Senior writer, U.S. News & World Report; Principal Author, Almanac of American Politics; Senior writer/Author, The National Interest; Author, Our First Revolution: the Remarkable British Uprising that Inspired America's Founding Fathers

Michael Barone is a renowned political historian who is at the forefront of American political coverage, and one who explores and analyzes political issues with an unmatched passion and clarity.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist; Bestselling Author

A national political correspondent reporting the political scene for The Washington Post, Mr. Broder writes a twice-weekly column that covers an even broader aspect of American political life. The column, syndicated by The Washington Post Writers Group, is carried by more than 300 newspapers across the globe. Mr. Broder was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in May 1973 for distinguished commentary.

Economist; Bestselling Author, Market Shock

An award-winning economics teacher at Harvard, a director of economic policy at the White House from 1989 to 1992 and former managing director of the $15 billion Tiger hedge fund, Todd Buchholz targets his entertaining remarks to the cutting edge of economics, finance and business strategy. The Associated Press says that he “lights up economics with a wickedly sparkling wit.”

Global Currency and Public Policy Strategist, BMO Capital Markets ; Financial Industry Expert ; Author; Contributor, CNBC

As a foreign exchange strategist with over twenty years of financial experience, Andrew Busch knows what it takes to make it in today’s dynamic market.

Chief Marketing Officer, Citi; Chief Marketing and Community Relations Officer, Global Consumer Group; Chairman and CEO, Women & Company; Citigroup Inc.

One hundred years ago, women didn’t possess the right to vote. Thirty years ago, no woman was the head of any publicly traded company that she did not inherit. Today, women own 49% of American businesses operating in the U.S., generating +$1.15 trillion in sales annually. (source: US Census Bureau). According to Lisa Caputo, after only three decades of being mainstream members of the workforce, one in three wives now makes more than her husband. Of the 66 million working women in the United States (source: 2000 US Census Bureau), over half are professionals with disposable income. The glass ceiling has shattered along with the glass slipper - at least in the Western world - and Lisa Caputo has held a front row seat for much of it. In her speeches, she talks about the major impact powerful women - in both the political and private sectors - are having on today’s world. :

Columnist, Bloomberg News ; Editor-At-Large, The Week magazine; Author

TIME magazine's first female columnist, Margaret Carlson is one of the most astute political observers of our age.

President, Center for Equal Opportunity ; Author ; Columnist

Linda Chavez is president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a non-profit public policy research organization in Sterling, Virginia. She also writes a weekly syndicated column that appears in newspapers across the country, is a political analyst for FOX News Channel, and hosts a daily radio show on WMET 1160 AM radio in Washington, DC.

Contributing Editor, Newsweek Magazine; The McLaughlin Group, Panelist

Eleanor Clift, celebrated author and reporter, provides audiences with an unrivaled look at the new political world in which issues of gender, race and even age influence the political discussion. She has long written about American politics and is an expert on the Washington power structure, the influence of women in politics and other political issues making the headlines daily.

Women’s Historian; New York Times Op Ed Columnist ; First Female Head of New York Times Editorial Board

The first ever female head of The New York Times editorial board and op-ed columnist, Gail Collins is a noted women’s historian and author of When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present.

Host, Anderson Cooper 360º; Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; Bestselling Author, Dispatches from the Edges

A highly visible and acclaimed news journalist, Anderson Cooper is never lacking in provocative, strong opinions, always asking the questions that the public wants answered. A charming, insightful speaker, Mr. Cooper offers his insiders perspective of the news today.

Karen Hughes and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the New Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Karl Rove and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the New Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Myers: White House Press Secretary, 1993-1994; Cheney: High Profile Political Commentator

Liz Cheney and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the Obama Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Chairman of the Board - National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA); Director - Richards, Layton & Finger; Columnist, www.opinionjournal.com; Former US Congressman, Governor and Republican Candidate for President

Columnist George Will said about du Pont, "du Pont has the highest substance-to-blather ratio among candidates, even on subjects as sensitive as agriculture policy and Social Security." Newsweek observed that, "What is consistent and refreshing in his positions is that they confront big, difficult choices and offer clear, unhedged answers."

First Woman Vice-Presidential Candidate

An eloquent defender and constant champion of women’s rights, Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman vice-presidential candidate on a national ticket, setting an example for decades to come.

Two-Time Governor of Florida; Three-Time U.S. Senator; 2004 Presidential Candidate; Co-Chair, Bipartisan Presidential Commission Investigating the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Senator Bob Graham is the former two–term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. This is combined with 12 years in the Florida legislature for a total of 38 years of public service. As Governor and Senator, Bob Graham was a centrist, committed to bringing his colleagues together behind programs that served the broadest public interest. He was recognized by the people of Florida when he received an 83% approval ranking as he concluded eight years as Governor. Senator Graham retired from public service in January 2005, following his Presidential campaign in 2004. He is recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from healthcare, environmental preservation and education, to his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He continues his government service as President Obama’s choice to co-chair the Bi-Partisan Commission on the Mexican Oil Spill.

Liz Cheney- High Profile Political Commentator; Founder and Chairman, KeepAmericaSafe.com ; Governor Howard Dean- CNBC Contributor; Founder, Democracy for America

Two of the most outspoken voices in American politics, Howard Dean and Liz Cheney face off in a rousing program on the issues of the day, including healthcare, deficit spending, foreign policy and more.

Distinguished TV Journalist ; Founding Director, Shorenstein Center at Harvard

An esteemed television journalist for 30 years, Marvin Kalb has worked for CBS, NBC, and hosted Meet the Press. The Founding Director of the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard, Mr. Kalb discerningly scrutinizes media ethics and today’s political issues.

Graham: Two-Time Governor of Florida, Three-Time U.S. Senator, 2004 Presidential Candidate; ; Rove: Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, Author of Courage and Consequence, Fox News Contributor, and Wall Street Journal and Newsweek Columnist

Bob Graham and Karl Rove face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the Obama Administration, including the economy, healthcare, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

3-Time Republican Presidential Candidate

Alan Keyes' powerful conservative message resonates for Americans from all walks of life and every geographic region, who share his vision of a morally based government founded on the principles embodied in our nation's Declaration of Independence.

Executive Editor, Roll Call; Author, Saving Milly: Love, Politics and Parkinson’s Disease

As a Washington journalist since the early '60s, Mort Kondracke’s observations and amusing anecdotes possess the weight of his considerable experience. In his speeches, he'll tell you what's going on in Washington and what changes the next elections might bring.

Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary; Washington Post columnist; Fox News contributor

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary and named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, Charles Krauthammer breathes new life into tired debates, offering clear and compelling arguments that everyone else overlooks.

National political correspondent, National Public Radio; Political analyst, FOX News Channel; Regular panelist, Special Report with Brit Hume and Fox News Sunday

As the national political correspondent for NPR, Mara Liasson’s voice is unmistakable and her words memorable. Her reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

President, Luntz Research Companies; One of the four “Top Research Minds,” Business Week; One of the “50 of America’s most promising leaders aged 40 and under,” Time; Author, Words That Work

One of the most honored communication professionals in America today, Frank Luntz has become the go-to consultant when Fortune 100 companies need communication and language guidance. More media outlets have turned to Dr. Luntz to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster.

Creator and Executive Producer of Two of America’s Most Talked about Weekly Public Affairs Programs

Preeminent news personality Dr. McLaughlin uses his incisive journalistic interviewing and moderating style, coupled with his wry sense of humor, to point out the ironies, patterns, and surprises of the issues and actions of our nation’s leaders.

Highest Rated Public Affairs Program on Television

With fast-paced banter and bombastic commentary, the McLaughlin Group cuts to the chase of today's political issues, shredding Washingtonian jargon and strategy to its basic, understandable elements.

Vice President of the United States; U.S. Ambassador to Japan; U.S. Senator; Attorney General for the State of Minnesota.; 1984 presidential candidate for the Democratic Party; Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States, Presidential Candidate and Ambassador to Japan, Walter Mondale has commanded a seat on the world’s center state since 1964 when he assumed Hubert H. Humphrey’s senate seat.

Political Media Consultant; 2008 Election Analyst on NBC’s Meet the Press

Mike Murphy is one of the Republican Party’s most successful political media consultants. Murphy has been called a “media master” by Fortune magazine, the GOP’s “hottest media consultant” by Newsweek, and the leader of a “new breed” of campaign consultants by Congressional Quarterly. In addition to his campaign work, Murphy advises several Fortune 500 corporations and leading interest groups. He has advised leaders in five foreign countries. He is a founding partner in the Washington DC based public policy management firm of DC Navigators.

Senior Political Analyst, MSNBC ; Emmy-Winning Producer of NBC’s The West Wing

Lawrence O’Donnell, Jr. was an Emmy-Winning Producer of NBC’s hit show The West Wing and a Senior Political Analyst for MSNBC. Mr. O’Donnell is a sought-after speaker for his straight talking political commentary.

Former Congressman; Senior Advisor, Akin Gump LLP

Bill Paxon has been called “a triumphant national leader” who is “one of the party’s best political brains” and “best natural politicians.”

Congresswoman, Colorado; President, Association of American Publishers

Pat Schroeder represented Colorado’s First Congressional District for 12-terms, passing landmark legislation and becoming a strong advocate for free speech and education. Her dedication to her constituents and their wellbeing was unprecedented.

Award-winning Journalist

With a twice-weekly column appearing in over 600 newspapers nationwide, Cal Thomas is the most widely read and one of the most highly regarded voices on the American political scene. He is a panelist on the popular Fox News Watch show, which airs Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. ET. His new USA TODAY feature, Common Ground, provides insightful discussion of contentious social issues with his friend and political counterpart, Bob Beckel.

Co-host, “The Fred Thompson Show” ; Political Commentator; Columnist, The American Spectator

Jeri Thompson is the co-host of "The Fred Thompson Show," along side her husband, Fred Thompson.  She is a political commentator and a columnist for The American Spectator.