In D.C. All That Glitters Is Usually A Gala

By:  Kevin Trainor/Managing Editor

“The Independent Women’s Forum’s mission is to improve the lives of Americans by increasing the number of women who value free markets and personal liberty.”  This is the mission statement of the IWF.  They also say they are a non-partisan research, and educational institution.  However true that may be there is a rightward tilt.  The East Wing of Washington’s showplace Union Station is decked out for a formal affair.  The kiosks of the day are removed in favor of round tables of ten most of which have been paid for by respective interest groups.  Tonight, Kellyanne Conway will be receiving an award.  The Speaker of the House will address the room, and he will receive more than a few audible boos possibly from a more liberal sector, or the more numerous libertarian participants.  Most of the attendees will admit to supporting a limited constitutional government.

The rightward tilt is noticeable on the donation cards available in the reception area, and throughout the room.  The IWF’s “90 Days of Defense Campaign” efforts to raise cash so the IWF can use social media, TV appearances, radio, and other commentary to defend a conservative, female leader.  Any one.  The group’s belief is that, their words, the liberal media often singles out conservative women for vicious personal attacks, and the goal is to highlight the hypocrisy, in their view.  They will raise a lot tonight.  Many pens are out, and boxes checked.

Washington, D.C., is a lot like Los Angeles/Hollywood.  A seemingly one industry town where the world turns on what a politico has said, or a celebrity has advocated.  C-SPAN, and TMZ, are similar in their focused approached to their burg’s industry’s news.  C-SPAN does not have tours. Yet.  The Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post, dedicate a lot of sheet to their hometown biz.  Every year eager, young would be actresses land at LAX, and soon appear at your restaurant table taking your order, and getting someone to cover their shift for a crucial audition.  Each year eager, young women, in particular, enter the freshman classes of George Washington, American, or Georgetown Universities.  Many were their high school’s student body president, indeed, they are “Elle Woods.”  Natalie Morgan is.  The George Washington University sophomore is over the top at being able to volunteer at the IWF event.  Youthful, energetic, sharp, she is like many young women on the rise.  They can be found at events highlighting all sides of the political spectrum.  Handing out cards, showing you to your seat, checking you in, their reward is to just be there.  They do well too.  The bottom of the ladder is an exciting time.  Meeting people, finding a way up, securing an internship that will lead to a job that will be a career.  Usually at a downtown lobbying firm, law firm, advocacy group, or bureau.

Young men, interestingly, tend to be less focused on the ladder.  Usually they will choose the campaign route.  Going out across the country working for a house or senate candidate.  They will take that experience home, and be active locally.  They also tend to go to Capitol Hill staffs.  Work for a member of congress, or serve on committee staffs doing research until a spot opens up.  It is an interesting gender split that is changing however.


So these Washington events are more than honoring someone, or featuring this cause, or that.  It really is an arena where a new generation is coming up and following those who once staffed the check in desk, or coat rack.  It worked out well for Elle.