Throughout the semester, our Spring 2024 GU Politics Fellows engaged with Georgetown students in weekly discussions about democracy, leadership, partisanship and global affairs. The Fellows pulled back the curtain on some of the most important processes and decisions in the nation’s capital, and students also got the opportunity to go beyond the Living Room on trips to some of the most important places in DC. From the Pentagon, to Capitol Hill and the White House, Fellows facilitated exciting field trips and one-of-a-kind conversations with leaders, policymakers and senior practitioners.
In addition to spending his semester talking to students about war, politics and international affairs, Dan Lamothe took students to the Pentagon to witness the inner workings of the U.S. Department of Defense. Students had the opportunity to meet with the Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary and tour the historic building.
The trip was a behind-the-scenes look at how the government interacts with the press in this important setting. Students got to visit where Pentagon staff tracks news and holds briefings.
Luke Hughes (SFS‘27) said, “Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary, talked to us students about how her job entails relaying the administration’s vision, messages, and policy in a way that ordinary citizens can understand.”
“It was a deeper look into how our government and military decide on how to make decisions and then communicate those decisions to the wider public,” added Luke Castro (C’27).
Castro reflected on experiencing the inner workings of such a significant place. “It demystified the Pentagon to me and made the people whose reports I read in the newspaper real,” he said.
Lawmaking in Action
Former U.S. Representative Val Demings returned to the U.S. Capitol, bringing students along to see lawmaking in action. Students visited the House Gallery and had the opportunity to meet House Minority Leader, Representative Hakeem Jeffries.
“Never did I expect to see the political process up close and personal like I did with my discussion group and Rep. Demings,” Lukas Pitman (SFS‘27) said.
Students had an inside look at Congress, getting the chance to learn about what really happens on the House floor.
“We had the opportunity to watch the House in action from a special section of the Gallery while Rep. Demings and another representative, Maxwell Frost, explained in real-time to us the political maneuverings happening right below,” Pitman explained.
Students then heard Rep. Hakeem Jeffries talk about his journey in politics and his experience as a leader in Congress. Students also had the opportunity to ask Jeffries questions.
“Our meeting and discussion with Leader Hakeem Jeffries was surreal,” Christopher Pitt (C‘24) said. “Not only was I able to hear about his journey in law and in politics, I had the opportunity to ask a question of my own and shake his hand!”
The trip served as an expansion of the topics that Demings brought forth to her discussion groups throughout the semester.
“Bipartisan collaboration, in addition to the future of the Democratic party, were issues that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke to our team about in a personalized meeting,” Isabela McNeilly-Anta (SFS‘27) said.
Jason Goodman (MPP/MBA ‘26) said, “Visiting the Capitol yesterday was truly an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am very grateful to Rep. Demings and GU Politics for the opportunity.”
Behind the Scenes
In February, Machalagh Carr also brought her discussion out of the Living Room and to the Hill to pull back the curtain on politics and the Constitution, offering students a special look at the topics her group has been engaging with in her discussion group. Students joined Machalagh for the opportunity to tour the historic U.S. Capitol building and meet with House of Representatives staffers.
“[Machalagh] shared many fun stories and secrets of the building, including some things she experienced while working there. We got to meet many amazing staffers during the tour and I walked away with greater knowledge of the traditions of the GOP and Speaker’s office,” Katelyn Rickert (C‘24) said.
Hughes also thought it was valuable to learn about Machalach’s experience working for the House of Representatives. “Hearing from Machalagah herself about day-to-day operations of the House of Representatives while sitting in the gallery was an experience I‘ll never forget!” Hughes said.
Marc Short brought his Student Strategy Team for an especially unique view of DC – a tour of the Capitol Dome.
“Touring the Dome was a unique experience that allowed us to see the Capitol from a completely different perspective,” Catherine McGuire (SFS‘26) said.
“Seeing the stunning artwork and architecture of the Dome up close was amazing,” said Meggy Mani (C‘27). “And the fascinating history and information our tour guide gave us just enhanced the experience further,” she added.
Michael Scime (C‘27) reflected on the impact of seeing the city from this exciting vantage point. “Standing at the top of the dome, looking across the National Mall to the Washington Monument, everything we had talked about in the discussion groups suddenly came into focus,” Scime said.
Seeing the Room Where It Happens
Having brought his own White House experience to engaging discussions with students this spring, Marc Short also brought students to the West Wing for a tour and the opportunity to hear from White House staff.
“Seeing the Oval Office, Rose Garden, the Press Briefing Room and so much more with the expert guidance of a career White House Staffer gave us incredible insight into the places we so often imagine,” McGuire said.
“I almost couldn’t believe I was actually in these places I’ve seen on my TV or phone screen so many times, “ Mani said of getting to tour the important space. “Our tour guide was a great host who taught us so much about the history of the West Wing as well as the day-to-day operations,” she added.
“To be in the rooms where it happens – the Oval Office, Rose Garden, Cabinet Room, Press Briefing room and so many more – was surreal,” Scime said.
Laura Barrón-López also took students to the White House where they were able to hear from the White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates. This experience expanded on a semester of discussions about threats to democracy and the polarizing rhetoric used in the media.
“It was incredibly interesting getting to speak with the Deputy Press Secretary and learning about the day-to-day of his role,” Anaís López (MPP ‘24) said. “As someone interested in the relationship with the press and the Executive, I found the conversation to be very insightful and educational.”
Deanne Millison took a group of students next door to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to tour the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office. They got to hear from the Vice President’s staff and tour the historic rooms.
“We got to talk with current staff who work with VP Harris on communications, press, scheduling, policy goals, and legal issues,” said Katie Cheung (SFS ’27). “Each staff member walked us through the paths they took to reach these positions and offered some advice for the future!”
GU Politics students expressed gratitude to Spring 2024 Fellows for an exciting and engaging semester. Building on weekly off-the-record conversations, field trips allowed students to gain a deeper insight into political processes and pressing policy topics of the day.
“These are the types of opportunities and situations that our Fellows bring to campus. Not only do they teach you about leadership, but they bring you in the room with the leaders actually making the policy decisions,” Pitman said.
“For me, this opportunity is just one of the many ways that the McCourt School, and GU Politics, makes the most of being in D.C.” McNeilly-Anta said. “Can’t wait to see what next year’s [Fellows class] brings!”
