Journalist Mara Liasson Talks Politics

Journalist Mara Liasson, a national political correspondent for National Public Radio and a Scarsdale High School alumnus, was the guest speaker at the Scarsdale Women's Club on Sunday, Dec. 12.

Liasson's lecture, entitled "The View from Washington," was part of the Sunday Speaker Series organized by the Scarsdale Forum. This was Liasson's second time speaking for the series, and her most recent speech examined issues including tax cuts, the next presidential election, the crisis of unemployment benefits and the economy and a general synopsis of U.S. current events.

Liasson's speech ranged from candid and analytic to upbeat and humorous as she shifted between various topics.

"The president decided to make a deal with the Republicans, which he did," said Liasson in reference to Obama's tax cuts. "They're ensued a great ruckus—and the Democrats, especially in the House, were appalled, furious and felt he got rolled because the upper income tax cuts were going to continue."

"Also," added Liasson, "the estate tax disappeared this year, so I guess rich people that died this year were lucky! But next year, it was going to go back into effect, so part of the deal was when it did, it would be a lower rate."

Liasson's tone quickly changed, however, when she talked about her experiences as a reporter in Washington…and shared a story that elicited laughter about how former President Bill Clinton once came into the briefing room unannounced.

"I once covered Bill Clinton, and for the last eight years during Bush's administration, I was the national political correspondent," said Liasson. "[While we were sitting in the briefing room,] Bush said, 'You know, I'm really late for a holiday party. I can't keep the First Lady waiting, and I don't want her to be mad.' Then, [we hear a voice saying], 'Well, we certainly don't want her to be mad either, please go!' And there was Bill Clinton!"

After Liasson finished her speech, audience members were able to approach her and ask questions. I had the opportunity to speak with Liasson after her lecture, and asked her what she thought of President Obama…and her opinions on what will happen in the 2012 election.

"I've met him—he's a very smart and thoughtful guy, and has a lot of challenges ahead," said Liasson. "I have no idea what will happen in the next election, nor does anybody else. I think the Republicans will do very well in the senate because they have so many more seats."

Many audience members in attendence were personal friends and acquaintences of Liasson. Joy Borgos, a Greenburgh resident and a long-time neighbor of Mara's, came to hear her friend's speech.

"Mara and her family lived in the same area that I did. We've been friends for many years. She went to school with my daughter, and I'm friends with her mother. I would not miss a chance to hear her talk," said Borgos. "She's a very bright woman, and my friend Marcia Gellert and I were talking how she manages not to show her own opinion. She's a real reporter, and we're very proud of her."

The Scarsdale Forum organizes three annual public lectures. Tom Herman was October's speaker, and another yet-to-be-determined guest is slated for March. The Scarsdale Forum is partially funded by the Irving J. Sloan Education Fund. For more information, on the Scarsdale Forum, visit http://www.scarsdaletvcc.org/index.php.