No Place For a Party
Tell that to Joe Scarborough, the outspoken co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Last week, the former congressman -- who isn't a journalist although he plays one on television -- made a casual reference during a panel discussion to the fact that he and co-host Mika Brzezinski had been "to the White House" to attend a holiday party.
Scarborough went on to say how remarkable it was that president and Mrs. Obama attend two parties a night for 10 days in a row during this time of year.
What I find remarkable is that many journalists who wind up on the "nice" list don't see a problem in attending these parties. Also on the show was Chris Cillizza, a Washington Post reporter, who recalled attending a party one year with his wife.
Scarborough explained that, every year, he takes one of his children with him. According to him, Brzezinski also took her daughter.
"Somebody asked, 'How long are you going to be going to these White House Christmas parties?'" Scarborough said. "I said, 'Until I run out of kids.'"
There's the problem. This is one of those instances where journalists get to shine in front of their spouses and kids. For 364 days out of the year, daddy or mommy is just that distracted person living in the house who is always staring at the clock, watching the news during dinner, stressing over deadlines, working late and typing feverishly on smartphones or tablets.
But on the night of the White House holiday party, all this changes. The parent becomes a superhero, someone important enough to be invited to a special gathering at a special place.
That's a strong drug, and it's really easy to get addicted. The safest route for journalists is to stay away from temptation, and find their holiday cheer somewhere else.
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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.
Copyright 2014 Washington Post Writers Group
