TVNewser contributor Scott Baker surveys the pre-dinner receptions and bumps into Kim Alexis, Ann Coulter, Greta Van Susteren, Rita Cosby, Tucker Carlson and others...
Madeline Albright really can leg press 400 pounds.

Andrew Breitbart of Breitbart.com, the wild man of the news wire world, made sure he asked the question. I pointed out the Pat Robertson of the 700 Club claims he can leg press 2,000 pounds. Comments were made about the power of God giving an advantage. I later told this to Pat Robertson's granddaughter who was hanging out with the forceful Kim Alexis.

While Andrew circulated with Ann Coulter, who I swear has a very infectious and girlish laugh, I shook hands with Greta Van Susteren. I heard someone mutter "Aruba, Aruba, Aruba."

Rita Cosby held court close by. Aruba, Aruba.

Widely syndicated (though maybe not quite widely enough) columnist Kathleen Parker talked with the President's charming sister Doro. She has a book coming out in the fall "My Father, My President." Quite the family.

It's good to be Mike Gerson. A top White House aide who can walk around without a lawyer. He covered various African issues with The New Republic's Frank Ford.

Kim Alexis and George Clooney did share sympathies about enduring the spotlight.

Joey Pantoliano talked First Amendment stuff with the Creative Coalition gang.

Larger than life artist Alexey Steele wandered about gauging the spirit of the room. He said the future begins in the present and that the ideas circulating in this group right now will be the shape of the things to come. He's taping that energy for art, even as he talks with Tucker Carlson.

That was all before dinner.