BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), now director of federal government affairs at Deloitte
How/where are you celebrating your birthday and with whom? “I will be going to dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House with my wife and then watching “All the Money in the World.”
How did you get your start in politics? “I started in politics by giving a speech for Nixon in 1960 at my elementary school. Then I served as a page for 4 years in the U.S. Senate (1963-1967) sponsored by Sen. Carl Curtis and Sen. Roman Hruska from Nebraska. Then to Amherst College where my classmate David Eisenhower got me a job with Harry Dent, the political director at the White House. Then the Army, UVA Law and then elected to Fairfax County Board at 29.”
What’s an interesting book/article you’re reading now or finished? And why? “Just read ‘Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush’ by Jon Meacham.”
How is the Trump presidency going? “Trump is having good outcomes with the markets, unemployment, GDP, ISIS, but his operating style is unorthodox and offensive to many so his messaging and personal attacks are counter productive.”
What is a trend going on in the U.S. or abroad that doesn’t get enough attention?
“The world is changing so rapidly that the political systems cannot keep pace. Rising expectations at one end and threats of status at the other. In our two party system, the center has collapsed. In other countries we see the explosion of newer parties. This could occur in America if the two parties cannot learn to play nice.”
What’s a fun fact that people in Washington might not know about you? “I attended about 30 Nats games and can be seen on my seats in Section 129 behind the Nats dugout with my glove that snagged over 25 balls last season (which I give away).”