ASNE Wants Bush, Schwarzenegger at Meeting

By: Joe Strupp The American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) is hoping that President George W. Bush makes his first appearance in three years at the group's annual convention in April, while also boasting plans for likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, and newly elected California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to attend the event -- half of which will be held jointly with the Newspaper Association of America.

The convention program, meanwhile, offers sessions on hot topics such as Iraq, FOIA, newsroom ethics, and the 2004 presidential campaign.

Other Washington, D.C., power brokers who have either confirmed attendance or are discussing availability include Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Advisor Condolezza Rice, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and former Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin.

Media industry heavyweights expected to attend include: Anthony P. Ridder, chairman and CEO of Knight Ridder; Arthur Sulzberger Jr., chairman of The New York Times Co.; and Jack Fuller, president of Tribune Publishing.

"We are still in the early stages, most will not give you a heads-up until a month out from the convention," said Scott Bosley, ASNE executive director. "We have had communications with the White House, but it is too early to determine."

Since Bush took office in early 2001, he has only attended one ASNE convention, speaking to the group in April of that year. The president missed the 2002 gathering in Washington, as well as last year's event in New Orleans. ASNE is held in Washington three out of every four years.

"There is at least a good chance that he will attend," Bosley said of Bush, blaming his recent absences on the post-Sept. 11 security concerns in 2002 and last year's Iraq war demands. "They haven't said no yet; we have been in touch with them."

Since the conventions will be held at two different sites -- ASNE at the J.W. Marriott Hotel and NAA at the Omni Shoreham Hotel -- ASNE will hold two of its four days of activities at the NAA location.

"The main reason is that their convention site has a luncheon room big enough for the two groups," said Bosley. "It is easier than busing people back and forth all day."

It is too early to project attendance for the 2004 convention, which will be held April 20-23, Bosley said. But, he hopes it will increase following two disappointing years that saw the event draw only about 550 people in 2002 and 2003, after bringing in more than 700 in 2001.

"We don't get an idea until four or five weeks out," Bosley said.