Q: Is the National Mall the best or worst place to be on July fourth?
- “The Mall is special Americana. But bring lots of hydration and get a bead on the port-a-potties. Most of all,
high-five your fellow Americans who make the trip.”
– GOP strategist Mary Matalin
- “While I don’t at all believe the Mall is the worst place in D.C. to enjoy the July Fourth celebration, I do believe the Canadian Embassy or the State Department balcony is far better. – former LBJ aide Lloyd Hand
- “It’s great to experience the Mall on the Fourth, with the NSO on the Capitol lawn and fireworks over the Monument in the background. But it was never better than when we had the Beach Boys concerts. Too bad James Watt had to ruin all of that.” – Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein
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- “To me, the best place is right by the Mississippi River in New Orleans, because the fireworks are great, and this year you can see St. Louis slowly gliding past.” – Actor-comedian Harry Shearer
- “The worst place. The only fireworks you’ll see there are between supporters of McCain, Obama and Wesley Clark.” – TV journalist Rita Cosby
- “There is nothing like watching the fireworks from the Mall (if only there was an easier exit strategy once they were over!).” – Eric Ziebold, executive chef of CityZen and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Chef of the Year for 2008
- “Any member of Congress who spends the Fourth on the Mall should probably worry about his or her re-election chances.” – Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas
- “It is Empire Washington in full bloom. We live in the 21st century version of ancient Rome, and to be too cavalier about the things that define the city — and our country — is just beyond my ability to comprehend.”
– Chris Plante, host of the “Chris Plante Show” on WMAL 630 AM
Q: Have you ever lit a firecracker?
- “I grew up in South Chicago … firecrackers were our pre-appetizers.” – Mary Matalin
- “Maybe a sparkler or two.” – Sen. John Kerry. D-Mass.
- “My three-man water balloon launcher provided ample opportunity for delinquency in my adolescence. I don’t recall ever getting my hands on any illegal firecrackers.” – LateNightShots.com founder Reed Landry
- “I have lit several firecrackers before in my time and have all nine fingers left to prove it.” – Local nightclub
promoter Jamie Hess
– “Yes…I nearly blew my finger off.” – Real estate magnate Joe Robert
- “No, but I know a few in political office who have a short fuse.” – Rita Cosby
- “Plenty. I used to be in charge of the fireworks show in our old neighborhood. Almost killed myself and a neighbor once, but it was a good show.” – Tom DeLay
- “I will shoot off a few skyrockets.”
– Lobbyist Thomas Quinn of Venable LLP
- “The last time I lit a firecracker was a bottle rocket about eight to 10 years ago. Now I just let my son light all the bottle rockets while I look the other way.”
– Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich.
- “I cannot remember when I last lit a firecracker. It’s been a long time, probably more than 40 years ago.”
– Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
Q: Who would be more fun at a July Fourth BBQ: McCain or Obama? Why?
- “McCain, because he could tell us all about the very first Fourth of July — he was there for it, right?” – John Kerry
- “Obama. No question. I’m afraid McCain would spend the BBQ hatching a plan to drill for oil in Lake Michigan.” – House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill.
- “Obama, because he’d do a better job keeping me awake for the fireworks show.”
– Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va.
- “If fireworks are the objective, I think the answer would be both.” – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.
- “Barack and I would probably be on the same menu page, but it would be better to be with McCain to grill him on D.C. voting rights.” – Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.
- “Obama — nothing beats a good pick-up game of hoops on the Fourth — trash talking is imperative!”
– Mark Ein
- “Obama would probably know the names of all the pieces of music they play, and McCain would get flashbacks. You tell me what’s more fun.” – Harry Shearer
- “No offense to either Senator McCain or Obama, but I like to spend my free time with those closest to me. I’m sure both senators enjoy spending time with their loved ones as well.” – Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio
- “I’d rather spend the Fourth with McCain because [we’re] both from Arizona.”
– Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz.
- “Although I have had neither, I would think Elephant would taste better on the grill than Donkey so I’m going to have to go with McCain.” – Jamie Hess
- “Obama, I think, because he just seems to be a guy one would enjoy having a beer, eating a hot dog or BBQ and hanging with. He seems very comfortable with himself.”
– Lloyd Hand
- “McCain — I like a man who knows that his place is at the grill.” – Huffington Post Political Director Hilary Rosen
- “Obama. I can’t see McCain flipping some burgers, drinking some beers and relaxing at all.” – Bo Blair, owner of local nightlife spots Smith Point and Rookery
- “Neither. The real fun will be in Chappaqua with Bill, Hill and their accountant.” – Rita Cosby
