BBQ + Politics
Texas Tribune Festival kicks off with barbecue feast at Google's new Austin digs
What: Texas Tribune Barbecue Feast
Where: Google
The lowdown: The Texas Tribune Festival had its unofficial kick off for 2017 with the annual Barbecue Feast. Guests enjoyed barbecue from LeRoy and Lewis and drinks from Big Bend Brewing Company in the brand-new Google offices, featuring stunning 360-degree views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown. After eating, guests sat down for a compelling conversation about the state of politics and the role of media following the 2016 elections.
The discussion featured Steve Schmidt, Republican political strategist and top advisor to the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain, and Donna Brazile, a veteran Democratic political strategist, former interim chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee and former campaign director for Al Gore’s presidential run. The conversation was moderated by co-founder and CEO of the Texas Tribune Evan Smith.
Who: Evan Smith, Donna Brazile, Steve Schmidt, April Hinkle, Dya Campos, Patrick Terry, Kathy Terry, Sam Johnson, Maureen Whalen, Michelle Zack, Ross Ramsey, Karen Kennard, Becky Brownlee, R.B. Brenner, Jessica Wyatt, Michael Wyatt, Laura Petterson, Cassidy Petterson, Kristin Chiles, Kiah Collier, Ryan Murphy, Neena Satija, Terry Quinn, Graham Quinn, Ellen Ray, Mark Ray, Taylor Teague, Rhonda McCollough, Chandler McCollough.