The ‘Wednesday Meeting’ (Shhhh . . . It’s a Secret ) T
here’s only one place for conservatives to be
in the nation’s capital each Wednesday at 10 a.m.: Grover Norquist’s headquarters at Americans for Tax Reform. Conservatives of every
stripe gather there weekly. It is an invitation-only meeting held on the 6th floor of the ATR ofices. The “Wednesday
meetings,” as they’ve come to be known, are the heart of that vast right-wing conspiracy that Democrats love to talk about. The gatherings began in 1993, when conservatives realized they needed a concerted effort to halt the juggernaut of nationalized healthcare. Only a dozen people
attended those early sessions of what is now called the center-right coalition. But today, over 150 interest-group leaders, legislative aides, and members of Congress huddle to share intelligence on upcoming legislation, talk about new initiatives, and galvanize the conservative movement on key issues. Picture an amphitheater
where dark-suited, serious types munch on bagels, sip coffee, and listen intently. At the room’s center stands a long conference table lined with visiting politicians, activists, and dignitaries, who glad-hand each other before the meeting begins. The ambiance is eficient but collegial — everyone’s on the same team. At the head of the table
sits Norquist. He presides over the meetings with a deft admixture of brusque eficiency and pointed humor. The genius of the
Wednesday meeting is that the participants themselves determine the agenda.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD From his perch at the head of the weekly “Wednesday meeting,” Norquist is like a conductor keeping his conservative symphony performing harmoniously.
FEBRUARY 2012 | NEWSMAX 47
“Other people’s coalition meetings would be one guy telling other people what to do,” Norquist says. “My meeting is, I chair a meeting that the meeting runs.” At least 30 speakers
email Norquist’s ofice each week to get on the agenda. Each presenter gives a brief talk on their pet issue, often accompanied by handouts or audiovisuals. Norquist keeps the pace snappy, and the presentations average just three minutes each. After each presentation, Norquist invites questions. Occasionally, Norquist
welcomes visitors from the political left. Al Gore, Ralph Nader, and even George Soros have made trips into the lion’s den to present their views and answer questions. Topics covered at one
recent meeting included proposed legislation restricting TSA employees not trained as federal law
enforcement oficers from wearing police-like uniforms or metal badges; state right-to-work initiatives facing voters in November; and an author urging fellow conservatives to read a new book. “Give us the title please,” Norquist prompts, after the author somehow forgets to mention it. If a speaker begins to
wander off message, he signals for them to wrap it up. When a speaker complains of Democrats’ tactics, Norquist asks if Republicans did the same thing when they were in power. Often, the answer is yes.
When a congressman touts
a new legislative proposal, Norquist draws laughs by asking, “Does it have more than one co-sponsor I hope?” — a reference to a jobs bill introduced by President Obama that was so toxic only three Democrats would publicly support it.
He has been known to lampoon what he calls “the other team.” But he keeps the meetings respectful. House and Senate candidates visit to discuss the issues. Norquist asks them to list the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. Some refer to the sessions
as “the Grover meeting.” But Norquist sees himself as the meeting’s facilitator. He insists that it should properly be called “the Wednesday meeting” or “the center-right coalition meeting.” It’s not about him. “The rules of engagement
are you talk about what you are doing, not what your hopes and aspirations are,” Norquist explains. “I want people to walk out of that room with the best understanding of what is happening in the movement — not what people are thinking about doing.”
— Ronald Kessler
PETE MAROVICH/
ZUMAPRESS.COM
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