>> coming up, q and a. and remarks at the american society of news editors. and former louisiana congressman >> of this week on an "q & a" a talk with the united states youth program held at the mayflower hotel in washington, d.c. [applause] >> good morning. i want is somebody in the room to please tell me what this program is all about. we have sent your is out there in c-span that want to know.

who wants to do that? >> this is the united states senate youth program. two delegates were chosen from each state to represent, it shows up of leadership and an interest in public service. >> i need to know your name and where you're from. from am callie porter oregon. >> to like to add to that? what did you do? >> number one, we met the president. >> the big deal. where did you meet him? >> at the white house. he got off the helicopter appeared he met us. we took a picture with him. he talked to was a little bit

and answered questions. >> were you nervous at? >> oh yeah, >> you can fill the blanks if he were to who you're able to meet -- of you you're able to meet? >> we met some alumni. chief justice robert n. henry. -- roberts and henry. >> what did you learn from being in the supreme court? >> we learned about how our justice system works at a more personal level, how they have to separate their own believes from what is in the constitution in order to ensure proper proceedings. >> who can tell me how you get to be one of these delegates over here? where are you from?

>> i am from new mexico. >> how did you get here? >> it was a complicated application process. we applied and wrote an essay about why the program was important. semifinalist's or selected. from there we had a personal interview, debate over personals skills and current leaders. >> why did you get picked? >> i know because i'm a future leader of america. we will see. >> how many want to run for political office at some point in the feature? >> all my goodness. i asked in the wall went to get to c-span, every hand went up. -- i as everyone in the room who watched c-span, every hand went up. to let somebody wanted to talk

about this week? >> i am from mississippi. >> where? >> ocean springs. >> who did you hear from? leon panetta. he is an interesting person. >> why was he interested in? >> he is very knowledgeable. he had a lot of information. >> who can tell me who pays for this week? who pays for this week? this is not a government program. it is not. >> the foundation covers the cost like they have for the past 50 years. this is the 50th anniversary. >> i am from wisconsin. >> i want you to think about something you learned this week

that may be surprised you or you did not anticipate learning. it could be a positive or a negative. anotherot going to have week like this, i don't matter how old you are. this is the most magnificent wiki lap and less to become president. i suspect a couple of you might -- magnificent week unless you become president. i suspect a couple of the might want to be. >> i am here from washington. it is embodied in one of the " about the secretary of defense. she said to surround yourself by the smartest people you know. although we've learned from the speakers, a lot of people we take out just from each other. we're ease from different states and backgrounds. -- we are each from different states and backgrounds. we debate a challenge each other. >> summoned this week that meant

thsomeone this week that meant the most to you when you heard them? >> and delicate, i would say everyone. egates, i would say everyone. speaker, i would see chief it justice. >> he is from where? >> oklahoma, sir. >> you do not have to call me sir. >> last night we got to speak with a nasa administrator. he taught us to do what ever you do with something that you're passionate about and you never have to work a day in your life. by setting your pass it about and you will always enjoy it.

-- buying something you are passionate about and you will always into it. >> where are you going to college? >> i have not decided yet. >> we have great hands up. >> one of the things we always said i learned, i was at the table. i learned about the art of compromise when it comes to politics. i asked her about her thoughts on the retirement of her fellow senator for maine, olympia snowe, and whether that signals a lack of confidence. is she said there are highs and lows. it is a cyclical things. there are people willing to compromise.

i really appreciated that. >> i do not know that high school kids know this, but how many kids tweeted this? i know it is big in college. who put some of your photographs on facebook the? my goodness. >> i am the delegate from new york. i am from the upstate albany area. we spoke to congressmen gardner yesterday. i thought he was interesting, seeing as he also was a u.s.s. delegate here he said there are the politicians that have run in their main focus is to continue to get elected. the politicians to run and their focus is to gain as much

publicity as possible. and the politicians to run because they want to make a difference. he said an issue our generation will fix is that we need to step up and tried to focus the attention on the politicians who are trying to make a difference. that can be as if we raise our voice to become as politicians one day. >> you are all exhausted. i'm not going to point any fingers at anybody. everybody knows what this is. it is a kick to the you through the day. i am sure nobody needs that. how about at this table? >> i am from south dakota. rapid city. >> tell us about your reaction. >> i'm going to talk about the

food. we have had an amazing dinners, amazing lunches and desserts. my favorite was a white chocolate capitol dome of building filled with a chocolate mousse and fruits. i did a picture of that put it on facebook. -- i took a picture of that and put it on facebook. >> and looks at the get away with eating that. i could not. what are you going to take away from the week? >> i think hearing all the different viewpoints really resonates with me. it allows me to be open to other opinions. it lets me present my own belief in a respectful manner. >> you do not have to answer this question. how many of you in the room think you are republican? how many think you are

democrats? how many consider yourself an independent? i love that. tell us where you are from. >> connecticut. i discovered here that i am an independent. from seeing all the republicans, i agreed with half of what they said. i agree with half what the democratic kids said. i thought being an independent is a great way to bill compromise. we need more of that. if i could ever be in public office, i knew i could bring both decisions and sizes. >> who else was to tell us why? >> i am from illinois. >> where? >> chicago. >> aware around chicago? -- where around chicago?

>> oakland. too often people tend to simply follow the party lines rather than make a decision based on their own beliefs. even if you are right, it is important to be independent of hard so that you can make the right decision regardless of their party line. >> do you consider yourself liberal or moderate? >> i am a moderate conservative. >> you could be a moderate liberal, moderate independent. who is a republican that wants to talk about that? you're living overseas? >> i am. by saudi do get here? >> -- how did you get here?

>> i flew for a really long time. but why are you chosen to do this? >> i live in italy. i was chosen three selection process and hopefully because i was better than the other people who applied. >> what about mom and dad? >> my mom is a stay at home on. my dad is in the army. >> republican? >> i liked the idea of being able to live without too much government interference. i do like the government. that is why i am here. i've seen a lot of governments. i've lived in a lot of different places. i think there are definitely times on the democratic president is needed. overall, i think it is best if we could survive without too

much dependence on the government. >> for our audience, and this is the united states senate youth program. these folks have been here for a week. they are 16 or 17 years old. they were chosen two per state. q. is a democrat of what to tell me why? whod -- who is a democrat wants to tell me why? >> i believe that there is something that we can do to improve the lives of the people of the united states. did the government should not be overbearing. we should maintain the right for them to make their own decisions about life. we're making sure that everyone has an equal chance to read dissipate in democracy. sometimes i think the government need to -- to participate in democracy.

sometimes a think the government to intervene. >> that is an acceptance speech. your name? >> jacob from colorado. >> you are also a democrat? >> i am a democrat for numerous reasons. i believe in people having a right to have their options to choose without government interference, especially on social issues. i am extremely liberal. i think everybody should have an option when it comes to anything, abortion, birth control. fiscally, i am more of a moderate. there are times we need to spend to help get yourselves out a sticky situations. there are also times will we

need to back off. i am from wisconsin. >> we need another republican to even this off. your name and where you are from? >> arkansas. i believe in the principles that were founded upon in the lincoln party. they wanted to fight for what they believed was right. economically i agree with those policies. i think some of these are people trying to sell five for that right. >> who in this room has believes that do not sound like your parent? ? a watson went to explain why. but i am from georgia.

-- i want you to explain why. >> i am from georgia. my parents are very conservatives. we are from rural georgia. >> why have you changed? >> i used to be ultraconservative when i was younger. i lost a lot of arguments. i am an independent i guess you would say. >> who disagrees with their parent? living in their homes, taking their to the? = -- their food? >> ditch right. detriot. >> what is the difference when

you enter parent? >> my family is fairly liberal. i see unions as more as a safeguard in between the people and their employers as much as the federal government is between the people and tyranny where my mother does not. >> does that mean you will join a union? >> if i have a job that merit it. merits it. >> how is the disagreement working out? >> as far as they know, it is fine. [applause] i consider myself a libertarian. my mom considers herself a very strong republican. we have had disagreements over the patriots back from a civil liberties. would get into big arguments about them. >> what is a libertarian?

>> we believe in not interference from the government in both social and economic issues. you treat a government that only protect from the harming of rights. i would keep you from harming others in the government. everything else i stay out of. >> if you had to vote today, how many would vote for the man he met this week, barack obama? -- you met this week, barack obama? who would vote for ron paul? he would vote for mitt romney? newt gingrich? [applause] i am going to come back to that. i want to find out why. rick santorum? did i miss anybody?

i am sure eight lots of others we can bring up. why did no one in this room would vote for newt gingrich and why you all clapped? that is what i really want to know. >> i am from toledo, ohio. i think we all recognize how important it is to have bipartisan compromise. newt gingrich was the architect of the current political state. there is not compromised. it is just party line votes and really a lot of hatred and spreading bad vibes through congress. if that is what is going to happen in congress, we do not need that to happen in the presidency. >> you are not for a trichet? >> no. -- for hatred? >> no.

>> you're giving me a lot of exercise. >> i am from lexington, ky. >> why do you think everybody clapped when it gingrich came up? >> his presidential debate performances were over the top, and especially with some of his peculiar policy believes. he comes off as somebody who is not ready. his personality is a very poor fit for the managerial demands for the presidency. >> i do not know if you saw the statistics, the deficit was $229 billion, the highest ever. that create more and debt. who has a view on this? did to get a sense that anybody is dealing with this from?

>> everybody knows we have the gangster there. >> tells about this and get things -- debt thing. >> we have to have a comprehensive plan to tackle this. we have seen that some of the parties do not want to compromise and have a go get its plan, raising revenue and then spending it so we can manage it. it does that have to be dealt with in the next two years. we need a long-term problem. >> why is it not have to be dealt with in the next two years? >> sudden changes are never good. a long-term plan can be handled very well. >> where are you from? >> i am from north dakota. >> what is your take on all of this? >> i personally think that we

need to have increased revenue. we need to cut spending. spending cuts are very important. talking with some of the leaders like leon panetta, and he talks about how important it is to be financially sound. if we're not financially sound, to vote the money to national defense will not have any money to devote to it. it is important that we need to get our deficit under control. you do not want to be be holden to anyone. i honestly think that we need a tax increase of some sort. and as i have to be a large tax increase. we need to drastically cut spending. >> do you and your mother does agree on anything? >> we disagree on a lot of things. she is definitely on the right side of the spectrum.

i'm a moderate right. >> why do disagree on gay- rights? >> i personally think that they should be able to legally married. they should be able to say the are married. she thinks that a single union works. >> should we leave it at their in you can work it out when you get some? -- there and you can work it out when you get home at? you have met the president of united states. you have met leon panetta. you have met a veteran of this program. even if congress man who's a veteran of this program. put all this together. i know you have things to what to say about the week. can you tell us other things you've learned about the week, about people you've met, about watching famous people?

>> i'm from kansas city. the best part of my week, last night at dinner we are sitting across the table. we tend to not stay too political at our dinner conversations. we were arguing. we are different as far as our views go. we are talking about the deficit must leave. we were talking about how we had different ideas on how to go about that. it got pretty heated. i was standing up on occasion. >> where your hands? >> i grab my napkin occasionally. i cannot look at him anymore. at the end of it, he stood up. he gave me an "i love you." we have different views but it

will not be the end of the world. i think that is something that needs to be more present in our political system. >> was either you on? -- what side are you on? >> on one of the big issues is that we see it as a linear game. i see it much more as a three- dimensional thing. i do not like to put myself in a box. >> need to find out what channing thinks. >> i'm from georgia. >> what happened last night? >> he said he got upset. i usually did not get upset. that is usually a sign that you're losing an argument. [laughter] [applause] it is usually a sign of weakness. i stay pretty calm and collected. >> congratulations.

who else? would need to talk to people we have not talked to. >> i am from minnesota. what did the things i learned is that we got to sit a representative from the state department. that is not exactly as much of a ridiculous is learning about the other side of the government that does not rely upon political parties or elections. it is something that is a consistent theme. i was at the public affairs table. they were talking about how they convey our ports policy. it was a fascinating experience hearing about the other side of the political spectrum that you do not hear about that often. >> the state department. ok. the man with the yellow tie and

red shirt appeared >> i am from pennsylvania. >> when it the greatest experiences of this we is the opportunity when i got to meet both of my senators. adjusting able to talk to them -- just being able to talk to them, especially bob casey about where we see ourselves in the future. your sharing your experience with someone so powerful and out of our reach. that is what this is about. inspires you to do anything. i mean anything. he gave us extremely wonderful message and are no books. it inspires you to be more than you are. that is what i'd like to take away from it, and the ability to be there was someone who is so incredibly awesome.

>> do you want to repeat about what he said about joy is the is? >> i enjoyed it a lot. i appreciate the times that it out to speak with us. baroda's personal messages in our books and taught to us about civic engagement, college, about our future lies. -- future lives. >> anyone had an experience for the celebrity, and the official you work around was not listening to you, did not want to pay any attention to you, was self concerned? does anybody want to go there? no one was to be negative about anything. but i am from connecticut. it is not quite as negative as

that. i've been asking questions i have not thought of. all of my congressmen and senators said their is a lot of partisanship going on and i'm the one reaching across the aisle. everyone has said that here it makes me wonder if it is that actually happening. if there is the discussion seemed -- discrepancy between what they're saying and what they are doing. >> there are people watching this out there in the country and i know what they're saying. we will get e-mails. those kids are terribly naive about is getting a lot thing. how hard naive about hall = it will be to solve these problems. what do you say to them? >> illinois. i do not think anybody in this room is naive about how much it

is going to take. i think we just wish that people would take those steps to do it. >> why aren't they? >> it is easy not to change. changing his heart. >> what does the public think? -- changing is hard. >> what does the public thinks that's what i think the public as a whole is a naive about how this process works and about how people can get in elected office and stay the same and not have a need to change. >> no. else? >> i am from new jersey. i do not think any of us are naive. i think that proves the general public underestimates the abilities of fiat cheating children. i think all of us are people who come from towns where we are very vocal and criticized for being so out word in our

opinions. six i think we need to be appreciated. people should embrace the fact that not only do we care but we are passionate about things. >> i in from kansas. -- i am from kansas. i do not think anybody in this remark i need a. i think -- in this room are not even. -- are naive. we are willing to set aside our political views and listen to each other. that is something people in congress must learn and take note. we have learned not only from each other but others. we have gotten along. that is what they need to do.

>> what happens when they go back and there is an election and the citizen say we do not want you to compromise the? >> leon panetta mention that. he is a big critic of bipartisanship. he said there appeared to make the big decisions that need to be made. >> did you know that he started out as a republican? he worked for the nixon administration. then he switched. >> i am from seattle. someone from the white house came and said "those who think they are crazy enough to change the world are the ones that do." while everyone here has a radically different are similar views, one thing we all have in

common is ambition and passion. that is where it really lies in changing the world. >> where did you get your ambition? >> from experiences like this comment from hearing from other people that have died in -- dived in wholeheartedly. >> your name in your town? >> i am firmly in nebraska. if you call us now naive for believing that we can compromise, you also have to call the founders of our nation i either. it is a that this government so we can compromise. we can balance and feed off of each other. it is very important that we hold that belief and do that and

did not exist a linear view of our political spectrum and make our government great again. [applause] i to the say we're not naive, think that whole rhetoric and idea is a self-fulfilling prophecy. the reason why we have this lack of compromise is because people assume it cannot happen. changing the paradigm is the best way to change its. >> how much time do we have? but i am from maryland. i do not think it is my leave. i think it is optimism. i think there is a different feeling than the adults have. it is an optimism that even though everyone in this room has a slightly different views, with a man is to come together.

we enjoy each other's presence. we come back together even after a dispute. the point is to encourage leaders to go into public office. we're going to start seeing this partisanship dissolve. >> you all have these little blue books. to end this room is known to write the most -- who in this room is known to write the most? the gentleman. why did they point to you? >> i wrote down quotes and charts, anything i can get from these people. they have such priceless antidote invaluable insights, whether it is humorous or serious. i've got a few signatures from

people. i think i will keep this for as long as possible. >> find a quote for us that you wrote down that move you during this week. find a couple of these things so we can hear some of the jambgem. >> i am from virginia. we heard from the national security team. he got a question about when he would give up its commitment to personal service. he said the day i walked to the white house gates in the day i am not odd is the day i shall leave. -- awed is the day i shall be.

>> that is the second time we have heard a quote from him. but i am from delaware. judge henry was a former chief judge of the court of appeals. he said, he was telling a story about this rally they had. the man was very charismatic and spoke about everyone should love one another. then a rabbi came up after him and said "love one another. that sounds good but it will never happen. what we can do is follow the law." that meant a lot to me. loving one another sounds really good. even if we cannot get that done, we should still work together and get compromised done and further different things. we can help create laws that

makes the society better. >> your name? >> i am from arizona. he said she is carefully and execute relentlessly. that meant a lot to me. -- choose carefully and execute relentlessly. that meant a lot to me. that happens with the work and the government today. >> what did you do to get picked for this program? >> i filled out the application. i submitted an essay. i did a test and i interviewed. >> if you're going to tell others who might want to do this or what they need to do, what would you tell them? >> know a lot a presidential trivia. there a lot of questions that were very odd.

and overall knowledge of how our government works. allo all else has a -- qhwho else has a quote? >> we heard from cory gardner. he said it is hard to hate up close. he was resting the partisanship. my interview was an hour, a grammy on current events. just to be reading the paper and now is going on in the world. >> i have to try to have a

moment'. you have to be honest. i have to ask people how many of you what c-span? -- watch c-span? a lot of audiences that come to town you're a to do not watch at all. i do not know what this means. >> i am jake. the quotes as " once you recognize the magnitude of difference in magnitude each can in life, the difference you cn make." there's no doubt in my mind everyone in this room will make an exceptional seven to one day. >> he should feel good about this whole thing.

tell him what to do an interview with him. >> i am from vermont. i have another quote. "you never quite get everything done. accepted. it is liberating." we cannot get everything done. we have to pick a few things that we're really passionate about. we just have to change the world a little bit. >> did he have this written down? >> i think he talked up his cup. -- his cuff. outside des moines. my quote , military mentor.

early on in the week he said " make an impact without impressions." he did not really give us any of his background right away on the first couple of days. it is not so it got back to our room that we saw he has a phd. he has a great resume. he's one of the most humble people i have ever met. it is selfless of the neck and a back to iowa. -- it is awfully something i can take back to iowa. -- police something can take back to iowa. >> i am from austin, texas. she said "do not be afraid to

take risks in your life. if i was a political expert i would never be here." she had never run for any political office ever until she ran for the governor of maine. i thought that was incredible. she lost. because she believed in herself, she kept going. her determination is exemplary. she encouraged us to stand tall for what we believe then and to continue on with our passions and that the sky is our limits. we can do anything. she was absolutely amazing. >> which political office will you run for first? >> i am not sure that i will run for a political office, but i do know that i want to change the world. i want to make a positive impact. it is still an option. >> i am from montana.

charles spoke to us yesterday. he said everything works out if you work hard and set your sights on the next goal. i think that is applicable to the delegates here. each and everyone of us is a testament to hard work. i think everybody in the political system has had success. i think it summarizes the attitude that a lot of delegates have in the program. >> i am a delegate from new york. there is never a lack of opportunity or work for those who want to make a difference. i think it is often difficult. there are lots of naysayers to say there are not enough jobs. we just want to make a

difference. you can change the world. you do not have to be president. he did not have to be secretary of defense. maybe some of us will become president. the majority of us won't. i hope that each of us can take this experience and make the most of it into the small things to improve the lives of other. >> this is his magic week. he ought to speak more often. >> i'm just as i cleveland. -- just outside cleveland. he often had to put the constitution before his own beliefs. that stuck with me. one of the reason why our government is so strong is because we have people who will but the constitution and the meaning of this country in front of their own personal beliefs.

>> were there any restrictions on you when you met to these folks that it was off the record? >> i hope not. >> i am from california. one of the restrictions was that we could not touch president obama. the only have limited time for autographs and such. a lot of times people would go to the front to get the autograph as soon as possible. >> were they afraid they would melt if you touch them? >> id was more about security. -- i think it was more about security. >> i am from new hampshire. my favorite was from leon panetta.

"it does not mean a thing if you're not willing to fight." all of us have so many amazing ideas and things the want to accomplish. that does not mean anything unless we take the initiative and make a change in this world. >> do you think it makes a difference that you are in new hampshire? >> definitely. i voted last year for the first time. that was in powering. to just be in one of the state at the forefront of the political process as incredible. they talk so much about the political system. >> he said you are not here to be a part of history but to make history. we are offering up as george washington touched this banister. we are the ones that can make

change. when he said that i can actually make history, it is the biggest part. >> does anybody have a story about somebody be competed andnst for this week's bufun what happened to them? >> the person i competed against is here with me. we are from the same town. we had an interview. they said we have never had to from the same town. i had another person going with me. they dropped out. it has been an interesting journey together. top. fired up at the >> your name? shirley from wyoming. >> what famous man is from

wyoming? >> buffalo bill. >> they have been nice museum there too. >> is there is a share from their? -- there a senator from there? >> yes. >> de have anything you want to add to what she said? >> we came to the program together and it was a big deal. it was a great honor. i think we can be very representative of our states even though the air from the same place. we're able to get an idea about -- even though we are from the same place. we are able to get an idea what the whole state is about. you're able to focus on a different group of people. >> how many people live in wyoming? >> 500,000.

we have to have them say why he thinks you are the greatest. >> make an impact without an impression. >> you went on to say some rather nice things about major bates. >> where are you based? what message do you want these folks to get besides what this gentleman said the? >> the actual us from our mentor. he said to seek impact not impression. impression is what people get from your biography. depression is what people get when they see rings on your fingers -- impression is what people get when they see it rains on your fingers. impact is the story they have of

you after they leave engagement with you. people not know stuff about me that leads them to make assumptions. i would rather they know my story. that is what an impact is. >> where is home? >> alabama. >> did you go to west point? >> i did. >> what motivated you? >> my high school counselor. but suez your mentor? >> general barry price. he worked at the pentagon. he did that for me. his always been an impact in my life. he wrote my eye recommendation -- rode my recommendation to get into school. he was there were my son was born. he is an engagement for me and with me.

i can call him right now. i know he is very busy. he will come out of that meeting to see what i need. >> thank you, very much. this gentleman over here has his hand up a. he was to say something. >> i wanted to talk a little bit about the military mentors. we have not touched on them. for me that is probably the biggest impact. we had 17 military mentors who were probably some of the most distinguished military members that we could have ever met. i had never personally met anyone who is a current military officer. i did not have a full impression of who they actually were. once we were matched up with our mentor who took us under their wing and that is so much comment the military is the example of how people from

different political views and situations can really bond together and get things done. they're working for the common goal. my military mentor was deployed seven times. i cannot even imagine myself being deployed once. yes served our country in seven different places. that really meant a lot. >> your name and town? >> i am from new york. >> i have to ask you, are universally from vietnam? >> i am. -- are you are breezily from vietnam? >> i am. what were the circumstances that brought you to the united states? >> the war in vietnam was ending. my parents wanted us to get out of the country. >> what is your message for this group? >> my message is be humble.

i was humbled just meeting them. it is about to them. i learned a lot from them. hopefully they learned just as much. thank you, a captain tran. >> your name and where you are from. >> i've from ohio. the military mentors had an impact this week. the people that are willing to bet their lives on the line for this country shows as a lot about what we need. if they're willing to put their lives and for this country, and then our congressmen should be willing to sacrifice. that is what is important this week.

we never gotten that out. we will go on to become the future leaders of america. you take that with us. i think that makes the future of america that much brighter. >> we have about 2.5 minutes. >> i would like to add on how some people when i need to think that congress can work in a functional way. it was the founding fathers that were able to defy people. decay defied an entire russian country -- jfk defies an entire russian country. president obama defied the cynics and stereotype people when he was elected. >> i would like to them by the military mentors. -- combined this idea of the military mentors.

more than any other speech, secretary pena emphasized the. of leadership and compromise. -- secretary panetta emphasized the importance of leadership and compromise. they emphasize the idea of leadership, service, and fidelity. we can rise above partisanship. >> thank you for your story. have a great week. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012] >> for a dvd caught 18 the,7 call7-662-7726. for free transfers are to give us your comments, visit us at

www.q-and-a.org. programs are also available as podcasts. >> next, remarks by ims director christine lagarde. after that, a discussion on the impact of race and political issues not good 2012. then another chance to see "q & a" which has will students across the country talking about the senate youth program. >> tomorrow on "washington journal" executive director for the center of public integrity discusses their report that brings all 50 states according to the most and least corrupt state governments. "washington journal" live at

7:00 a.m. eastern on c-span. >> the british house of commons is in recess. the questions returns april 18. on tuesday, christine lagarde said the u.s. can move more slowly. she warned that the so be possible. >> thank you but for your leadership over the last decade and your love of the craft . our guest speaker is someone who attracts a dazzling array of superlatives. charismatic. collaborative. a firm. it tough. smart. smart.