and if you hear applause in our audence, and this is something i'm reminding people throughout this political season as well as for today's event, if you hear applause in the audience, we note that members of the general public are atengding, so it's not necessarily evidence of a lack of journalistic objectivity. [ laughter ] laughter is encouraged. i'd also like to welcome our c-span and public radio audiences. our luncheons are also featured on our member-produced weekly podcast from the national press club, available for free download on itunes. you can also follow the action on twitter using #npclunch. now it is time to introduce our head table guests. please note the journalists' presence at the head table does not imply or signify an endorsement of the speaker. i'd ask each of you to stand briefly as your name is announced. we begin from your right, matt small, veteran radio producer my shop, the "associated press." so confident, we call him the beast. also joining us today, ralph woody jr., club member, vice president of the global business development for the eurasian business coaliti