St. Luke's Lunch and Lead: Wit and Wisdom From The White House

Former White House press secretary and St. Luke’s parent Ari Fleischer filled the Fireplace Commons during Wednesday’s Center for Leadership’s Lunch & Lead.

Fleischer shared stories—growing up in nearby Pound Ridge, NY, getting the top communications job in the country, and his life today running a communications company. Fleischer grew up in a staunchly Democratic household, but his political ideology shifted from liberal to conservative during his days at Middlebury College.

During his first job as press secretary for an assemblyman (who Fleischer points out lost the election), he caught the bug of working at the crossroads of communications, politics and policy. When he was selected as President George W. Bush’s press secretary, “it was a dream come true.” This intellectually stimulating yet exhausting position included coverage of the 2000 Presidential recount, two wars, September 11th, and the anthrax attacks.

Fleischer circulated memorabilia from his White House days including a sample of his intense daily schedule, gourmet menus from White House events, and a special pin which gave him secret service access to the President. In addition to tales about his White House days, Fleischer talked about his latest role as president of Ari Fleischer Communications and the pleasure he gets from bringing his skills into a new arena—especially sports communications.

Fleischer asked students about the origins of the word “politics.” He explained that it comes from the Greek word “poly” for “many” and “tics” for “the blood-sucking creatures.” Joking aside, Fleischer says he was energized by his decades in Washington: “If you’re interested in working in politics, I can tell you it’s one of the most fulfilling things you’ll ever do. Whatever you believe in, this is your chance to make a difference in our political system.”