Talks & Entertainment

Every Wednesday on NPR’s Talk of the Nation, listeners hear host Neal Conan and ‘Political Junkie’ Ken Rudin tackle America’s true pastime with plenty of insight and laughs. Ahead of the 2013 inauguration, Conan and Rudin will be joined by NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg; the Chicago Tribune’s Clarence Page; NPR commentator and Special Correspondent for Rock Center Ted Koppel; NPR White House Correspondent Ari Shapiro; NPR National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea; Paul Glastris, Editor in Chief of the Washington Monthly and a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton; Michael Gerson, a columnist with The Washington Post and a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; Linda Chavez, Chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity and political analyst for Fox News; and Eric Deggans, media critic for the Tampa Bay Times to ring in the New Year and a fresh presidential term.

The “Political Junkie Road Show” features all of the segments familiar to its radio audience – from newsmaker interviews, political trivia and memorable presidential moments – and some surprises as well. Audience members will be treated to Rudin’s quick-fire commentary on presidential cycles and personal anecdotes on past inaugurations from Koppel, Totenberg, Page and other special guests. Even more fun is in store when audience members test their presidential knowledge against guest panelists with a “name that inaugural speech” quiz and Scuttle Button puzzle — reminding attendees that, here in the District, presidential politics is all in good fun.