Is it ever going to not be tacky to “cover” Washington funerals?
In other words, to show up and be seen to show how important you are?
On Wednesday, loved ones (in other words, Washington media insiders, socialites, etc..) will attend the funeral of longtime legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Ben Bradlee, who died last week. Festivities will take place at the Washington Cathedral and will directly conflict with Day 1 of the Washington Ideas Forum hosted by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic.
What’s a Washington insider to do?
Of course the “news” turned up as the lead item in this morning’s Politico Playbook. So, yes, some funeral insider decided it was a good idea–no, a great idea–to tip off Mike Allen for this.
My favorite line… “Afterward, close friends will gather at Sally’s house. It’ll be packed.” In other words, a nice, intimate affair.
Hey, at least the burial will be “private.” FYI, if you can’t go or can’t get in, C-SPAN will be covering it. No word yet on whether NYT‘s This Town: Two Parties and a Funeral-Plus, Plenty of Valet Parking!-in America’s Gilded Capital author Mark Leibovich will attend. Seems like he kind of has to, right?
Please, let’s hold off on coffin selfies.
UPDATE: Asked if he’ll attend, Leibovich replied, “I’m hoping to make it, though I’m supposed to interview the editor of the Onion across town at 10…really.” Other burning questions: Will Bloomberg‘s Dave Weigel be live tweeting? Can MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Graham Nash do a duet?