Susan Page hosted a party for a Trump official
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It’s a common practice for journalists, especially political journalists, to foster relationships with insiders with both parties. But many pundits are scratching their heads over a networking party hosted by Susan Page in 2018, honoring Seema Verma, who runs the Medicare and Medicaid programs for the Trump administration, and also sits on the coronavirus task force (via New York Magazine and Politico).
Dubbed a “girls’ night” intended “to honor women on both sides of the aisle doing notable things,” issues arose when it was suspected that the event was paid for with taxpayer dollars. While Verma did charge nearly $3,000 in expenses likely to Republican PR representative, Pam Stevens, to promote the event, Page never saw a dime of that money. She spent $4000 out of pocket for the party and was cleared of any wrongdoing. USA Today spokesperson, Chrissy Terrell, defended Page explaining to Politico that the social gathering was considered, “well within the ethical standards that our journalists are expected to uphold.” With a country so politically divided, the incident still has critics talking, but Susan Page’s reputation speaks for itself. It’s not a crime to have friends that are on opposite sides of the political fray. In a 2003 USA Today interview about her career and what she loves about journalism, Page poignantly noted, “It is a privilege to be able to observe big events and then try to convey them in ways that inform and sometimes move readers.”
The Truth About Susan Page
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
However, a recent report by Politico regarding Page’s interactions with the Trump administration’s top Medicaid official and Mike Pence protégé, Seema Verma, have left some critics uncomfortable with the veteran journalist given the task of moderating the upcoming debate.
Susan Page hosted a party for a Trump official
It’s a common practice for journalists, especially political journalists, to foster relationships with insiders with both parties. But many pundits are scratching their heads over a networking party hosted by Susan Page in 2018, honoring Seema Verma, who runs the Medicare and Medicaid programs for the Trump administration, and also sits on the coronavirus task force (via New York Magazine and Politico).
Dubbed a “girls’ night” intended “to honor women on both sides of the aisle doing notable things,” issues arose when it was suspected that the event was paid for with taxpayer dollars. While Verma did charge nearly $3,000 in expenses likely to Republican PR representative, Pam Stevens, to promote the event, Page never saw a dime of that money. She spent $4000 out of pocket for the party and was cleared of any wrongdoing. USA Today spokesperson, Chrissy Terrell, defended Page explaining to Politico that the social gathering was considered, “well within the ethical standards that our journalists are expected to uphold.” With a country so politically divided, the incident still has critics talking, but Susan Page’s reputation speaks for itself. It’s not a crime to have friends that are on opposite sides of the political fray. In a 2003 USA Today interview about her career and what she loves about journalism, Page poignantly noted, “It is a privilege to be able to observe big events and then try to convey them in ways that inform and sometimes move readers.”
Dubbed a “girls’ night” intended “to honor women on both sides of the aisle doing notable things,” issues arose when it was suspected that the event was paid for with taxpayer dollars. While Verma did charge nearly $3,000 in expenses likely to Republican PR representative, Pam Stevens, to promote the event, Page never saw a dime of that money. She spent $4000 out of pocket for the party and was cleared of any wrongdoing. USA Today spokesperson, Chrissy Terrell, defended Page explaining to Politico that the social gathering was considered, “well within the ethical standards that our journalists are expected to uphold.”
With a country so politically divided, the incident still has critics talking, but Susan Page’s reputation speaks for itself. It’s not a crime to have friends that are on opposite sides of the political fray. In a 2003 USA Today interview about her career and what she loves about journalism, Page poignantly noted, “It is a privilege to be able to observe big events and then try to convey them in ways that inform and sometimes move readers.”
