TheLoop21.com

By: Keli Goff (Add to your loop)
Wed, 04/07/2010 - 2:30am

CNN's Dan Lothian talks about his life and career.

IN THE LOOP WITH… Dan Lothian


The sense of hope and change that the Obama era ushered in ran all the way from poor inner city schools, where teachers hoped the image of a Black president might inspire Black boys, to the upper echelons of the media world. Shortly after President Obama’s election, the publication Politico devoted an entire story to the lack of diversity among the White House Press Corps, and the impact the election of a Black president might have on this. According to the article, little had changed in more than a decade when, according to another publication, there had been only three Black White House correspondents, among 65.

Today, Dan Lothian is part of a growing number of diverse faces among the White House Press Corps, challenging the president, or his press secretary, to make their case to the American people each day. His job takes him wherever the president’s job takes him, which can be to small town America USA, or around the world. Lothian is quick to point out however, that when you’re traveling with the president you’re not exactly on vacation, which means there are plenty of cities and countries he has been to but has yet to actually see, (twelve in the last year alone.) Despite covering serious topics as diverse as terrorism and health care reform on a daily basis, Lothian has a lighter side. In addition to being an accomplished musician, “I can ride a unicycle,” he says with a laugh.

Claim to Fame: White House Correspondent


Affiliation: CNN


Education: B.A., Tennessee Temple University and Master's, American University

Currently Resides (city or region): Washington, D.C.


TheLoop21.com: What one word best describes you?
Lothian
: Determined.


TheLoop21.com: What's your guilty pleasure?
Lothian
: Fig Newtons. There’s not a Fig Newton I don’t love.


TheLoop21.com: Are you a dreamer or dedicated realist? Why?
Lothian
: A little of both. I’ve always believed if you dream big then that will motivate you and that motivation will cause you to get real results.
 
TheLoop21.com: What book, movie or CD would you have to take with you to a deserted island?
Lothian
: Any book by John Grisham and any of the James Bond movies.


TheLoop21.com: What country outside the U.S. do you most want to visit (or enjoy visiting)? Why?
Lothian
: This is a great question because traveling with the president you get to go to all of these different places. I’ve described it like the appetizer when you go with the president because you’re not spending a lot of time there and you decide “Okay this is a country want to come back and have a meal.” I went to 12 countries [with the president] last year. I think the place I still want to go to on a personal trip or with the president is Greece.