Skip to content

The National Press Club, explained

Political Theater, Episode 286

Actor George Clooney, center, appeared in April 2006 at the National Press Club for "SAVE DARFUR: Rally to Stop Genocide" with Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, and Sam Brownback, R-Kan. (CQ Roll Call file photo)
Actor George Clooney, center, appeared in April 2006 at the National Press Club for "SAVE DARFUR: Rally to Stop Genocide" with Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, and Sam Brownback, R-Kan. (CQ Roll Call file photo) (Roll Call Photos)

The National Press Club is part of the fabric of Washington politics and news. It is a professional and social gathering place for people in the news, or people looking to make news, from Charlie Chaplin to Barack Obama. It’s got a complicated history, but it is also a key part of the battle for press freedoms across the globe. On this episode we’re dipping back into our series explaining some of the institutions around Washington, this time with Herb Jackson, politics editor at Roll Call and vice chairman of the National Press Club’s board of governors.

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen announces retirement after GOP dismantles his district

As RFK’s lifestyle seeps into policy, some fret over long-term effect

Wrapup: Busy week ends in Byrd bath

Louisiana Senate approves new map that would scrap majority-Black district

Photos of the week | May 5-14, 2026

Senate Banking approves crypto market structure bill