Pollster John Zogby makes a key point during a panel discussion with Ambassador Claudia Fritsche of Liechtenstein and journalist Eleanor Clift.

On Monday, November 7th, 2011, Meridian and THIS for Diplomats hosted members of the diplomatic community for the most recent Insights at Meridian program on “The Race for the White House: Preparing for the Primaries.” The program sought to highlight the process of U.S. primary elections--a strong indicator of the future direction of American leadership--and its implications for the international community. Meridian’s Chairman, Governor James Blanchard chaired the program, which featured renowned pollster Mr. John Zogby, CEO, IBOPE Zogby International; Ms. Eleanor Clift, Contributing Editor, The Newsweek Daily Beast Company; and Her Excellency Claudia Fritsche, Ambassador of Lichtenstein to the U.S.

Mr. Zogby, an expert in presidential election polling, shared fascinating insights about his work predicting primary outcomes and what those results say about U.S. leadership—and the American public. Ms. Clift provided useful observations from her vast experience as a journalist covering politics through several administrations. Ambassador Fritsche skillfully moderated the conversation and took questions from the Ambassadors and those embassy representatives in attendance. The joint Meridian-THIS for Diplomats event successfully engaged members of the Washington, DC-based diplomatic community during this pivotal time in American politics.