A Goodbye from Terry Gross

As we wrap up this session of Congress, I can’t help but reminisce about the good, bad, and borderline unethical events that came to pass. This session’s senators have shown me that bipartisanship is possible but not common, that the President doesn’t have to answer questions at a Presidential press conference, that lobbyists can try to bribe the press with impunity, and so much more!

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite moments from the past couple months reporting on Congress:

1. The Congressional gala, when champagne was flowing and we all still believed in the sanctity of the legislative branch

2. Senator Sasse going from the only thing we could talk about to taking a quiet place in the background

3. Senator Cruz reading Dune on the floor and entirely ignoring the press’s requests to read the Bible

4. Being kicked out of the Republican caucus for the very first time

5. Senators hurling insults at the press after receiving their midterm grades

6. Arguing with lobbyists about the confidentiality status of their client information

7. Senator Cornyn impersonating Senator Padilla for an article I was writing and then claiming he didn’t know it was for the press

8. Senator Scott’s Santa hat and electric scooter

9. A front-row seat to Senator McConnell handcuffing himself to the podium and then being escorted off the floor

10. Republicans’ non-stop calls for quorum and parliamentary inquiries that were always necessary and not at all a waste of time for everyone involved
    

In all seriousness, it has been a pleasure working for the Washington Watch and reporting on this session of Congress. Reporting on Congress for just over two months has shown me that, yes, Congress is broken, but if you can get over the lying and the megalomania, it is also entertaining!

After today, I will be returning to WHYY in Philadelphia. Thanks for the lessons, the laughs, and the late nights.

Over and out,

Terry Gross