by Andrew Cardillo
February, 2007

Victoria Barq, a UW senior majoring in Communication and Political Science, last autumn completed an internship at the White House, where she worked with members of the Republican National Committee and the Office of Political Affairs (OPA).

“I never really saw myself at the White House,” she said. “I’m a Republican, I’ve always been interested in politics, but even now I’m still in shock that I worked there.”

Victoria applied for the position through the Washington Center, a D.C.-based program that coordinates students from universities across the nation with internships in D.C.

“I applied through my Poli-Sci advisor,” she said. “[The Washington Center] emailed me and asked if I was interested in applying for the internship at the White House.”

Victoria’s supervisor in the Office of Political Affairs was Jon Seaton. Its director of office, who oversees associate directors at the OPA, was Sarah Taylor, who works directly with Karl Rove.

“I got to see Karl a couple of times. He’s an interesting character,” Victoria said.

One of her duties was researching information for President Bush’s information briefings. If the president was scheduled to visit a certain state, Victoria and other interns would research and edit information on the state that would be of use. She also assisted Keeton with East Wing tours.

“The interns make the White House happen,” Victoria said. “They really do a lot of the grunt work, but they make sure everything happens.”

One of the biggest things she gained from the experience was career focus.

“I knew I wanted to work on campaigns, but not what,” she said. “What this taught me is that being in politics and campaigns, I need to look at my job on a more short-term basis. Right now, my goal is to work on a presidential campaign, but I know that will change after the 2008 election is over.”

Victoria left D.C. just as the Democratic Party took the House and Senate majorities. She said this showed her how quickly everything shifts around in politics, especially as Republicans are now losing their jobs.

When asked about the upcoming 2008 elections, Victoria said she was excited.

“It’s going to be [hotter] debate than 2006,” she said. “The stakes are higher for Republicans because the incumbent is leaving.” She added, “I wish the governor of Mississippi [Haley Barbour] would run. I think he’d be a good candidate.”

Victoria will graduate in spring of 2007.

“As an American, I feel it’s our duty to be a part of our system, our government,” she said. “Support something and stand up for what you believe in.”

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ANDREW CARDILLO is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.