John Trattner

A part of a larger report, "Becoming an Effective Political Executive:
7 Lessons from Experienced Appointees," the "Working with the Congress" essay describes how political appointees can work with Congress. The essay provides an overview of how Congress functions, how decisions on money and programs are made, appropriators and authorizers, legislators and their constituencies, oversight, and how to get things done.

A part of the larger report, "Becoming an Effective Political Executive:
7 Lessons from Experienced Appointees," the essay "Working with the Media" describes how political appointees can work with the media. The essay covers technique, how to minimize the impact of bad news, offensive and defensive strategies, and how to survive in the government/media culture.