Impressions of Journalists from Germany on USA Program – Oct 23-29

Here are the thumbnail impressions that a group of 42 German journalists had recently on their one-week long RIAS Berlin Commission fellowship to Washington DC and Pennsylvania. They met US and German journalists such as Wolf Blitzer, Jeff Mason, Elmar Thevessen, Gudrun Engel, Ines Pohl, Christopher Wittich and Roland Nelles, politicians, think tank experts, fact tanks like Pew Research, immigration experts and political analysts, Americans in the Amish community and a local congressman in Pennsylvania Lloyd Smucker from the 11 Congressional district to learn more about the United States just a week or so before the midterm elections.

Dilek Üsük, Berlin: I’m still overwhelmed by how great this Alumni trip to Washington DC was. You can read as many newspapers as you want and watch as many news-programs on TV, that won’t give you the insights and valuable experiences one can get from the talks and meetings with so many interesting and inspiring journalists, politicians and analysts – especially when it takes place two weeks before the midterm elections. All these talks and discussions about politics and US-society were so enriching, having such a great impact on me that it is very hard to pick a highlight. But some speakers were really outstanding: CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, whose parents survived the Shoa. And Diego Sanchez, who talked on immigrant issues,  touched me very deeply as a child of Turkish migrants. Also very interesting: Talking to Republican-Congressman Smucker, who has very strong opinions. All in all I went back home with my mind full of so many new thoughts and impressions, for which I’m very grateful. This trip was amazing also because of this incredible group. I met so many interesting, funny and lovely people. I want to compliment RIAS for putting this diverse group together, which worked out great. RIAS, your work is terrific, thank you so much for this wonderful trip.

Charlotte Maihoff, Cologne: What a great experience! A week of meeting with journalists, politicians, committed people, asking questions, discussing, learning more about the US and the politically exciting times just before the midterms. All this while teaming up with smart, warm-hearted colleagues from Germany. Could it be better? Especially exciting: The Amish of Pennsylvania talking about their lifestyle and visiting the White House Press Room, plus watching the President’s helicopter taking off from the green lawn in front of the building. Many thanks to the wonderful team of RIAS for this enriching week. See you all soon!

Isabelle Körner, Cologne: Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is how Abraham Lincoln described it in his famous Gettysburg address in November 1863. Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States and the Gettysburg Battle is considered to have been the deadliest battle during the American Civil War. The weekend before the RIAS Alumni Program began, I visited the battlefields. Coming back to the US capital, I had many questions on my mind: How likely is another civil war in the US and what would it look like? What role could the current economic challenges play for the political future of the country? Will former US-President Donald Trump run again in the election 2024? During the Alumni week, I was able to talk to many experts about these questions. The agenda and the opportunities were amazing! I cannot thank RIAS enough for enabling me to go to Washington DC just before the midterms. I have gained a much better and much more balanced understanding of the current political, social and economic developments in the country. Last, but not least: It was an honor to spend this week with so many other RIAS alumni. I am very thankful for their insights as well as inspirations and I am grateful for the new friends I have made on this wonderful trip.

Martin Richter, Cologne: What a great experience! Thank you RIAS for unforgettable days and meetings during our one week in Washington DC. We met so many great colleagues from German TV and radio stations – fantastic! We had a wonderful time getting to know colleagues from other German stations and discussing American politics and the upcoming midterms with politicians, journalists and political strategists. The one day trip to Pennsylvania,  meeting Amish people and meeting CNN Legend Wolf Blitzer at the Hudson Institute were my personal highlights! I had the best time ever thanks to RIAS.

Michael Kolz, Berlin: 23 years after my RIAS debut, I am thrilled that exactly this spirit, which already made it so incomparable back then, still prevails, in the participants and the program. Outstanding guest speakers, incredibly inspiring colleagues and a trip lovingly arranged by Erik and his team made for unforgettable moments in Washington DC. What a Rock’n’Roll week – Well done RIAS!!! I am returning home with a smile on my face and looking forward to more adventures with all of my new friends.

 Annette Yang, Hamburg: Midterms in Washington: A week full of insights. Inspiring people on stage and behind the scenes. Legendary CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, White House reporter Jeff Mason, Amish father Ben and many more shared their personal stories: What a treat! A lively and lovely group of journalists was ready to give it all – day and night. Brain food as it’s best: Thank you RIAS for having me!

Kristian Wiegand, Bonn: The USA and its diversity, the people in all their facets and a political discussion that is no longer just conducted objectively. These were just a few lasting impressions of this alumni trip. Meetings with Congressman Smucker and the Amish community in Pennsylvania have given me insight that cannot be read about in books or newspapers. A look at Wolf Blitzer’s own and family history was another immersive experience of this tour. But what I enjoyed the most is the exchange between German and American alumni. Not only did I meet new colleagues there, I also made new friends. 1000 thanks to Erik and the chapter leaders who made such a trip possible 

Thielko Griess, Cologne: Obviously he exuded a lot of confidence: We met Congressman Smucker, a Republican from the rural Lancaster, Pennsylvania, region, in his “home territory.” He doesn’t need to worry about his reelection victory in the midterms. I had prepared myself a bit for him, the politician and thus responsible for decisions. It was important to me to test him with a few questions on some of the points he made. How about the bona fides of the election denier who wants to be governor of the state on the Republican ticket? How about the false claim that rural Lancaster is plagued by crime? The candidate realized he wasn’t “getting away” with every claim and faltered a bit. This too, a journalistic encounter with a politician is one of the memories of that week that will remain. Of the many other meetings that I would like to describe as impressive was the one with Wolf Blitzer. Of his family history, which is deeply und inseparably interwoven with the Holocaust, survival and emigration of his parents I was not aware in that detail. It was visible that sharing his thoughts and analysis, including the state of the political culture in the States nowadays, was important to him and us. Then, our very first meeting on Monday at PEW Research was of great importance to me: Figures, statistics and analysis, performed at highest academic level gave a very good basis to build the many impressions and insights on. I would like to express my deep gratitude to RIAS and everyone who took part in organizing everything so greatly. Apart from learning so much about various topics, it was a pleasure to be part of this group of fantastic people, each and every one being open-minded, curious and full of energy. We grew together as a group, and our understanding grew as well. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Gabriele von Moltke, Berlin: “The United States has not been this divided since 1850.” This assessment of the current political situation from last week sticks in my mind. We had the opportunity to experience firsthand the political climate just before the midterms on this RIAS alumni trip to Washington DC. The RIAS team assembled an impressive group of experts, journalists and politicians to share their views with us. Just a few examples: The researchers at Pew surprised me with insight on the impact of religion on voting. The colleagues at NBC, NPR and Reuters shared their analysis and pre-election stress with us. Julius van de Laar introduced us to US campaigning. All our talks gave us highly differentiated insights into the upcoming elections and the divided constituency. What an awesome, jam-packed week! A first class networking event! Thank you RIAS for making it all possible  

Vladimir Balzer, Berlin:What a week! Not only me, but dozens of other great journalists from all kinds of TV and Radio newsrooms in Germany were heard saying that. Well, it’s exactly what it was. Coming not only very close to President Biden and almost being able to ask him a question right on the White House grounds (I did prepare one!), but also meeting great American colleagues from the RIAS network, NBC, AP, NPR, Reuters, you name it – and learning from them, exchanging, strengthen transatlantic ties between journalists. And what do journalists need? Reliable information! Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got. The Pew Research Center, which calls itself fact tank, provided us with an impressive set of figures to understanding how heavily the political scene in the US is changing and what role – for example – religion plays (or not)- This Washington week shed a bright light on the political sphere days before the crucial midterm elections – including the rare opportunity to ask for one and a half hour a Pennsylvania congressman from the GOP about his ambivalent relation to Trumpism. And not only that – we had the chance of meeting representatives of conservative think tanks such as Hudson and American Main Street Initiative which gave insights in the way of thinking of a political movement as successful as never before. I had the feeling they were all impressed by this bunch of well prepared and curious media people from Germany. What can I say? The RIAS background helps in many ways. And it is so great to see the alumni network growing and carrying the RIAS idea even further. If I would be asked, what meeting has been the most impressive on a personal level? I can say: there were many, but if I had to choose, maybe it’s hearing about the story of Diego Sanchez, the leading figure of the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. He, coming from Argentina, lived through his juvenile life as an undocumented individual in the US. He is now a citizen but will always remember the times when for years he felt isolated, even in high school. He fights now for an easier way to become an US citizen, and he says this country needs it. But he also knows: this issue is not decisive for the midterms. Even though him hoping this will change, he’s not confident about it. But giving up is just not an option. He is an American guy; he wouldn’t give up. Why should he?

Catherine Martens, Brussels: Put over 40 people, their thoughts, and diverse professional horizons in one room, add excellent speakers, testimonies and expertise and you get an extraordinarily inspiring week of politics and razor-sharp analysis. Be it Pew Research, be it first-hand insights by campaigners, actively running congressmen, be it to be part of a bunch of people in a bus or be it the great opportunity to enter historic ground in the White House Press Room – to me, RIAS is more than the sum of those who take part, it is the curiosity and openness of each and everyone to learn more and to seek for exchange with others. Across borders and beyond professional positions, this outstanding alumni week broadens my transatlantic comprehension on human level with inspiring minds, thanks to RIAS amazing and tireless efforts to bring it all together

Nina Lammers, Berlin: After meeting with correspondents, experts on US politics presenting their different political views, congressman Smucker, a member of the Amish community and an activist fighting for the rights of migrants without documents, I gained an understanding of the midterms and the current situation in the US that I would have never been able to get without the RIAS program. Sharing impressions, thoughts and experiences with dozens of fellow RIAS alumni made the experience even more special and unforgettable. I am full of joy and gratitude looking back at the Alumni week in Washington. Thanks to the wonderful RIAS team for the opportunity to be part of the network and for organizing a great program.

Philipp Jahn, Cologne: What a week! Packed with smart thoughts, profound encounters and unforgettable moments. Experts at Pew, Hudson and Brookings, a Republican congressman in the midst of his re-election campaign, an immigration activist who until recently lived undocumented in the U.S. for more than 20 years, plus the outside perspective of German foreign correspondents and the German Embassy – such a wide range of insights, that I now feel more than well prepared to cover the midterm elections. Thanks to Erik and the entire RIAS team for putting together this dense and inspiring program – a week of RIAS at its very best! I never expected the wonderful “Klassenfahrt” feeling of my first RIAS tour eight years ago to be repeated. But indeed, it has been repeated, even with such a large group. For me, what’s special about the RIAS network: it’s not just about making professional contacts that might be helpful someday – it’s the friendships that are formed, both on the other side of the Atlantic and back home in Germany. I am more than grateful to be part of it.

Susan Falkenstein, Munich: 1.5 meters separate US President Joe Biden and me in the White House park. He approaches us in his familiar, leisurely jogging stride, smiling and wearing sunglasses. With Joe and me is only a crowd of other international press people, who almost seem to be part of the White House inventory. They have a small, worn-out press center near the Oval Office. Biden appears to not be answering any questions. But that is usually the case, my American colleagues tell me. Instead, he goes directly to his helicopter, salutes and climbs in. The helicopter with Joe Biden on board, named Marine One takes off a little later, followed by two more helicopters. Just described was my biggest moment of this RIAS trip. Unforgettable! An astonishing moment was the talk with Julius van de Laar about campaigning and gathering votes in the US. Julius has already knocked on the doors of potential voters himself during Obama’s campaign. He told us that campaign teams go far to collect and analyze as much voter data as possible: What did the person vote for last time, what did they buy from Amazon, what car do they drive? In Germany, that would be unthinkable. Elmar Theveßen from ZDF provided an eye-opening moment. He explained that it is currently difficult to place topics from the US in broadcasts in Germany because domestic issues are dominating the news. This RIAS week in Washington was filled with many more enriching, unique moments, appointments, meetings, and fun with the other alumni. #Rooftop with a US-Capitol view. See you all very soon! Thank you so much to everyone of the RIAS Commission who made this possible!

Andreas Franz, Leipzig: A permanently engaging and stimulating week of insight and exchange of views and opinions. The RIAS Alumni Week in DC was an intense ride through current American politics. Giving us the chance to get new perspectives on the main political discussions taking place. From a congressmen struggling with Trumpism and struggling with answers to our questions but knowing he can’t do without the support of Trump‘s followers to another  in-depth talk at the conservative Hudson Institute to the iconic CNN colleague Wolf Blitzer to another highlight at the end of the week at NPR. Just to name a few. It’s impossible to highlight one highlight, so many were organized by Erik and his great crew. RIAS stands for exceptional transatlantic “mingling”. And for that you have to convene a great group of colleagues well prepared, interested and grabbing the opportunity for first-hand information every minute of this week. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of it all.

Wiebke Keuneke, Berlin: Returning home from the alumni trip to Washington D.C. in October 2022, I realized the RIAS program works on so many levels. First of all it provides the visiting journalists with in depth insights of the current political discussions. Secondly it strengthens the German-American relationships among journalists on a very personal level, which seems even more important in these difficult times where media has been under attack. Another aspect that was very enriching to me was the diversity of the alumni group. It was amazing to meet so many colleagues aka new friends from every kind of German media and be able to network – and of course – mingle from dawn till dusk till dawn. Some of my personal highlights during this week were visiting WAMU and learning about how they are financed, fangirling around CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and learning about his personal background, listening to – and reflecting on – very strong opinions and ideas of CATO, a conservative think tank, and last but certainly not least having the chance to talk to Diego Sanchez about immigration. An appointment that was a perfect combination of a personal, emotional story combined with insights of how human rights activist and lawyer Sanchez works to get things done on a political level. “I thrive in chaos” – is how he says it. Finally I would like to thank everyone for this week that not only affected my brain, soul, heart and feet but also left me inspired and above all grateful!

Bjorn Heckmann, Cologne: „Hate won‘t make America great!“- is written on the poster, held by a retired chemist standing in front of the White House. He tells me that he comes here several times a week to inspire people to talk and listen to each other. Exactly this is more important than ever as the states appear to be so divided and discussions and conflicts have become more and more aggressive. The RIAS program is a great opportunity to understand what is happening, the way both sides think and act. It is extremely helpful to promote the mutual understanding and celebrate these important values: talking to each other and – listening.The discussions with Amish people in Pennsylvania, a Republican congressman and of course with Wolf Blitzer are only some of my personal highlights during this week. Thank you so much, RIAS, for this amazing time, the priceless insights and the wonderful people we had the privilege to meet!

Pia Bierschbach, Düsseldorf: What a fantastic week! I‘ve never expected a trip like this. All my expectations have been exceeded. The inspiring and interesting talks with expats, journalists, politicians, and Amish people – awesome! Now my mind is charged with new amazing thoughts and deeper knowledge. Talking to Roland Nelles (Der Spiegel) had a great impact on me. Reporting about presidents who are so different from each other. Two presidential terms, two worlds.  The most precious moment for me: Being at White House area and getting the chance to see President Biden in his daily work. It was unique. I still cannot believe it. Additionally, new colleagues turned into friends. That was RIAS at its best. I am very grateful for all of this.

Petra Gute, Berlin: E pluribus unum – the USA: a democracy crisis in the making?!? My RIAS-midterms-Alumni trip started off with a chat with my Afghan Uber-driver Nisar on my way from Dulles Airport to the city. He mentioned he used to always vote for the Democrats but for the upcoming midterms would vote Republican because of President Biden’s Afghanistan policies. My Washington-trip ended with a conversation with my black Uber-driver Erica. While winding our way through the Washington-Marathon she explained she won’t vote at all, because this country just has become “too crazy”. In between these two conversations was an intense week packed with so many fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes even horrifying (the words “civil war” were uttered way too many times) inside views into this amazing , diverse and divided country . I learned so much about the Democrats and Republicans in these midterm elections, so much about the impact of religion on American voters, about immigration, and the regular (sometimes life threatening) work of my American journalist colleagues and the German TV correspondents. I realized that politics and journalism in the U.S is more and more a question of opinions and not of facts. The most touching meetings were the short but deep dive into the history and presence of the Amish community in Lancaster County/Pennsylvania; the talk with Julius van de Laar; the university journalism class with Brandon Benavides at Georgetown University; the talk on immigration with Diego Sanchez and his very personal experiences as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S.; – and of course the meeting with legendary CNN-anchor Wolf Blitzer telling us about his search for his roots as the son of Polish Holocaust-survivors. Thank you Erik Kirschbaum and the whole RIAS-Berlin-Commission-team for putting together this fascinating week. A week we experienced with more than 40 “bright and brilliant” journalists from all over Germany, becoming close friends in these few days. A week not only of learning but also of discussing, eating and even dancing together and especially mingling with the American journalist colleagues. By now I consider RIAS-Alumni Tiffany Zeno or Michael Gargiulo friends for life. I have been a RIAS Fellow now for 22 years (my first Fellow trip was for the U.S. presidential election Al Gore/ George W. Bush in the RIAS Fellow Autumn program 2000). So much has changed in the U.S. in these past 22 years. But being a RIAS Fellow (and, together with my RIAS-friends Anja Heyde and Vladimir Balzer, being a Berlin chapter leader) was and is a life-changing experience for me and one of the greatest honors. We, the RIAS alumni will do everything in our power to keep the RIAS-Alumni-network alive and kicking for years to come

Gesine Dornblüth, Berlin: Super group, super questions – each meeting ended far too quickly. If I thought already on Tuesday that the trip to Pennsylvania with the Amish and Congressman Smucker was the highlight of the week, it was topped day after day by meeting CNN anchor and son of Holocaust survivors Wolf Blitzer and by Julius von der Laar’s incredible insights into campaign methods. Plus, I got key insights around the US support for Ukraine, which is very important for my daily coverage of Russia’s war. And all of this in an incredibly open and warm group of so many wonderful colleagues. Thank you, RIAS Berlin, for making this possible!

Zlatin Nikov, Saarbrücken: Thanks to Erik and the whole RIAS team for making this experience possible. Rarely have I received so much important input on the state of the USA in such a short time. From fellow producers at National Public Radio to representatives of the Amish people in Pennsylvania to the visit to the White House – each will be well remembered. At the same time, it was very helpful to meet so many fellow journalists from all over Germany who are all passionate about the U.S. in their own way and with whom one could exchange impressions. I feel humbled to have been part of this amazing experience and am looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Dominik Lauck, Hamburg: Where else can you meet Amish people, who live without cars and internet, a Congressman in the final sprint of his campaign and a transvestite in a high heel race on one day? Only the RIAS Alumni program can do that – it was mind-blowing. The week in Washington helped me to understand, why so many Republicans still support Donald Trump – despite his role during the Capitol riot in 2021. I’m concerned about the rising prices in Washington – 10 Dollars for a beer! As WNBC anchor Michael Garguilo (btw: his knowledge about European football is very impressive!) told us, many journalists have to commute for two hours or have to work a second job to pay their bills. And no wonder that you see so many homeless people living in tents in the heart of Washington… Thanks Erik and the entire RIAS team that you gave me the opportunity to get so many new insights and different perspectives into the life of Americans. I’m grateful to be part of RIAS and happy that I found new friends among the other RIAS fellows.

Daniel Pokraka, Berlin: Eight days ago I wondered if it was really a good decision to take part in another RIAS week in DC, right before the midterms, like 2018. Could I really experience something new and have a good time again? Hell yeah! Meeting Amish in Pennsylvania, discussing with politicians, learning about views that seem so unfamiliar and are yet so important. And above all: networking with German and American journalists, even making new friends. We’re all RIAS. And I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Mirja Fiedler, Berlin: NPR anchors, a Reuters White House correspondent and a Republican Congressman two weeks before the midterm elections – in the powerhouse Washington, DC and rural Pennsylvania – including exclusive insights into the oldest Amish community in the USA and a diplomat’s life at the German embassy. Political scientists, lobbyists and journalists from both sides of the Atlantic. AP, NBC and CNN legend Wolf Blitzer as well as Spiegel, RTL, ZDF and ARD correspondents on top of a great group of German RIAS alumni mingling with their U.S. counterparts. The biggest RIAS alumni program so far was intensive, incredible and inspiring. Time flew by during those seven days, but this amazing experience with fantastic impressions is going to last for a lifetime.

Nadine Gries, Hamburg: “Great economic report today, ADP report. Things are looking good!” just a few words President Biden said walking by the reporters  before heading to the helicopter. Words that he might hope will have an impact on voters decision, because as prices are soaring and the mid-terms looming, he has to set the tune on the inflation issue. And we’ve learned, in the end many Americans vote with their wallets. Well, at least it had an impact on me at that moment, since standing there in the back of the White House, being part of that whole scene still feels kind of surreal and special to me. It might be the most special moment within a RIAS-week full of great experiences and inspiring talks with experts, journalists and politicans. For example the talk with Congressman Lloyd Smucker (a Republican, who is running again), the analysis of Dr. E. Mecclellan (Prof. of Political Science) or all the views and insights of German embassy spokesman Martin Jungius. Hearing their thoughts and views on issues like US economy, the state of democracy or Ukraine aid while facing an increasingly divided American nation was very interesting, different and in some parts worrying. But that is what democracy is about, to endure and accept other opinions and lifestyle. Therefore I want to highlight our excursion to the Amish community in Pennsilvania. They, from what we’ve learned, get baptised twice in life and consciously and freely decide to live a very plain, withdrawn and life full of faith, without cars or other luxuries. This being said, we kept complaining about the “6-dollar-made by inflation”-Cappuccino each morning. That makes the actual issues even more perceptible. Thanks to RIAS, we really got the full insight scoop of how America thinks and feels right now. On top of that intensive, mind broadening input, I got to know 41 other smart and inspiring RIAS Alumni fellows from all over Germany sharing all these memories with me. Not one of them I would’ve liked to miss! We experienced a week of a lifetime we will never forget, keep in our hearts and therefore spread the RIAS spirit further on. After this D.C. 2022 Alumni trip, I am more confident and proud than ever of being a RIAS Alumni and Hamburg Chapter leader. With all we’ve been hearing during that week this journalistic network gives me hope, that there will always be a bridge keeping up the dialogue and friendship between our two nations and keeping our democracies strong. Thank you, Erik, thank you, RIAS Berlin Commission!

Sylvia Warnke, Berlin: When I did my first RIAS trip (yes, it was still in the last century), I got to know the internet for the first time. And yes, we all know what became of it worldwide. This time I was able to marvel at a supermarket of the future, without queuing at the checkout, just walking in and out. I am sure that in a few years we will also be shopping like this. Politically, I’m not so sure if we want to adapt all the developments that we saw during the intensive alumni week in Washington D.C. But it was great to get so many insights and perspectives on a country that faces exciting voting decisions now in the midterms and then in two years in the presidential elections. Thanks to Erik and his team for the unforgettable moments. And thanks also to the curious colleagues who got the maximum amount of information out of every meeting.

Arndt Brorsen, Hamburg: This RIAS-Alumni-week in DC was amazing in every sense. It was such a dense and intensive program with highlights in between highlights every day. Who else could claim of themselves to have an appointment with the impressive CNN light shape Wolf Blitzer OR a visit at the White House?! Who else gets the chance to listen to a fabulous analysis und description of the US voting system by Julius van de Laar OR meet Diego Sanchez telling his personal immigration story and his fight for equal rights?! One of the most interesting slots was also the meeting at the Pew Research Center. And it was (should I neutrally say?) ‚interesting‘ to discuss with conservatives/Republicans their attitude to Trumpism – which seems to be just the belief in power…What made this trip in addition to that so special was the fantastic Alumni group. It was so inspiring meeting this great people. We really acted as one group – which is not self-evident with more than 40 people in it.

Charlotte Voß, Hamburg: What an opportunity, seven years after my first RIAS-program  –  coming to DC as an Alumni right before the midterms. The wide range of our hosts – I’m pretty sure I will ask some of them for interviews soon – delivered eye-opening insights into the political and media landscape of the US, revealing tremendous differences compared to Germany. Obviously, in the US it`s all about attacking opponents and pushing voters to strong feelings. And I was deeply impressed by my colleagues at DW, AP, ZDF, and NPR that stand up for critical journalism, but expressed deep concerns about the future of the USA. My key take-away: you need to be tough to cope with all the hate of MAGA supporters accusing you of “being fake news“. Many thanks to Erik Kirschbaum and his entire RIAS-team for organizing this week, to all our hosts for their time and open answers, and to my 42 colleagues for making those days a great experience!

Gabriel Fröhlke, Cologne: The RIAS Alumni trip was awesome. It has been a week packed with many interesting appointments, meeting lots of interesting people. The best part about this trip was the fact that we had the chance of meeting people that we usually never get in contact with. Some of my highlights were talking to Amish people, CNN legend Wolf Blitzer or immigrant Diego Sanchez, who shared breathtaking experiences with us. The week also helped me get a deeper understanding of how politics and politicians in the US work. It has broadened my view, for sure. Besides, sharing all of this with a great group of German journalists from all over our country made it even better. I met so many nice and wonderful colleagues on this trip, which I really appreciate. Thank you very much, Erik and the entire RIAS team that you have organized everything so great. I am really grateful for this wonderful experience that enriched me.

Jutta Müller, Berlin: Thanks to all of you for an unforgettable week in Washington, especially to Erik, Christina, Pam and the chapter leaders. This was a lot of organization for you and everything turned out to be great! With my head full of new information and emotions I‘m heading to South Carolina now. Thinking of you and hopefully seeing you again at one of the meetings coming up. 

Bartosz Dudek, Bonn: The RIAS alumni program in Washington DC 2022 has not only exceeded my horizons but also my expectations. It has provided interesting in-depth insights on upcoming midterm elections as well as excellent analysis on mechanics of power in the US. My personal highlights were the talk with Rep.  Smucker (R, Pensylvania), the lecture of professor McClellan and meeting with Wolf Blitzer. Very interesting was the meeting with representatives of the Amish community in Lancaster County. The outstanding program was rounded up by the opportunity for networking with both German as well as American colleagues. It was a wonderful group.  Thank you RIAS for that great week!

Nadja Kriewald, Cologne: In 2018 I was with RIAS in Washington. It was a great program. But this time it was even better. 2 weeks before the midterm elections we had so many interesting talks with PEW, Hudson Institute, CATO etc. All of them eye opening. But for me most impressive was the talk with Wolf Blitzer speaking about his family and the Holocaust. And the day in Pennsylvania with the Amish people was also really special, getting out of the Washington bubble and talking with people we normally don’t have the chance to meet. Thank you Erik Kirschbaum and RIAS for giving us this opportunity!

Gregor Schmalzried, Munich: As a news junkie and general fan of the United States, I’m reading a lot about what’s going on in American politics and culture – but it turns out nothing beats actually putting your feet on the ground and meeting the people who shape and report on American life today. Thanks to the RIAS Alumni program, I’m leaving Washington D.C. with a much deeper understanding of the Ukraine war, the threats to American democracy, the strength of the transatlantic relationship and the inspiring work of American journalists during one of the most difficult times in the country’s history. Our schedule was packed, and more than once I had to miss out on a great opportunity (meeting Wolf Blitzer) so I could make it to another (visiting the White House). RIAS does incredible work connecting the media landscapes of the United States and Germany, helping the two grow together and learn from each other. To paraphrase a German phrase: If these RIAS programs didn’t exist, you’d have to invent them!

Iris Ollech, Bonn: Could it become any better, I asked myself after my RIAS alumni trip to NYC in 2021. But this year’s programme even topped the Big Apple. Just days before the midterm elections it offered valuable insights into the political system and society of the US by meeting high profile politicians, analysts, journalists and diplomats. The valuable information, vivid discussions and exchange of views gives me a deeper insight into the „American mind“. But it also destroyed my hope that this politically deeply divided country will not drift even further apart. I would love to be wrong, and hopefully families who no longer talk to each other due to political differences will reunite again around the Thanksgiving table some day. Future RIAS fellows and alumni will observe and try to find answers. For that there is no better journalist program than this. This year it ended on Halloween weekend, and I take home a basket of inspiring memories – only sweet, no sour candies. Thank you RIAS, Erik (for President) and everyone who contributed to this unforgettable journey.

Julius van der Laar, Berlin: Two weeks before the 2022 midterm elections, RIAS provided us with front row tickets to the ultimate horserace for power. America finds itself once again at a crossroads and together with a group of some of the finest journalists and political minds from Germany we got to pull back the curtain and look behind the marble stone facades of Washington’s most prestigious institutions. It was a week-long fact finding mission, jam-packed with enlightening insights and analysis including Pew Research, The Hudson Institute, The Cato Institute and FiveThirtyEight. On top of that we discussed the economic climate, shifting landscapes in foreign relations, the state of American democracy and the heated battle for power in the upcoming midterm cycle. RIAS lined up exchanges with some of the brightest and experienced commentators, including the living CNN legend, Wolf Blitzer but also made sure we had ample time to discuss and reflect on the newly gained insights. A major shout out goes out to our fearless leader Erik and the wonderful team at RIAS for putting together such an amazing experience. I also couldn’t be happier to have spent the week with such an extraordinary, inspiring group of colleagues, who were thoughtful, generous in sharing their wisdom and so much fun to be around. It was a true privilege to be part of the program and I’m grateful to have made some memories for life.

Özcan Mutlu, Berlin: What a week, what an energy, what a spirit! So many great moments I won’t forget! Thank you very much Erik and your entire Team for this amazing program and the amazing people we have met in D.C. I consider myself as a Transatlantiker who also has been following the Obama campaign since back in 2008 in Ohio and the Clinton – Trump race in 2016 in LA. But being in D.C. during the Midterms 2022 and talking to so many distinguished speakers – thanks to RIAS – was astonishing! The RIAS Program is such a great success story! I wrote two books and many articles and comments for papers. As a long-time friend and supporter of the great RIAS Commission, maybe I should write my third book about the great success story of the amazing RIAS Commission and all their effort to build strong bridges of friendship and journalism between our two countries 🇩🇪🇺🇸

Sven Trösch, Munich: 11 years after my first trip to the US with RIAS I had the great honor to return to Washington DC as an alumnus. It was a week packed with eye-opening and inspiring encounters, just a fortnight before the midterm elections. We talked to journalists, political analysts and activists, to politicians and students. I will never forget meeting legendary CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer or discussing Trumpism with Republican congressman Lloyd Smucker. I was amazed by the incredible team spirit of our alumni group and, most importantly, by RIAS’s perfect organization of the program. Thank you so much for making this unforgettable experience possible

Accompanying RIAS Officials

Erik Kirschbaum, Executive Director,  Berlin: The biggest RIAS Berlin Commission group ever may have just had the best program ever.  Forty-two journalists from Germany came to Washington DC with their heads filled with questions, worries, and trepidations about the United States and its future direction but are returning home a week later with their heads and notebooks filled with a wealth of knowledge, many answers, myriad experiences and new friendships that will have satiated their appetite and maybe stilled some of their concerns. Hopefully we have all made new discoveries about the USA and maybe ourselves.  To learn that undocumented immigrants to the United States are so bitterly disappointed with Obama and the Democrats or that Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-Penn) has seen a huge conservative tilt in his southern Pennsylvania congressional district that we were fortunate to visit as many union workers have shifted from voting for Democrats to voting for his Republican party are among the discoveries. And that CNN anchor and featured RIAS guest speaker Wolf Blitzer once majored in history in college (like me), worked at Reuters (like me) and has closely followed (and admired) modern Germany’s developments and its never-ending efforts to come to terms with its past (like me) was another one of those discoveries. But best of all was watching 42 mid-career journalists from Germany get to know each other and grow together during a busy, appointment-filled week with nary a complaint.  Biggest and best group ever. Thanks everyone for a fantastic week

Christina Reif, RIAS Berlin Commission, Berlin: Being a member of the RIAS team and getting ready to spend a week in Washington with 42 journalists for the first time – I did not really know what to expect. I was simply overwhelmed by the dynamics of this outstanding group – its professionalism, friendliness, acceptance, consistent hunger to learn more and also the ability to simply have fun. I was blown away by the extension of the RIAS network creating amazing opportunities such as meeting Wolf Blitzer, a republican congressman, members of the Amish community or watching president Biden run to his helicopter, just to name a few. On this occasion, I have experienced what RIAS is really about. I am thankful and honored