John McConnell is truly a friend of the Institute.  In previous summers, McConnell has been the opening speaker for a writing workshop that the Institute provides its seniors along with twelve carefully-selected interns from the Heritage Foundation.  This summer, McConnell’s schedule did not allow him to participate in the writing workshop, but he invited senior scholars to the White House for a brown bag lunch.  McConnell discussed his role as a presidential speechwriter and answered many questions about the White House policymaking process. The event was schedule for one hour but lasted for more than two.