Admittedly, I did not have this feeling while at the event. It was my first time meeting the Salahis in person, and while I had previously read about their infamous rise to fame in the Washington Post, I did not attend the event to scrutinize or pass judgment.
It was mainly curiosity that brought me there, to the National Mall (and the opportunity to interview the most intriguing and controversial couple in the Washington Metro Area).
Michaele has a magnetic personality. Standing about 6-feet-tall (in heels) with platinum blond hair and a big smile to match her big hat (a 'Polo Cup' fashion "do"), I go up to her and introduce myself with my co-host Vanessa (who had interviewed her last year).
"Yes, yes, of course, how are you?!" I am greeted so warmly I can't help but feel like I have known her for years. I gush. "I'm fine, how are you? You look great!" The standard Washington pleasantries go into effect (although it was true, she did look great).
Tareq's energy is just as magnetic. Soft spoken with a gentle smile plastered across his face, he is easy to talk to. Dressed in a polo uniform and boots (he's the captain of the team), he walks around the event greeting his guests as any gracious host would do.
From the surface, it's hard to believe this seemingly powerful couple with charismatic personalities could do anything that would spark national controversy, let alone a federal grand jury investigation, which would eventually lead to the resignation of the first-ever African American White House Social Secretary, Desiree Rogers
This year's America's Polo Cup was three times smaller than last year, murmurs a guest. Standing near the silent auction table, I notice there are no bids on the scores of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. This, among controversy of a fund-raising scandal.
Sure, the Salahis made a major mistake and on a very large and public scale. But is the only difference between them and the average person that their mistakes made national headlines? And, are they so different from any Washington politician caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, except that their constituents are fame and celebrity?
Should I have gone to the event or should I have stayed at home? As a blogger and TV host who covers events in Washington, DC, yes, I believe I should have gone. But if I had it to do over again, I would not have chosen to be photographed along side them. And, aside from that, I'm not so sure... the one thing I am sure about is that it's not so much how you fall, but how you get up that defines who you are.
And if the Salahis can rebound from their embarrassing moment in history, then anyone can... I guess we'll all just have to wait and see (Bravo TV has confirmed the Salahis as cast members on the upcoming "Real Housewives of DC").
I hope they use their new national platform on Bravo TV to do some good in their communities and the charities they say they serve. I also hope they work to show the country that people really can change.
xoxo,
Markette
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There is a reason they are so charming: every con artist is. Do you think Bernie Madoff was a complete jerk around the country club? The Salahis have made a career out of freeloading off of the insecure and the trusting.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your question: "is the only difference between them and the average person that their mistakes made national headlines?"
The answer is no. The average person has never set up a bogus charity that purportedly benefits the sick, but actually pays for rented limos around Washington (like a bunch of 17 year old prom-goers). This "mistake" was part of their con. Snap a few pictures with the veep, post them online, and soon it is easier to get credit from vendors that you never plan to pay.
You are being far to generous with these criminals.