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How White House Photographers Shape History, And Troubling Moves In Missouri Education Department

By Steve Kraske,
Luke X. Martin
Published December 18, 2017 at 3:46 PM CST
Pete Souza
/
Official White House Photo
Pete Souza's documentation of Pres. Obama gained wide acclaim, and made Souza a celebrity in his own right. His access to the president was remarkably unrestricted, says Kenneth Walsh.

Given the importance of the American presidency, it's no surprise photos of the commander-in-chief tend to become iconic. Today, veteran White House correspondent Kenneth T. Walsh explains what makes the White House photographer role so influential, and why he thinks Pres. Trump is missing an opportunity with his chief image-maker. Then, we hear from two leaders in the Missouri Statehouse, Democrat Rep. Gail McCann Beatty and Republican Sen. Gary Romine, concerned about recent personnel changes in the state education department's leadership. Gov. Greitens' off-session ouster of Commissioner Margie Vandeven has some worried politics will sneak into Missouri education policy.

Kenneth T. Walsh will discuss his book 'Ultimate Insiders: White House Photographers and How They Shape History' at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19. To RSVP, visit TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

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Up To Date Talk ShowhistoryphotographyBooksWhite HouseHarry TrumaneducationMissouri board of educationEric GreitensMissouri General AssemblyMissouri SenatePresidents
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Luke X. Martin
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
See stories by Luke X. Martin