The Power 100 – 2017

by WL Author

The Power 100 – 2017

For want of a better word our annual list of un-elected, non-governmental  heavy  hitters  is  called  “The Power  100.”  But  it’s  the  default  headline.  All  those negative quotations about power have clung to it, giving it a bad name. Mention of Lord Acton’s invariably misquoted observation  is  almost  de  rigueur  here:  “Power  tends  to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

If not “Power 100,” then what? “Clout 100” has violent connotations.  “The  Influential  100”  would  be  closer  to the truth, if only it were more eye-catching as a headline. Because  in  reality  this  list  brings  together  overachievers who  do  get  things  done  as  well  as  those  who  can  make it  possible  for  others  to  get  things  done.  So,  by  default, “Power 100.”If  Washington  is  a  “swamp,”  then  inside  it  lurk  some rather brilliant creatures who know how to make the best use of their talents. Add to the mix some very rich creatures who  know  how  best  to  use  their  wealth.  Deeper  down are  the  lobbyists  and  lawyers  —  the  more  distinguished of  whom  are  also  recognized.  In  the  end,  our  100  were chosen because in some way or another they dazzle, enrich, educate,  support,  entertain,  anger  (but  only  a  few)  and amuse the rest of us, and in the process make the nation’s capital what it is today.

The  rules  we  follow  when  determining  who  appears  in the “Power 100” have not changed over the years. They are: (1) knowledge is power; (2) influence is power; (3) access is power; (4) the perception of power is power; and (5) money can translate to power if it is used effectively. In addition, the  list  does  not  include  anyone  drawing  a  government salary as there are numerous directories that compile such information.

And, yes, it’s a subjective list. Included are the president’s daughter  Ivanka  and  her  husband  Jared  Kushner,  even though  they  are  officially  White  House  staffers.  The  fact that they hold unpaid positions provides sufficient leeway to  include  them,  reflecting  their  strong,  broad-based influence with President Trump.

Few, if any, federal capitals around the world, created for the same reason that Washington came into being, as the seat of government, have made the same quality leap as the District of Columbia in recent years, and much of the credit goes to our 100 and many others like them.

[addtoany]

Power Couples

Politics & Advocacy

Enterprise

International

Law

Media

Real Estate

Culture