MOVERS and SHAKERS: Mica Mosbacher, @mosbacher_mica #MicaMosbacher Journalist, Author, Notable Political Commentator and Team Manager of Godstone Ranch Motorsports Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
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Mica Mosbacher began her career in journalism as a freshman at Hollins University in 1972 as an intern at the NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas. She wrote the legendary News Director Ray Miller and volunteered to sweep the floors if necessary if he would consider hiring her.
Women reporters were not the norm and she began her job by accompanying seasoned news reporters on the police beat. Soon she was given the opportunity to report on camera and was well-received by viewers. While sitting in at a well-publicized murder trial as a placeholder, a mistrial was declared and she achieved an exclusive on camera interview with famed defense attorney Racehorse Haynes.
While a student at the University of Texas, she worked as a writer at the Daily Texan and as a legislative assistant at the State Capital. Her career led to jobs as an editor in the oil and gas industry where she won many prestigious writing awards. Ultimately, she joined a political consulting firm and in 1987, Mica became a press secretary for presidential candidate George HW Bush in his advance press office.
Mica believes her faith and grit was strengthened during a five month stay at Women's Hospital in 1986 when she persevered against all odds to bring her son into the world. Her resiliency would be tested following a divorce. As a single mother for ten years, she faced living paycheck to paycheck and the difficulties of raising a child on her own. Her motto is "Don't bring fear near" and that things work out the way they are supposed to.
Following a layoff from a job in investment banking, she went on to re-establish a writing career and met her husband Oilman and former Secretary of Commerce Robert Mosbacher. They spent the next decade raising money for political candidates and Mica became national co-chair for Senator John McCain's presidential career and statewide chairman for Governor Rick Perry.
Robert died in 2010, and Mica once again was on her own. Wanting to help other widows, she wrote a candid memoir titled Racing Forward. Her philosophy was to avoid wallowing in pain and to grieve forward by staying involved and being proactive with change---a certainty in life.
She joined the Rick Perry Campaign for President as a national co-chair and later became a regular speaker to women's groups and at college campuses on empowerment of women.
While a national co-chair for Ted Cruz's presidential campaign, Mica was invited onto the Fox News network as a guest political commentator in 2015 and has been a regular guest commentator on Fox, BBC, TRT, ITN Productions since then.
Mica currently serves on the 2020 National Advisory Board for President Trump and has an book scheduled for release in early spring titled the Hurricane Factor. One Voice One Nation. She believes that the United States is divided at times but comes together in times of crisis and that ordinary people do extraordinary things when circumstances are extreme.
When not on the air, she is actively involved in the London Policy Institute and Judicial Watch. Her two grandsons are the light of her life. Mica also tested her personal limits by learning to drive a race car and is team manager of Godstone Ranch Motorsports, A 501 c3, that races for the American Heart Association's CPR Campaign. We are so pleased to present Mica Mosbacher as our latest Mover and Shaker! Peachy Deegan interviewed Mica for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: How do you define excellent journalism?
Mica Mosbacher: Excellence should be based on thorough research versus speculation and utilization of at least two reliable credible sources. The old model in journalism involved "just the facts man." Who, what, when and where were the building blocks of integrity.
How has journalism changed for both the better and worse since your career began?
When CNN launched cable news in 1980, the landscape changed dramatically. Instead of filling hour time blocks, the networks were challenged with filling 24/7 programming. Political commentating and discussions replaced hard news and has led to the potential for distortion of the news and confusion as to what constitutes facts versus personal opinions. At times the lines are blurred.
How did you meet with success as you rose in your career?
I never stopped striving and approached each project like it was my first day on the job. I prep continuously before going on any tv program. Newt Gingrich told me he never stops studying before doing a media hit.
Do you feel that women have been met with the appropriate level of respect and recognition in journalism today?
I have always felt respected as a valued team member but clearly there are women who were exploited by men in power at their workplaces. The current spotlight on inappropriate behavior in the entertainment environment is overdue. I must add that male colleagues have expressed concern that women have been overly aggressive with them at times with overt sexual advances.
What should most people know about Texas that they don't know and what do you love most about Texas?
Texans are among the most generous patrons of philanthropic projects in the US and the recent Harvey storm brought out extraordinary acts of kindness. I love the culture and love to hunt quail and kickback in front of a campfire (we call it Texas tv) wearing old cowboy boots and listening great country and western music like Clint Black after a good day of hunting.
What makes Texas different than the rest of America and what makes Texas representative of America?
Texans know they have the right to succeed as a separate country and so there is an independent mindedness and patriotic pride within the state. Texas, however, is comprised of hardworking Americans who are focused on feeding their families and realizing prosperity through strong work ethics.
What was it like to work for George H.W. Bush and what should everyone know about him that they may not know?
He is consistently kind and friendly to everyone regardless of who they are. I often took on the role of photographer during the campaign as he was always willing to pose for photos with hotel employees, valet staff and voters. He is a true gentleman and a kindhearted leader.
Did 41 have his famous sock collection when you worked with him?
He was always a dapper dresser and I recall him shopping for himself at Oshmans in Houston.
What politicians do you admire the most and why?
I admire President Trump because he is not the quintessential politician but a businessman who has the best instincts of any leader I have ever met. I also admire Congressman Mark Meadows (chair of Freedom Caucus) because he has the courage of conviction and Ambassador Nikki Haley who has the fortitude to take a stand in the face of opposition.
What could make politics better domestically and internationally?
We need more civilized bipartisan dialogues between republicans and democrats and open conversations with world leaders to find common ground. President Trump has signaled that the best deals involve compromise but not caving in to appease others.
What could unite America?
Americans come together in moments of crisis such as post Harvey and Irma. Better wages and job growth will go a long way to ease tensions as there has been anger in both parties regarding wage stagnation and the like.
What is it like to work on a campaign and what are the keys to political success in winning an election in America?
I have been part of five presidential campaigns and the number 1 challenge is raising money. It's the "mother's milk of politics" and necessary to keep the momentum. Campaigns are 24/7 and it's always gratifying to meet so many great Americans while traveling with a candidate.
What are your goals in the Trump 2020 campaign and how do you feel it will replicate or differ from the goals in 2016?
President Trump knocked out 17 candidates and it took tremendous stamina for him and his advance staff to outwork his opponents. The greatest challenge for 2020 is to insure he gets credit for his many accomplishments including tax reform, a record stock market and roll back of deregulation. President Carter recently stated that the media is tougher on him than any president.
What is it like to be a guest commentator and what platforms have been the most welcoming?
It's challenging to go on international news platforms because you are challenged on your opinions and you have to do your homework to back up your comments. BBC world news is an old-fashioned style format so you are rarely interrupted unless you get too long winded. The debates on the air are robust and you basically are a target for attacks by social media who might disagree with your opinions or with the President's policies.
Where would you like to commentate where you are not yet commentating?
I am on several networks already but would love to do NPR as they reach an entirely different audience.
Please tell us more about London Policy Institute and Judicial Watch.
Herbert London founded the London Center for Policy Research which is more of a "do tank" than a traditional think tank. The policy discussions at events are substantive and action plans are formulated in the process. Judicial Watch is a bipartisan watchdog group that has spotlighted corruption at all levels in the government and abuses of power. It raised over 30 million dollars last year from small donors.
What do you enjoy most as a grandmother and what should everyone know about your grandchildren?
Being a grandmother is the best part of my life. The love is unconditional and the stress of parenting no longer exists. My eldest grandson Donnie Duncan, 9, wants to be a paleontologist and visited Yale University this summer as he researched and discovered it's the best program in the US. Harris, age 1, just wants hugs.
What are your responsibilities of being team manager of Godstone Ranch Mororsports?
We are a non-profit race team that races for charity and my job involves fundraising for each race season. Sponsors receive a tax write off and enjoy seeing their organization's name on the car.
What is your favorite track to drive on?
I learned on the Circuit of America's track in Austin. It is the only formula 1 track in the US and has a series of technically challenging s turns. I only drive on sport days. My brother John Mccutchen is our pro Driver
Have you driven at Lime Rock Park or Daytona and if so what did you think and if not have you considered them?
Godstone Ranch MS has raced on both tracks. I was a pit crew member at Daytona in 2010 and it was challenging for the team as it was raining and the track was slippery and treacherous. We came in top 5.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My father went to medical school when I was 3 and worked at a local department store selling shoes to help support his family. He later received a law degree in his 50s. I suppose he was always working and learning and felt work was fun. My late husband Robert who was always working is my other inspiration.
What are you proudest of and why?
My son Cameron, who has achieved many of his goals and is such a wonderful dad. Watching him lead by example with his sons is gratifying as a mom.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I am working on producing a documentary on Syria. Obtaining original footage in a war zone was my greatest challenge but we have completed filming and I look forward to the production and marketing of this project.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I received many journalism awards but was most honored to receive an Excellence in Journalism award in Houston voted on by a panel of peers. I was inducted into the Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame and was honored by Former Mayor Anise Parker for a public art installation on tolerance. The accolades tell me I must have lived too long.
What one word best describes you and why?
Passionate. I am passionate in all I do.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
I am spiritual and have a strong faith in God.
What is your favorite place In Manhattan? And in Texas?
I love to walk in Central Park and love the 21 Club where we celebrated many milestone birthdays. My husband had been going there since childhood and recalls lunches with Ethel Merman and George Gershwin.
In Texas I love Franklins Barbecue in Austin where they never reheat the brisket.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan? And in Texas?
I never tire of shopping at Bergdorf Goodmans. The shoe collection is incredible.
In Texas, it's By George in Austin and Allan's Boots.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Sarah H. Sanders. Smart Savvy and handles one of the toughest WH jobs with class and sass.
What is your favorite drink?
I like craft beers and IPAs especially Washington Corruption and Fire Eagle IPA from Texas
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Meeting my late husband for the first time and calling him by his grandson's name. I was so nervous and also busy hosting the event. I barely said hello.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan? And in Texas?
Daniel and Club 21. In Texas, Franklin Barbecue in Austin.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature? And in Texas?
Eloise at the Plaza.
In Texas it is the armadillo.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I have never wanted to be anyone but myself so my authentic real self would be what I would aspire to be.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you, what would it be and why? And in Texas?
I would want a center for bipartisanship and civil discourse and tolerance named as these components make our society more congenial and promote understanding among all cultures and religions.
In Texas, the same answer.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience? And in Texas?
Running in Central Park and down Park Avenue.
In Texas, Horseback riding in the beautiful countryside.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do no where else?
Watching the fireworks on July 4th by the Statue of Liberty on a sailboat. Epic.
In Texas? Skeet shooting on the King Ranch.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
Winston Churchill. He was a contrarian and quick witted and amusing.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience? And in Texas?
I adored hearing Hugh Jackman in his one man broadway show.
In Texas, hearing Willie Nelson perform at Austin City Limits.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I believe that helping elect quality candidates to office is gratifying and a step toward safeguarding America's sovereign nation for future generations.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
The experience in Manhattan regarding art, music and food is exemplary and cannot be overrated. Underrated are some great restaurants In the Bronx.
In Texas, the food and art scene in Marfa is underrated. The Barbecue cannot be overrated. The best.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
New York Notes, the music column. I especially liked the post from this column published January 2 regarding the Grammy Camp. It's heartwarming to know that students from 18 cities will participate with wonderful artists. I have attended the Grammys in the past and plan to bring my grandson later this month to the Grammys as he plays the drums and keyboard and loves music of all genres as do I.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I represent Iceland as an Honorary Consul. I believe that all women should empower one another and encourage those in their circle to pursue their goals and that it's never too late.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know Readers?
