Actress would invite Obama to ski house

Actress Sarah Rafferty plays the sharp and witty Donna Paulsen on USA network’s hit show, “Suits.” Her television work includes featured work in numerous hit series including “Law and Order,” “Six Feet Under,” “Charmed,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “CSI: Miami” and “Bones.” On the silver screen, Sarah’s feature films include “Small Beautifully Moving Parts,” “Four Single Fathers” and “Falling for Grace,” among others. Sarah began acting while in prep school and continued to study acting at Hamilton College and the Yale School of Drama. 

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

SARAH RAFFERTY: I’d ask him to imagine this alternative universe — where the presidential term is six years, reelection is not a consideration, and you aren’t strictly a member of one political party. What does your presidency look like? Go. (Fast, please. I gotta bolt in 5 minutes.) 

I also was happy to hear that the president recently made a speech against modern slavery and sex trafficking. I would ask how he plans to continue to press this issue.

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be?

SR: How can I help? Or, who is your favorite Muppet and why? I’d report that classified info back to the 5 year old set, winning mad props.

RB: If you were going to send the president to one of your favorite places in the United States for one day, where would that be? Why?

SR: My parents 1970s style Vermont ski house.  I’d invite 10 friends over, build a fire, grill a steak, mix martinis and listen. Then we’d all go sledding and have a sleep over in the bunk beds. 

RB: What CD/piece of music would you recommend that the president add to his collection?  Why?

SR: The Sound of Music. He could kick start his day in the Oval Office with a big old happy Julie Andrews spin.

RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

SR: No, I’m conflict averse. I’ve got a mean case of mommy brain and I’m really long waisted; I look terrible in a pant suit.

Robin Bronk is CEO of The Creative Coalition — the leading national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Bronk is a frequent speaker on the role of the entertainment industry in public advocacy campaigns and represents The Creative Coalition and its legislative agenda before members of Congress and the White House. She produced the feature film “Poliwood,” airing on Showtime, and edited the recently published book Art & Soul. Bronk pens this weekly column with assistance from Risa Kotek.

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