Michelle Kosinski is CNN’s new White House correspondent, joining the network earlier this month.
The Emmy Award-winning journalist previously worked for NBC News and has reported on a variety of domestic and international stories, including election-year politics, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and unrest in Afghanistan.
We turned the tables on Kosinski and asked her some questions.
Born in: Willingboro, N.J., a suburb of Philadelphia
Grew up in: Cinnaminson, N.J., yet another suburb of Philadelphia
College attended: Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism; Medill Graduate School of Journalism
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Different things at different times, but they all tended to involve crafting a “performance” — ballet, theater, TV journalism ... Pretty distressing, to two scientist parents.
Favorite hobby/activity: Killer ballet class; obscure films; good conversation
How do you unwind after a long day at work?: Reading and preparing for the next long day at work — I’ve been on the job a week! Also, endlessly searching for a pen can really clear the mind.
What you’re reading: Other than a background email deluge of biblical proportions, have been staring at a stack of books on Washington, politics and the president. This Town, by Mark Leibovich, has been recommended to me as the first one to crack. Soon, soon.
Best political movie: “Gnarr.” Great Icelandic documentary. American ones, sadly, I have somewhat avoided. Time to get a shiny new stack of those to stare at as well.
What you like and dislike about D.C.: Like: The strong yet graceful architectural array. It looks like no other city. Majestic. Inspiring. Packed with smarties. Dislike: Trying to find my way driving around all that graceful majesty. Confounding.
A household chore that you can’t stand: Everything but vacuuming. Strangely satisfying.
Favorite saying/life philosophy: Saying: “Slow and steady wins the race.” Not very exciting, but frequently true outside the day-to-day rush. Philosophy: Maximize the gifts you have. Go for it, without fear.
Something that few know about you: Well now that would just ruin the mystery.
