Those who could not gain an audience with the President in the White House would wait in the lobby of the hotel to petition the President and they became known as lobbyists.
Sir,
The expression “Lobbyist” in DC folklore is said to have originated at the Willard Hotel, which is close to the White House. President U.S. Grant was known to have regularly visited the saloon there for a cigar and refreshment. Those who could not gain an audience with the President in the White House would wait in the lobby of the hotel to petition the President and they became known as lobbyists.
Others say that the expression has a British origin from those who would wait in the lobbies of the Chambers of Parliament.
The Dirksen Building is one of three office buildings that house the offices of 100 U.S. Senators. The Senate Buffet is a restaurant within the Dirksen where many Senators and staffers can grab a quick lunch. I often sat there if only to chat up the people that ate there. Hence, I wish to coin the phrase, “Buffetist”. Perhaps Michael can write his next article about “Cha Chaan Tengists”.
G, Former Washington DC foreign government
representative (name and details provided)
