E-mail a friendMarch 12, 2008
Former RNC chair Ken Mehlman explains why John McCain will appeal to both conservatives and independents in the general election. Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett reflects on the inspiration for her role as a single mother in Meet the Browns.
Ken Mehlman
Ken Mehlman
Former RNC chairman explains John McCain's broad appeal. (3:45)
A skilled political strategist, Ken Mehlman formerly chaired the Republican National Committee and also managed the Bush re-election campaign. The Baltimore native and Harvard Law grad came to DC to practice environmental law, but quickly learned the ropes on Capitol Hill. In '00, he helped then-Gov. Bush earn his first crucial victory in the Iowa caucuses. Now in private practice, Mehlman serves on the MLK National Memorial Foundation executive leadership cabinet.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett
Actress tells how she used her own mother as inspiration for her role in Meet the Browns. (2:39)
Angela Bassett has made a career portraying strong, real-life African American women, with credits that include Malcolm X, What's Love Got to Do With It—for which she earned a Best Actress Oscar nod—and The Rosa Parks Story. She also starred in and co-produced Showtime's, Ruby's Bucket of Blood. Bassett holds B.A. and M.F.A. degrees from Yale and is an avid supporter of youth arts programs, especially the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club in her St. Petersburg, FL hometown. She's next up in Meet the Browns.