Lindsay Lohan, Claire Danes, Paul Rudd, The Photo Booth #NerdProm

LINDSAY LOHAN IN THE PHOTO BOOTH WITH HER LAWYER #1

LINDSAY LOHAN IN THE PHOTO BOOTH WITH HER LAWYER #2

Lindsay Lohan arrived at the CBS News/National Journal pre-party like a stealth missile. She zoomed in with her lawyer, Shawn Chapman, and what appeared to be one handler. They managed to wend their way through a room of people packed together like Sardines squared. They headed for the photo booth in the back of the tented party space. Lindsay gave hand to the papparazzi but seemed to enjoy herself with the photo booth photos. Standing by like hired security was her host for the evening, Joan Coale, husband of Greta van Susteren. I wonder whether Lindsay is, like Coale and van Susteren, a member of the Church of Scientology. Or maybe about to join?

PAUL RUDD AND JAKE TAPPER AT THE ABC NEWS/YAHOO PARTY

The public hallways of the hotel were a maddening experience. So many people trying to get from one place to another, and in black tie and evening gowns; all kinds of security, event planners and hotel staff ordering "go here," "don't go there," "move along," "don't stop here," "stay over there," and so on, and this was what guests endured who had legitimate invitations and tickets. Regular folks were held behind ropes. I know this is supposed to be Washington's night to rub elbows with Hollywood, but it's a shame that we also import all the rude Hollywood manners, too. At certain points it was impossible to move at all, the crush was that tight. 

JESSE TYLER FERGUSON AT THE ABC NEWS/YAHOO PARTY

Arriving early helped. The ABC News/Yahoo party was quite pleasant. I talked with a sitcom star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson (though I didn't hear his name at first and introduced him to others as Jesse Taylor Bradford !!??, speaking of rude manners). He couldn't have been friendlier and told me about visiting the White House earlier in the day and meeting the President, First Lady and their daughters. He said Michelle Obama and the girls are fans of his show, "Modern Family." The ABC party also had a photo booth, btw. Seems to be a trend.

CAPT. "SULLY" SULLENBERGER AND HIS WIFE GET READY FOR THE PHOTO BOOTH

Easily the coolest person I met was Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger, who was with his wife at the CBS News/National Journal party. He's retired now, working four jobs (consultant, author, aviation expert among them). I confessed I am a white knuckle flyer and he said all white knuckle flyers make that confession to him. 

A LOUSY PIC OF CLAIRE DANES AT THE CBS NEWS/YAHOO PARTY

Claire Danes was escorted through the CBS News/Yahoo party by correspondent Bob Schieffer, who introduced her around. She's a mere slip of a girl, but all the rage now in DC because of her hit series, "Homeland," which - unfortunately - is shot in Charlotte, NC.