Political Leaders 2007 Profile: Diane Kaufman

Name: Diane Kaufman
Born: Norfolk, Virginia
Current Digs: Norfolk, Virginia
Occupation: Virginia Port Authority
Favorite part about the job: Being an advocate for the Port. It is a tremendous asset to the Commonwealth that is growing at a phenomenal rate. It is wonderful to be a part of such a great agency.
Favorite book? The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict From 1500 – 2000 by Paul Kennedy. It is a study of what has propelled hegemonic powers and what led them to their decline. His premise: that the cost of remaining great, especially the cost of sustaining a military, is the greatest predictor of a nation's ultimate decline.
Favorite movie? Sorry. Can’t do just one. Some people grew up with sports. I grew up with movies. My list includes: Wild Strawberries; La Dolce Vita; 8 ½; The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari; The General; The Godfather; Rashomon; Smiles of a Summer Night; Rear Window, Streetcar Named Desire, Psycho, Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction, Schindler’s List; Dr. Strangelove; Z; just to name a few.
Must-see TV?  No such thing, except for political talk shows.
Comfort food? Borscht and piroshky
What's in your car CD player right now? Don’t have a CD player in my car.
Favorite vacation spot?  Riga, Latvia; Chincoteague (Eastern Shore); New York.
Last gift you received? Pair of earrings.
Best advice you ever got? Do not let anything stand in the way of your dreams.
Whom do you admire and why? Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. He was an inspiration and he worked tirelessly
to change the political system that was working to keep his race at a
distinct disadvantage.
If you could have dinner with anyone currently living, whom would it be and why? Bill Clinton. This is not an original thought, but it is nice to remember that there was a time when being intelligent and an inspiration were considered an asset to the job. “Strength and wisdom are not opposing values.” August, 2004.
Describe a perfect day. Vacationing in Chincoteague with friends during migration, bird watching all day, rushing home for the sunset and happy hour, and then cooking and eating dinner; or doing museums with my New York friends all day and then going out for dinner.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  I am an avid bird watcher.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  To continue working on political campaigns, to continue working as a political advisor, and to continue working to affect change for others through the political process.