President Trump favors throwing receptions and giving addresses in the Grand Foyer, or the official entrance of the White House.

Aides set up a speaking podium in the stairwell from the second floor, giving Trump a chance for a big entrance, and an easy escape. Behind him, in the stairwell, is the official portrait of President Harry S Truman. And to his right, as he speaks, is the portrait of President Bill Clinton.

For big groups, like Christmas parties, Trump leaves after speaking, but last week, when he met with media to outline his State of the Union address themes, he mingled and even posed for pictures. …

• The Trump International Hotel was ground zero for State of the Union partiers. The Who’s Who in the standing room-only lobby bar included Donald Trump Jr., former spokesman Sean Spicer, former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, Citizens United boss David Bossie, Fox’s Kimberly Guilfoyle. …

• Fox Business News anchor Neil Cavuto goes the extra mile to thank his guests for appearing on his show. They tell us that he often writes a note to show his appreciation. For example, he wrote Washington Examiner contributor Jed Babbin, “Your participation never fails to make every conversation more interesting and informative, and it is always a pleasure having you as a guest on my shows.” …

• The annual CPAC convention thrown by the American Conservative Union Feb. 21-24 is to feature Trump making a return visit and a more issue-focused agenda and speaking schedule. ...

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com