In Marin, you never know when you’ll encounter a famous face at the local market. That’s because the county is home to more than a few rock stars, movie stars and entertainment moguls. It’s also home to a whole host of business and industry leaders whom, though powerful, may be harder to pick out of the crowd. Now meet Greg Valliere, who straddles that line.
A CNBC commentator and chief political strategist of the nonpartisan Washington Research Group, Valliere appears regularly on “Squawk Box,” “Power Lunch,” “The Closing Bell” and “Kudlow & Kramer,” among other programs, offering candid takes on topics including politics and economics. (Oh, now you recognize him?)
“CNBC wanted someone nonpartisan who could comment succinctly,” explains the New Hampshire native, who goes on to describe one of his happiest life moments as, “moving to the Bay Area to be with my beautiful wife.” He now resides with her in Kentfield.
What got you interested in politics?
I went to college in Washington, D.C, and loved it from the very beginning.
Describe a magical childhood moment.
My first big thrill was meeting John F. Kennedy when I was a kid in 1960.
Are you a good patient?
I’m the worst—very impatient.
Are you more of a rule breaker or a rule keeper?
Rule keeper. No special rules for anyone, I say.
How are you like your mom? Your dad?
My mom was gregarious and funny; Dad, cerebral.
How have your priorities changed over time?
I’ve become much more tolerant and much less judgmental.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I’d make all the religious fanatics chill out and tolerate differences.
If you could host a dinner party with three people from history, who would you invite and what would you want to talk about?
Wolfgang Mozart, Claude Monet and John Lennon; I’d ask: “What went on in your brains?”
If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go?
No. I’m just not interested—too time-consuming.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three “luxury” items would you want with you?
My wife, a great TV and lots of vintage wine.
In what situations are you most uncomfortable?
Dealing with conspiracy theorists who don’t have their facts straight.
What are your friendships based on?
Loyalty and humor.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Pitcher for the Red Sox.
What do you miss most about your college days?
Sleeping until noon.
What food do you eat almost every day?
Does wine count as food?
What kind of movies do you most enjoy and why?
I enjoy tales of epic struggle, like in “The Pianist.”
What’s your favorite question to ask?
“What did we overlook?”
When do you find yourself singing?
All the time, in my head.
What’s the song?
Any kind of alt rock. Foxboro Hot Tubs are pretty cool, aren’t they?
Who’s been your greatest inspiration?
I’ve had many heroes, headed by the great Bill Russell, but I’m still waiting for someone to truly inspire me.
What was your favorite childhood snack or candy?
Baseball card gum (yuck!)
What’s something mischievous that you’ve done?
I always manage to trick someone on April 1.
What’s the greatest invention the world has ever seen?
Google. It’s even better than air conditioning.
