If the Goo Goo Dolls could ask President Obama one question it wouldn’t be about his policies, but rather his favorite cocktail.

Members of the band were dumbfounded to hear the president’s drink of choice is Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda, a concoction featured in many Washington bars this inauguration weekend.


The rock band, known for its chart-topping hit “Iris,” headlined the Creative Coalition inaugural ball Monday at the Harman Center for the Arts in D.C.’s Chinatown.


Although a question about a career in a politics elicited a resounding “hell, no” from the band, they were looking forward to meeting lawmakers attending the event.

Lead singer of the band Johnny Rzeznik was hoping to bump shoulders with Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), and drummer Mike Malinin wanted to meet Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). Bass guitarist Robby Takac lit up when he spotted Rev. Jesse Jackson walking the red carpet behind him.

The Creative Coalition is the nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy arm of the art and entertainment communities, and holds a benefit gala every four years to raise money for arts awareness.

The event featured a star-studded guest list, with celebrities and leaders from the entertainment industry and members of Congress.

“This is a truly momentous day in history, and everyone deserves to be out here celebrating tonight,” said District of Columbia shadow senator Paul Strauss.

Strauss jokingly said that his pre-gala fashion ritual includes crossing his fingers and hoping his tuxedo still fits.

Actor Evan Handler, best known for his role playing Charlotte’s husband on “Sex and the City,” said he’s not a “lawmaker groupie” but when it comes to 2016, he is really hoping Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be on the ticket.