In Washington and have nothing to do on January 9th, the New America Foundation, Wired, and Google are hosting a discussion titled “Wiki White House” featuring Sunlight’s Executive Director Ellen Miller and Sunlight board member Craig Newmark. Currently there is a waiting list to attend, but the event will be broadcast online. Here are the details:

Technology evangelists believe that Barack Obama has the potential to fundamentally alter communication between the presidency and the people. Wikis in the White House? Online public comments on legislation? A real-time two-way conversation between citizens and their elected officials?

For better or worse, however, nothing is as easy as it might seem. Federal regulations, First Amendment issues, and just plain common sense are going to slow — and potentially stagnate — technological innovation in Washington.

The New America Foundation and Wired Magazine will host a discussion of what can, should, and must change when the Obama administration takes the reins.

Co-sponsored by New America Foundation, Wired Magazine, and Google.

Featured Speakers Craig Newmark Founder Craigslist

Mindy Finn Director of E-Strategy Mitt Romney for President

Ellen Miller Executive Director Sunlight Foundation

Sascha Meinrath Research Director, Wireless Future Program New America Foundation

Moderator Nicholas Thompson Fellow, New America Foundation Senior Editor, Wired Magazine