can't remember if it was an elected official or a political commentator.
His ashes were smudged, though.
I like the clear cross of ashes on Ms. Monaghan's forehead.
I believe most colleagues in the US would know the meaning, though, except maybe in areas where there are virtually no Catholics and little exposure to the outside world.

Just wondering - do Orthodox Christians and/or High Episcopalians/Anglicans use this means to mark Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent?

Some Episcopal churches offer them to anyone who passes by.

http://bangordailynews.com/2017/03/01/religion/episcopal-priests-take-to-the-streets-with-ashes-to-go/

AFAIK only the Eastern churches in comminion with Rome distribute ashes but the Orthodox Churches observe Clean Monday.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clean_Monday

No one could ever accuse Joe Biden of embarrassment re displaying his faith as appropriate.
(I say this in complete agreement with the way he handled himself re his Catholic faith in his public life.)

practice the marking of the forehead on Ash Wednesday. Not sure about Lutherans, but I think they might also.

Likely the woman's colleagues were more surprised by her willingness to go on a broadcast with that religious symbol than lacking knowledge of the meaning of the ashes.