Amazon turns on the charm amid criticism from right and left

Amazon is sweeping the nation's capital with a branding campaign of jobs creation and support for small businesses, promoting the upsides of its major expansion in media, groceries and transportation

On a sunny day in July, commuters arriving at Union Station, in the shadow of Capitol Hill, were greeted with free bananas passed out by Amazon employees. In a Senate building, lawmakers and their aides attended policy panels on how Amazon manages privacy on its Echo devices and how sales for small businesses are booming on its online store.

The day was capped off with a cocktail reception hosted by Amazon's chief spokesman, Jay Carney — the former press secretary to President Obama.

The public relations and lobbying push represents a new face for Amazon in Washington. Facing greater scepticism