Monday, October 30, 2006

Tonight's Lecture....

.....was held at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. The topic was the Progressive/Conservative Debate. "William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, and John Podesta, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, will debate the issues -- from stem cell research to the war on terror -- that define and often divide American politics today. Evan Thomas, Assistant Managing Editor of Newsweek, will moderate."

Podesta was an ass. I'm not just saying that because I am a huge fan of Kristol's. He was, Jen agreed. She pointed out that Bill Kristol noted good and bad points about both Clinton and Bush....yet Podesta did nothing but bash Bush. He also had written down little quotes that he had pulled out of Kristol's past. Clearly he was so intimidated by Kristol's superior intellect and self depreciating style that he felt the need to research him. Bill on the other hand was fabulous. He was witty and charming and unflappable.

Once again though.......crazy protesters. After the debate, Jen and I went up to speak to Mr. Kristol and a young man came up yelling and ranting. I don't even know what he was saying. Everyone just went on about their business and he was escorted away.
Jen and I got autographs and told Bill we were fans and conservatives and thought he did quite well. He was very gracious.

I also introduced myself to Evan Thomas and told him that I'd be at his appearance next week at the Harvard Coop. He seemed very pleased and Jen and I had to laugh. The JFK liason who introduced everyone on the panel failed to mention Evan's new book. He mentioned Evan's RFK bio.....from six years ago! I guess we can forgive them for being Kennedy-centric. Anyway, Evan seemed pleased that I knew and happy to discuss it.

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