Gary Hart on CSPAN2 7pm east. He's wearing his historian hat...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

American Presidents panel with Joyce Appleby, Gary Hart, Sean Wilentz, and Charles Calhoun

The Smithsonian Associates panel discussion on American Presidents features four presidential biographers: Gary Hart on James Monroe, Sean Wilentz on Andrew Jackson, Joyce Appleby on Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Calhoun on Benjamin Harrison. All four of the biographies are part of Times Books' series of short presidential biographies -- called "The American Presidents" -- edited by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

Gary Hart is a former U.S. Senator from Colorado and senior counsel at the law firm Coudert Brothers. Sean Wilentz is a history professor at Princeton University. Joyce Appleby is a history professor at UCLA. Charles Calhoun is a history professor at East Carolina State.

[Faygo Kid]

1. Monroe, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison - giants compared to pipsqueak

Hell, Buchanan, Harding, Pierce, Tyler - all giants compared to the worst president in American history, W. We need not insult the truly great by even mentioning them in the same breath.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. I'm hoping they'll get to the comparison during the Q&A

:popcorn:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. first questions from the moderator...

Do you think the pres. you have chosen to write about has changed the office in some way. All said yes

Do you think that is the mark of greatness, changing the office? no. Wilentz said, "oh no! some presidents can change it for the worse"

that's all he said, but the audience started laughing!

me too
:rofl:

[Faygo Kid]

5. Very much enjoyed that exchange. Are we exciting on Saturday, or what?

That was great stuff. There was another time. But, surgery this week, and I enjoyed the distraction, and the opportunity to put off cleaning my apartment yet again.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. I found DU while recovering from surgery in 2003!

It's a great distraction! :)

Stay tuned to Book TV this is on in one hour...

On Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 pm
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The Big Empty: Dialogues on Politics, Sex, God, Boxing, Morality, Myth, Poker and Bad Conscience in America
Norman Mailer & John Buffalo Mailer

Author Norman Mailer and his son, John Buffalo Mailer, former editor of High Times magazine, sit down for an intergenerational discussion about their new book "The Big Empty: A Dialogue on Politics, Sex, God, Boxing, Morality, Myth, Poker and Bad Conscience in America." The book is an exchange of ideas between them over issues including the Bush administration; 9/11; Iraq; fascism; and popular culture. During this event, the Mailers discuss the power of corporations in America, the Bush administration and its war on terror, and the role of Christianity in our society. The conversation is moderated by author Dotson Rader.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Norman Mailer is the author of many books, including "The Naked and the Dead," "Armies of the Night," and "Why Are We at War?" John Buffalo Mailer is the author of the novella "The Reading Room, Vol. 1" and "High Times Activist's Guide to the RNC." He is co-founder of the Back House Productions in New York City and the former editor of High Times magazine.


Happy recovering!

[Faygo Kid]

7. Many thanks! It's hip replacement. I was the aerobics dude in 80s.

Now I am the fat guy in my 50s paying the price. Another phase in an interesting life. What was your surgery for? As all can tell you, including my long-time, tough as nails with everyone but her three dogs and two cats girlfriend, I am not a weirdo (okay, she knows I am, but who isn't? Geez). My thanks to you for the heads up and brightening my evening. . .

[Viva_La_Revolution]

8. Nothing you'll ever have to worry about....

Cervical cancer.
Do me a favor and remind your girlfriend to make sure she gets her pap smears on a regular basis, even if she has to pay cash! I wish I had. Us weirdo's have to look out for each other. :hug:

[Faygo Kid]

9. God bless you. Thank you for sharing that.

I hope you will share it elsewhere here. You have a supportive friend, anytime, here in Michigan. I will be gone after Monday for just about four days, but after that, will have little to do but communicate with others. I hope that includes you, especially. All the very best that can be wished upon you. You are right - us weirdos need to stick together.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

10. Oh, I got off easy!

just a quick major operation, cut out the bad parts, left all the good parts, and no recurrence. I healed up pretty quick, and was back to work in a few weeks. :)

Viva la Weirdos!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. Hart laid out his plan (if he had won the presidency)

He attended a moscow summit in 86, and spoke to Milosovich. He came to the conclusion that they were tired of the cold war, and had no desire to see it continue.

His plan (had he won) was to send a secret emissary to Moscow after the election and invite them to agree to ending the arms race, and invite Milosovich to the Inaugural. Thereby ending the cold war in the first week of his Presidency. :o Then he would turn his attention to the Middle East, and get things rolling there.

He says - "I think I would have made a great one term President"