Book Tour starts!

I kicked off the media campaign for The New American Story last Thursday when I appeared on the Imus morning radio show on MSNBC. I first did that show in the early 1990’s when Senator Al D’Amato of New York and I were the first political guests that Imus had on his program.

I remember one day I had an early morning meeting and had to call in from a pay phone (before cell phones) at exit 9 on the New Jersey turnpike. As I was talking to Imus people were driving by, rolling their windows down and shouting, “Hey, Senator! I’m listening to you on Imus.” I think Imus is a special talent. There’s no one who combines his intelligence, wit, candor, range of guests, quality of cast, and personal idiosyncrasies. I forgot how much I like to do his show.

Sunday I did “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert. When I walked into the studio (temperature is always colder there than in other places) I realized I hadn’t been in that studio since I debated Al Gore in the 2000 democratic primary. I enjoyed the interview because Tim knows public policy cold. It’s always a treat to talk with someone who understands how politics and policy interconnect. When the show is over the tradition is that they serve crab cakes to the guests. They were good as usual.

Overall these two shows got the book tour off to a good start. I hope through The New American Story that people see that we “can” solve our problems in this country. For example, we’re 114th in the world in the number of eligible voters who actually vote. The number one reason people who don’t vote offer for not voting is they had to work.

Answer: Easy, move elections from Tuesday to two weekend days. * *If elections are over the weekend, there is no work conflict and parents can take their children with them to vote and by doing so inculcate in the children the citizen responsibility of voting. It would be a family event. I bet you don't know why it takes place on Tuesday*- I talk about that in my Book, The New American Story ;-) .