If there was one fact that sent me hurtling off to write 'Politics Lost,' it was when I learned that John Kerry had focus-grouped Abu Ghraib. We knew about the Justice Department memo in June of 2004, and Kerry didn't raise that in any one of his three debates with George Bush. Joe Klein abubushdebate share on social
Political courage requires clarity. Joe Klein claritycouragepolitical Change image and share on social
When politicians began to see that every last thing that they did in public could be broadcast to a mass audience, the fact that the stakes were so much higher now that every moment became fraught caused them to become more cautious, and the consultants very gradually but inevitably became literal reactionaries. Joe Klein audiencebeginbroadcast share on social
Bush promised a foreign policy of humility and a domestic policy of compassion. He has given us a foreign policy of arrogance and a domestic policy that is cynical, myopic and cruel. Joe Klein arrogancebushcompassion Change image and share on social
For me, a really radical position for journalism to take is to stop being cynical. Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre. Joe Klein cynicalcynicisminsight Change image and share on social
When I started in the press there were really ink-stained wretches. Not everybody went to college. Now, everybody at the New York Times and the Washington Post and Salon and Slate, most of them have Ivy League educations. Joe Klein collegeeducationink share on social
I'm in favour of politicians having extra-marital relationships. Oh yeah. It makes them more understanding of the flaws that the rest of us have. Joe Klein extrafavourflaw Change image and share on social
Throughout history, civilizations have built a common cause through coming-of-age rituals. But we don't do that anymore. Maybe we should think about that. Joe Klein ageanymorebuild Change image and share on social
Novel writing should never be confused with journalism. Unfortunately, in the case of Primary Colors, a fair number of journalists confused. Joe Klein casecolorconfuse Change image and share on social