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 ;-) .