The Book on John Kerry

How hard was it for you to read the press coverage of your father's 2004 campaign?
I know who he is, so it's odd to know someone, to know his character and his layers, and then see him portrayed in such two-dimensional ways.

What does your dad think of the book? Was there anything in it that surprised him?
He was supportive of it. There were a couple times where he wondered if something might be a little too controversial.

For example?
My discussions of the media, which I did from the point of view of someone who participates in the media. He just posed the question to me.

In the epilogue, you mentioned that you've campaigned for Barack Obama. How much have you done?
I spent a couple weekends in Pennsylvania and did some other things with my dad, but I'm mostly an observer in this process. I'm directing the video for a song by Lenny Kravitz that will be around in time for the [Democratic] convention. That's how I participate, that's how I contribute.

Have you observed Obama's daughters?
Yes, but Obama's daughters are 7 and 10; it's a different situation for them than it was for me. At that age, it's not the easiest thing in the world to participate in, but the family seems to be doing a graceful job.

What would you say is the prevailing message of your book?
The most I could hope for is that someone reads it and comes away with a better understanding of the political system and the media, as well. Just today I read an article about Obama's time in Hawaii that talked about how much he paid for an ice-cream cone and how many waves he caught. It's important for people to try to sift through those superficials.

And what does your book say to those who are very cynical about the American political system?
For cynics, the message from the book is that the political process is not all bad. It is problematic, but it is also vital. I would also say that I think the conclusions of the book are very personal. I never like reading literature or seeing films that sum something up in the end, that retell the story at the end of the story. There really isn't a conclusion.

© 2008