Podcast appearances and mentions of Eli Attie

Writer and producer Eli Attie is back with his political hopes for 2025 and a preview of his highly-anticipated Robert De Niro series, “Zero Day.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika speaks with acting royalty Allison Janney about what it was like to join the cast this season as the strong and complex character of Vice President Grace Penn. Creator and showrunner Debora Cahn and executive producer Alex Graves return to the show to discuss the formidable Vice President Penn's introduction. Former Vice President Al Gore's chief scriptwriter and Emmy-winning writer, Eli Attie, then navigates the intricacies of the vice president role. Spoilers Ahead! If you have not seen The Diplomat season 2, episode 5: Our Lady of Immaculate Deception, then go stream it now on Netflix and come back to us! Don't miss our final episode this season, dropping on November 14th. Featuring insights from Keri Russell (Kate Wyler), creator Debora Cahn, executive producer Janice Williams, and the current U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Jane Hartley. The Diplomat: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix in association with Novel.

Host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika speaks with Ali Ahn (CIA Chief Eidra Park) and Ato Essandoh (deputy chief of mission Stuart Hayford), who bring their electric chemistry to discuss their characters' emotional turmoils and connections in the show. Creator and showrunner Debora Cahn and executive producer Janice Williams discuss episode 4's magical setting in Scotland and reveal the inspiration behind that explosive final scene. Former CIA official Kari Amelung emphasizes the need for humor whilst working in such a challenging career field and balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. Spoilers Ahead! If you have not seen The Diplomat season 2, episode 4: The Ides of March, then go stream it now on Netflix and come back to us! Don't miss our next episode, Episode 5: Our Lady of Immaculate Deception, dropping on November 11th. Featuring insights from Allison Janney (Vice President Grace Penn), creator Debora Cahn, executive producer Alex Graves, and Emmy-winning writer Eli Attie. The Diplomat: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix in association with Novel.

The bizarre story of the investigation into Donald Trump continues as the former president exercises his 5th amendment rights, refusing to answer questions from prosecutors. Eli Attie joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

We discuss West Wing Weekly's guest, Eli Attie, who was a Clinton/Gore speechwriter and West Wing writer. Do politicians really want what's best for their constituents? Kenny makes the case for firing Toby for insubordination. Jose couldn't care less about solecisms, but he is comforted in our Big Block of Cheese by sharing family stories. Links Jeremy Renner producing docuseries based off Oddie Blvd in Reno High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. Brooklyn: A Personal Memoir: With the lost photographs of David Attie The (Real) Story of the White House and the Big Block of Cheese whatsnextweekly.com has live links and an archive of past episodes

Al Gore og Jed Bartlet var presidentene USA aldri hadde. Gore vant kanskje Florida, mens «Presidenten» Bartlet sørget for at Martin Sheen vant en Golden Globe. Bak dem begge sto Eli Attie, henholdsvis som taleskriver og episodeforfatter. Han forteller Gjermund om sine favorittserier, om Biden og sin bestekamerat Blinken, og om hvem fra Det hvite hus som ville passet inn i «The West Wing» i dag. Hør episoden i appen NRK Radio

Hollywood-stjerna Matthew McConaughey kan bli ny guvernør i Texas. Om ett år er det mellomvalg i USA, og det kan bli tidenes valgthriller. Og avgjørende for demokratiets framtid. På hver sin side står to gamlinger, Biden og Trump, og pusser våpen og klargjør sine krigere. Demokrati Vs. autokrati. Den ene sliter på meningsmålinger - og den andre dyrker kultbevegelsen sin og snakker stygt om døde generaler. Med førsteamanuensis ved Høyskolen i Oslo, Sofie Høgestøl og tidligere taleskriver i det hvite hus, Eli Attie. Hør episoden i appen NRK Radio

Sharing a workshop I did put together by The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC). This workshop was held on March 26, 2021 under the title of Industry Leaders: Storytelling in Television and Film, with Eli Attie and Jason Lin. Eli Attie is an Emmy-winning TV writer and producer on drama series including THE WEST WING and HOUSE. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/linsider/message

I denne spesialen får du høre mer av samtalen Gjermund Eriksen hadde med Eli Attie forrige uke. Det store spørsmålet er hva Biden kommer til å gjøre i løpet av det neste året. Attie er god venn av podkasten. Han er Emmy-vinnende forfatter, produser, tidligere stabsmedlem i Det hvite hus og ikke minst god venn av Bidens utenriksminister Anthony Blinken.

Det har blitt vanskeligere og dyrere å ta høyere utdanning i USA, studiegjelden vokser og ulikhetene i samfunnet øker. - USA ligner mer på et u-land på enkelte områder, sier finansredaktør i Dagens Næringsliv Terje Erikstad. Og vi har snakket med Eli Attie - igjen! Han er en god venn av Bidens utenriksminister Anthony Blinken. Og hva tenker han om Bidens strategi det neste året? Hele intervjuet med Attie publiseres tirsdag 8.12.

Donald forlater ikke skuta uten bråk og går til kamp på alle fronter etter valgnederlaget han nekter å akseptere. Hva er taktikken hans, hva kan vi forvente og hva er egentlig målet? Hvordan går det med Joe Biden og veien mot en rolig overtakelse og hvordan ligger det an i slaget om senatet som kan prege Bidens presidentskap? Og hvordan har TV-forfatter, produsent og tidligere medarbeider i Det hvite hus, Eli Attie, opplevd den siste tiden? Vi gratulerer ham med valgresultatet.

Nihal, Scott and Hayley attempt to pick the best fictional TV politicians with the help of special guests Andy Riley, emmy-winning screenwriter of Veep and Eli Attie, former White House staffer and West Wing writer/producer.

Joining us for this edition of AJFF In Conversation: The Jewish Film Podcast, is very special guest Eli Attie, whose own time in politics and natural writing talent helped shape the much-beloved The West Wing, created by Aaron Sorkin. This fall, Sorkin is back with The Trial of the Chicago 7, based on the infamous court proceedings of seven defendants charged with conspiracy for their protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He is also gathering the cast of The West Wing for a reunion special in support of voter turnout. Forays into the political have been a mainstay of Sorkin's work, beginning with A Few Good Men and The American President. Even when his films and TV shows have focused on sports, showbiz, or social networks, the tinge of politics finds a way in. Before the 2020 election season comes to a close, we dissect Sorkin's political preoccupations, and his vision of political idealism and civic virtue, best personified in the fictional Bartlet administration.

With the US presidential debates about to get underway, Eli Attie, who was part of Al Gore’s debate team in 2000, gives a behind the scenes insight and discusses how it influenced his writing and producing for the West Wing.

Han har jobbet i Det hvite hus, la ord i munnen på Al Gore og ville blånektet på et Trump-kandidatur. Eli Attie er en av USAs mest kjente manusforfattere, kjent fra serier som Presidenten, House og Billions. Tirsdags-touchdown med en av Gjermunds største idoler.

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

Similarities between Veep and The West Wing, the perils of drawing TV plot lines from real political events, and the connection between the speed metal genre and today’s news cycle all arise in this conversation between writer/executive producer David Mandel, writer Eli Attie, and Carsey-Wolf Director Patrice Petro about Veep and The West Wing. In this video, Attie and Mandel share their admiration for one another’s work, and discuss the changing television landscape. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Show ID: 35771]

As the Bartlet administration ends, so does our podcast. We recorded our finale live in Los Angeles, at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. This episode has two parts: first, we discuss "Tomorrow," with several guests joining us. Then, we take a fond look back at the entire series, along with thirty (30!) guests from the cast and crew, including Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. Here’s everyone who was with us on stage: Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Marlee Matlin, Jack Jason, Kathleen York, Allison Smith, Melissa Fitzgerald, Ramon de Ocampo, Evan Arnold, Karis Campbell, Teri Polo, Christopher Misiano, Dylan K. Massin, Matthew Del Negro, Eli Attie, Jimmy Smits, Josh Singer, Mary McCormack, Kevin Falls, Lawrence O'Donnell, Paul Redford, Ron Ostrow, Kim Webster, Peter James Smith, William Duffy, Tim Davis-Reed Thanks for listening to the podcast. We're very grateful for the experience we’ve had making this over the past four years. Okay. What's next? For more, including photos from the event, visit thewestwingweekly.com/722

In this episode, some thoughts on John Spencer, shared by Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Smits, Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Del Negro, Emily Procter, Eli Attie, Michael Hissrich, and Josh Malina. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/718 Support The West Wing Weekly and Radiotopia. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.fm today.

Eli Attie joins us to discuss this tension-filled episode about a potential nuclear disaster. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/712

In this mother of an episode, Alex Graves cranks the style up to 11. We’re introduced to the character of Louise Thornton (played by Janeane Garofalo). We get real-time text answers to our quests from the unstoppable Eli Attie. So get ready cuz, as Steve Miller says, "we go down Carolina!" For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/702

Eli Attie joins us again to talk about his third episode in the trilogy of Santos campaign episodes that he wrote for Season 6. We also hear from Angelica Salas of CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) on the real story behind California’s fight over driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/618

"Tell me about Barack Obama." That's what Eli Attie said to David Axelrod in 2004, while searching for inspiration to help flesh out the character of Congressman Matthew Santos. In this episode, we talk to both of them to find out what Eli learned and how it shaped the sixth season. And David Axelrod tells us about his own experiences as the guy behind the guy, and what The West Wing means to him. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/012

Ep. 9 - Eli Attie "A Constituency of One"   This episode, we're talking to Eli Attie - speechwriter for NYC Mayor David Dinkins, Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt, and Vice President Al Gore; AS WELL AS a writer for the West Wing, House, Rosewood, For the People, and others!  He gives us some great insight into what makes for good and bad political speechwriting, and how it dovetails and differs with dramatic writing. The overarching theme of the episode is the "constituency of one" - who is your actual audience, who are you trying to please… Something we've all become a lot more familiar with in the political realm these past two years. A couple of other things that get mentioned that I just want to address really quickly: 1. My Medicare plan would not suck. 2. It's not that hard for ME to see Aimee converting to Catholicism. 3. It's true - Air Force 2 IS, in fact, a tiny fraction of the size of Air Force 1, AND, apparently, there's no booze served on it! I also really wanted to include some examples of the speeches Eli's worked on, but it's frustratingly hard to find anything by former Mayor of New York City, David Dinkins, NYC's first and only black mayor, from his time in office (the time of Eli's tenure as speechwriter), but I did find a video of election night coverage, that adds a lot of context and includes his concession speech, which you can find at around the 24:00 minute mark.  Incidentally, this is the night that he lost to a man I cannot say enough bad things about, current cable news ghoul, Rudy Giuliani.  I'd forgotten how contentious this loss was, and it's interesting to watch this speech, given what Eli mentions about being gracious to the point of making oneself nauseous, aaaand unfortunately, it gets cut short in the video.  Check it out here. Here's Dick Gephardt handing the gavel, and the role of Speaker of the House, to Newt Gingrich. Gore's concession speech (madder about this now than I was back then, and I was mad back then.   Visit our sponsor for this episode, Casper Mattresses, and get $50.00 off by entering the promo code "ART" at casper.com/art   Find us on Twitter: @artodprocesspod @AimeeMann @TedLeo @EliAttie @MaxFunHQ

Eli Attie joins us to discuss the Santos campaign, the return of Amy Gardner, and the Marx Brothers. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/615

We’re joined by three guests for our discussion of "No Exit." Former Senator Tom Daschle tells us about what it was like getting sent anthrax in the mail; Wilson Cruz tells us about playing Jack Sosa for his two episodes on The West Wing; and Eli Attie tells us about the writing of the episode, specifically the Will and Toby scenes, which he co-wrote with Peter Noah. But first, a poem that this episode inspired Hrishi to write: Albert Camus Cried, "What do we do? We're all stuck here in a cell!" So Samuel Beckett Got totally nekkid. "Let's go!" he started to yell. But Jean-Paul Sartre Just let out a fartre And said, "Other people are hell." For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/520

Sleep in! We'll wake up the President for you to tell him about our great idea to record a podcast about the Slow News Day episode of the West Wing. Joining us in this historic endeavor is returning guest Eli Attie, who shares his memories about real and fictional West Wing attempts to build a legacy. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, also drops by to tell us just how Toby's efforts compare to the real history of Social Security reform. PS: we had a data glitch while recording and lost Josh's mic audio, so his side of the conversation is not up to our usual standards. Sorry about that! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/512

We’re live in London! Josh and Hrishi discuss Life on Mars with guests Richard Schiff (@Richard_Schiff) and Eli Attie (@EliAttie). Plus some special West Wing-themed musical performances from Debbie Fiderer’s favorite a capella group, The Swingles (@swinglesingers). For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/421

"When you're open, about your own life, that's sometimes when the best things happen." Not many people can boast about working in the real White House and the fictitious one on Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing, but Eli's journey to both was unplanned. It was the result of a big, fat "No" in the form of possibly the most disputed Presidential campaign in the history of our country that led Eli out to the west coast to do something he had never really fathomed: write for TV and Film. A consummate gentleman and one of the brighter people I know, Eli has over-achieved in everything he's ever done, without realizing it, by working hard and seeing "No"s as a mere bend in the road. Our conversation includes...   ## What it was like to be NYC Mayor Dinkins' speechwriter at 25. ## Why Eli put Law School off forever. ## Inside stories on some of the inner workings of Washington. ## How to collaborate on speeches with politicians like Al Gore. ## How getting in touch with Aaron Sorkin isn't that difficult if you just finished working for the guy who was a few hanging chads away from being the leader of the free world. ## The motivation for writing and the difference between writing for others and creating your own content. ## Being led less by your head and more by your heart and soul to find your true voice. ## If you like what you hear, please Subscribe, leave an iTunes review and spread the word. You can also listen to all episodes at www.10000nos.com  

Eli Attie (@EliAttie) and Kevin Falls (@KevinFalls) are our guests to talk about the “break glass in case of emergency” writing that went into “Swiss Diplomacy”, a rare episode without a Sorkin writing credit. These guys have stories! And they’ll tell you why, when in doubt, you should always run for president. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/409

A correction: Eli Attie's teacher, Mrs Morello, is alive. A reminder: Paxton Whitehead, who played Bernard, is also alive. Josh and Hrishi discuss Russians being played by non-Russians, Tom Lehrer, and the Sorkinism of having nothing to do. Plus, to accompany the story of the letter that gets sent to the President, we're thrilled to present one of our favorite episodes of 99% Invisible, “Ten Letters to the President.” It’s a perfect companion for this episode of The West Wing. Big thanks to Roman Mars (@romanmars) and the folks at Slate’s Working podcast for letting us share it with you. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/319

This week we're joined by Chris Lu (@ChrisLu44), who served as the White House Cabinet Secretary during the first term of the Obama administration and the Deputy Secretary of Labor during the second term. He gives us some real-world insight into Presidential Proclamations. Plus, we use the special West Wing Weekly Hotline to call Eli Attie (@EliAttie) to get the inside scoop on the writing of this episode. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/317.

We’re joined again by our friend Eli Attie, the former speechwriter to Al Gore who went on to join The West Wing in Season 3. Eli has a ‘story by’ credit on “Ways and Means”, and we dig into what that really means. Plus, we talk about the importance and danger that stage directions can provide actors and politicians. Take a listen, you won’t be . . . DISAPPOINTED!!!! thewestwingweekly.com/303

What about the unaired West Wing Halloween episode? Was Arnold Vinick ever supposed to win? Do you think Aaron Sorkin would ever write a reboot? What was John Spencer like? Listen in as Andrea is joined by Eli Attie (@EliAttie), producer & writer from The West Wing (and so much more.) **Be advised, this does contain spoilers!**

Eli Attie, writer for The West Wing and former political speechwriter, talks with David Axelrod about how he went from being a speechwriter to writing television scripts for one of the most notable shows on American politics, his recollection of being in the room on election night when Al Gore rescinded his concession to George W. Bush, and how the fictionalized version of the political speechwriter is often at odds with reality.

For Big Block of Cheese Day, Josh and Hrishi are joined by Eli Attie, who was Vice President Al Gore's chief speechwriter before leaving politics and joining The West Wing as a writer and producer. Plus, the truth about David Rosen.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Actors Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff from The West Wing along with writer Eli Attie discuss the show’s success with Shayan Karbassi of the University of Chicago

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Beau Willimon and John Coles of House of Cards, Jonathan Alter of Alpha House, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Eli Attie of The West Wing, and Jeff Perry of Scandal with moderator T.A. Frank

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Beau Willimon and John Coles of House of Cards, Jonathan Alter of Alpha House, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Eli Attie of The West Wing, and Jeff Perry of Scandal with moderator T.A. Frank

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Actors Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff from The West Wing along with writer Eli Attie discuss the show’s success with Shayan Karbassi of the University of Chicago

Bob Woodward, John Emerson and Eli Attie are our guests this week. Show produced by Katherine Caperton. Original Air Date: September 22, 2012 on SiriusXM "POTUS" Channel 124. Polioptics airs regularly on POTUS on Saturdays at 6 am, 12 noon and 6 pm. Follow us on Twitter @Polioptics Listen to the show by clicking . . . → Read More: Episode 72, with guests Bob Woodward, John Emerson and Eli Attie (Re-post)

Magic Words to Penetrate the Filter, Erase Suspicion and Lower the Guard  It was exactly 10 years ago. I was on the telephone with an 87 year-old man I had been hunting for several weeks. I needed this man's permission to publish a private letter he had written to America's Chief of Naval Operations back in 1963. The man's name was William Lederer. “Where you calling from young man?” “Austin, Texas.” “I was there recently. Nice town.” “What brought you to Austin sir?” “I was there to bury my best friend Jim.” “I'm sorry to hear that.” “You would have liked Jim. Everyone did. He once gave me some advice that changed my life.” “What was it?” “William,” he said, “the public is more willing to believe fiction than non-fiction.” Mr. Lederer now had my full attention. Our bodies contain approximately 100 million sensory receptors that allow us to see, hear, taste, touch and smell physical reality. But the brain contains 10 thousand billion synapses. This means we're roughly 100,000 times better equipped to experience a world that does not exist, than a world that does. The first step in persuasion is to entice your target to imagine doing the thing you want them to do. Four and a half years ago in the summer of 2004, a screenwriter named Eli Attie began creating a persona for a new fictional character that would appear on The West Wing. Matt Santos (played by Jimmy Smits) would be a young congressman, new to Washington, a working-class member of an ethnic minority. Prior to running for public office, our fictional character Santos had been a community organizer in a major city (Houston.) Screenwriter Eli Attie admitted to The Guardian, a British newspaper, that he was inspired in 2004 by a young Illinois politician – not yet even a US senator – by the name of Barack Obama, a community organizer from Chicago. As a result of Attie's attraction to Obama, the 2006 television season showed us a glittering, fictional candidate for the presidency, a happily married, young minority male with 2 children who would run against a moderate Republican opponent from a western state. The imaginary Republican senator, Arnie Vinick (played by Alan Alda,) was unpopular with his conservative base due to his moderate views. His principal opponent in the fictional Republican primary was the Rev. Don Butler, a Christian preacher. Keep in mind these West Wing episodes aired 18 months before the nomination battle between John McCain and Mike Huckabee. But wait, it gets weirder. Ten years ago, Aaron Sorkin admitted that he based The West Wing's Josh Lyman on Rahm Emanuel, who served in Bill Clinton's White House. Both Lyman and Emanuel are Jewish. Both are brilliant. Both mail dead fish to opponents who make them angry. In the 2006 season of The West Wing, seasoned White House staffer Josh Lyman serves as campaign manager for the long-shot, minority candidate. When his candidate wins, Lyman is named Chief of Staff. Two years later Rahm Emanuel, the real Josh Lyman, will become Barack Obama's Chief of Staff. Was it all a plot? Don't be ridiculous.  It's just an example of how we tend to act out the things we've seen in our mind.  By the way, here's the end of the Lederer story: “How did Jim's advice change your life Mr. Lederer?” “Well, I had written a few books but none of them sold very well. So in 1958 I showed Jim the manuscript for my newest book and he told me to go back and fictionalize the name of the country, the characters, everything. ‘The public is more willing to believe fiction than non-fiction.'” “How did it turn out for you?” “Well, that book, The Ugly American, stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for 78 straight weeks and sold more than 3 million copies in its first year. Marlon Brando starred in the movie. But of course that's nothing compared to what Jim did.” “What do you mean?” “Jim wrote...