Lee Atwater was a genius of dog-whistle politics, architect of the notorious 'Willie Horton' campaign strategy. But as his final days drew near at the age of 40, he regretted it all.
I had heard of L.A. but didn’t know much about him - I really like the way you told his “story”. You showed your humanity in its telling, and it’s good to know regret kicked in towards the end of his life. Joseph Campbell’s quote was the perfect way to end your story. “Regret is enlightenment - come too late.”
The Campbell quote hit me from the moment I heard it years ago. Glad to know resonates with you too. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your views. I really appreciate it.
I couldn't let anything mar your standard of perfection. You have done some homework and given us insight into how another person possibly becoomes evil. Childhood is everything.
This is a well-timed "wow." As always, I appreciate the angle you take--always civil and respectful--but one that repeatedly hits the proverbial nail on its head.
Thanks so much, Diana. It’s good to know today’s post resonates. Given the nonstop election coverage, I’m really grateful to you for taking the time to read and share your encouraging response.
I’m watching the documentary movie you included the link to. Lordy me….I thought the Roger Stone doc was bad—uh, yeah, it was…but so is this one…The more I think about I Cheerfully Refuse (Leif Enger’s book that I didn’t like) the more I think it was both brilliant and prescient. The reason it disturbed be so greatly is that it feels so close to becoming reality— it feels like it is exactly what would happen if Trump/Musk came to power.
On another note…I’m back to reading Towles. (Thank you, Andrew!) Table for Two currently, then back in time to Rules followed by Lincoln. He is a WRITER. A “real” writer….And I’d forgotten how much I loved him. (Although the Table for Two stories are really making me a tad sad—probably the election…but Hasta Luego and I Will Survive made my little mouth pout. Still, his writing is too good to miss.
The Atwater documentary really tells a disturbing story. And look at all the familiar creatures who learned to play by his rules. I wondered if anyone would watch it because of its length. Good to know you took the dive. Thanks for letting me know.
And Amor Towles is the real deal alright. Did you get to the story about attending the classical music concerts In Table for Two yet? I really enjoyed that one.
And I loved Eve in Hollywood. It’s a complete revision of a previous version and for me an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. I could reread everything he’s written all over again—and I’ve already done each one twice (except Table for Two because there’s quite a wait at my library). Delighted to know you’re enjoying his work too!
One last thing—My “strategy” was to leave Eve in Hollywood until AFTER I read Rules—I thought doing otherwise might compromise one or the other. Thoughts? Thanks!
Yes, that's exactly the best way to do it. Eve's story picks up after Rules. And you'll definitely understand Eve better if you meet her first in Rules. Incidentally, I read somewhere (on Towles's website, I think) that original plans to produce a movie version of Rules were scrapped in favor of a multi-part series similar to A Gentleman in Moscow. Do I sound like a fan? Guilty!
I STILL haven’t watched the Gentleman series. I’m such a scaredy cat—as in—it will disappoint. But winter is coming, (aka prime tv viewing) so I will…..Plus I do love Ewan.
Great work as usual Andrew
Many thanks, David
I had heard of L.A. but didn’t know much about him - I really like the way you told his “story”. You showed your humanity in its telling, and it’s good to know regret kicked in towards the end of his life. Joseph Campbell’s quote was the perfect way to end your story. “Regret is enlightenment - come too late.”
The Campbell quote hit me from the moment I heard it years ago. Glad to know resonates with you too. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your views. I really appreciate it.
Uh, Michael Dukakis?
OMG. Fixed. TYSM!
I couldn't let anything mar your standard of perfection. You have done some homework and given us insight into how another person possibly becoomes evil. Childhood is everything.
Thank you so much!
Thank you, Andrew, once again for the illumination you always give us.
And thanks to both of you for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate your support.
This is a well-timed "wow." As always, I appreciate the angle you take--always civil and respectful--but one that repeatedly hits the proverbial nail on its head.
Thanks so much, Diana. It’s good to know today’s post resonates. Given the nonstop election coverage, I’m really grateful to you for taking the time to read and share your encouraging response.
I’m watching the documentary movie you included the link to. Lordy me….I thought the Roger Stone doc was bad—uh, yeah, it was…but so is this one…The more I think about I Cheerfully Refuse (Leif Enger’s book that I didn’t like) the more I think it was both brilliant and prescient. The reason it disturbed be so greatly is that it feels so close to becoming reality— it feels like it is exactly what would happen if Trump/Musk came to power.
On another note…I’m back to reading Towles. (Thank you, Andrew!) Table for Two currently, then back in time to Rules followed by Lincoln. He is a WRITER. A “real” writer….And I’d forgotten how much I loved him. (Although the Table for Two stories are really making me a tad sad—probably the election…but Hasta Luego and I Will Survive made my little mouth pout. Still, his writing is too good to miss.
About the documentary—did it occur to you that Atwater wasn’t a bad musician? Imagine if he had poured himself into art instead of mischief.
It’s funny—I did! And almost grudgingly….I wonder if he wondered the same thing when he was doing his own moral reckoning….
The Atwater documentary really tells a disturbing story. And look at all the familiar creatures who learned to play by his rules. I wondered if anyone would watch it because of its length. Good to know you took the dive. Thanks for letting me know.
And Amor Towles is the real deal alright. Did you get to the story about attending the classical music concerts In Table for Two yet? I really enjoyed that one.
And I loved Eve in Hollywood. It’s a complete revision of a previous version and for me an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. I could reread everything he’s written all over again—and I’ve already done each one twice (except Table for Two because there’s quite a wait at my library). Delighted to know you’re enjoying his work too!
Thanks for letting me know!
One last thing—My “strategy” was to leave Eve in Hollywood until AFTER I read Rules—I thought doing otherwise might compromise one or the other. Thoughts? Thanks!
Yes, that's exactly the best way to do it. Eve's story picks up after Rules. And you'll definitely understand Eve better if you meet her first in Rules. Incidentally, I read somewhere (on Towles's website, I think) that original plans to produce a movie version of Rules were scrapped in favor of a multi-part series similar to A Gentleman in Moscow. Do I sound like a fan? Guilty!
I STILL haven’t watched the Gentleman series. I’m such a scaredy cat—as in—it will disappoint. But winter is coming, (aka prime tv viewing) so I will…..Plus I do love Ewan.