THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 19, 1996 TAG: 9607190619
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: 48 lines
``Anonymous,'' author of ``Primary Colors,'' has been unveiled as Joe Klein, employed by Newsweek as a political columnist and by CBS as a commentator. He can't understand why various people are upset that he looked them in the eye and denied that he wrote the political novel.
But, as poet Gertrude Stein wrote concerning the persisting nature of roses, a lie is a lie is a lie.
Klein asserts that he masked his identity from fear his novel wasn't a good one and that he didn't want to be embarrassed by being revealed as the author. That's a lame excuse.
Many novelists begin with feelings of inadequacy; but doing a book and having it published is so arduous that, having cleared those hurdles, most writers aren't overly abashed about how the public will receive it.
I haven't read the novel and won't. Literary critics are enthusiastic about it. I respect their verdict. In Wednesday's press conference, Klein remarked, ``There are a lot of people on their high horses today skewering me . . . a lot of envious people out there.''
My lack of interest in the book stems not from envy of Klein or any scorn of its characters' sexual excesses. No high horse here.
Rather, why bother with reading a fictitious account of a randy Southern governor running for the presidency when it can't possibly match the real story unfolding in the White House day by day, as outlandish as an unending soap opera?
Nothing that Klein or anybody else conjures can compare to the continuing revelations in the astounding saga of Bill and Hillary Clinton or their ability to keep functioning with poise in the face of all setbacks.
As fascinating as their endurance are the polls that show President Clinton continuing to hold a sizable lead over Republican Bob Dole.
It is uncomfortable to write about the role of the press as if it is the Holy Grail. One simply has to try to be fair. That's hard enough without fretting about Klein being wrong. I don't worry unduly at his effect on the reputation of the press, which is always under fire, the more so if it's doing a good job.
Klein received $6 million in royalties from the hardcover sales of 1.7 million copies. In the offing is a printing of 1.5 million paperback copies, as well as the proceeds of a major movie.
Why is Klein so undone at any diminishing of his role as a journalist?
To news people, nothing is as challenging, instructive and downright fun as covering the human race in the company of peers you respect and enjoy.
Give up all that for $6 million and movie rights? Don't be silly! by CNB