Tomorrow’s FDL book salon is going to be a rare treat — it marks the return of John Dean, who will be here talking about his book Broken Government: How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches. John Dean, many will recall, was one of the most popular guests we’ve had on the salon, who took the time to answer almost everyone’s questions — and then came back the next day to answer those that he missed. (He even dropped an anecdote about Rumsfeld that made Nixon scholars and journalists sit up and take note.)
John’s new book is great, and we’re going to be helping him later in the year get copies to every Democratic congressional nominee. While incumbents have DC offices and are going to be easy to get copies to, we’re going to be asking folks to take books that John himself will pay for to Democratic challengers in their areas. We’ll be asking you to document your trips on Flickr and will be using them here on FDL (thanks to TWolf for scoping that out for us).
It’s an important book and I’m really excited not only that John will be here tomorrow, but that we’ll get the chance to help expose people to his work. Please join us with guest host Elaine Cassel of FindLaw on Sunday at a special Book Salon time — 2:30-4:30 ET/11:30-1:30 PT and have your questions ready.
Dollars to donuts you’ll get them answered.
Related posts:
- John Dean: Is Boies/Olson’s Federal Anti-Prop 8 Filing A Risk?
- Howard Dean: “$1 Trillion Is NOT New Money”
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes Howard Dean, Howard Dean’s Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform
- Let’s See Who Else Owes Howard Dean an Apology Today
- Happy 10th Birthday CEPR, Dean Baker & Mark Weisbrot!





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The most conscientious and thorough responder to questions in the history of firedoglake – John Dean!
Zed?
heyyyyyyyyy now…..
When is Naomi Klein coming by to discuss The Shock Doctrine?
love that guy!!…gutsy,no?
Ed*ard Teller @ 4
Boy ET, you’re not paying much attention to ads here at FDL! Check the column to the right of the comments and down a bit and see that she will be here scheduled for 11/18. :})
I hope everyone gets John’s new book. He’s the most articulate legal mind in the country
It’s amazing comparing my perception of John Dean now with my perception of him when I was a child in the Nixon era. I look forward to tomorrow.
Dang. Still working through “Conservatives Without Conscience” – so I’m already behind.
Great news, Jane. Dean’s last appearance was amazing, and he really did try to answer ever question.
Ed*ard Teller @ 1
Yep, ’strue.
dakine01 @ 6
Thanks. So many good books, so little time. I asked all the local libraries to order The Shock Doctrine after watching Naomi Klein discuss the book on Democracy Now, and go one-on-one with Allen Greenspan. I watched her discuss the book on C-SPAN Book TV this morning.
Ed*ard Teller @ 4
November 18 (see sidebar, we’ve got an all-star lineup thanks to the fabulous Bev).
Have you read it yet? It’s a real favorite among FDL posters.
Jane, the image at the top isn’t loading properly, at least for me. All it shows is a jpg code, and if I click on it I get a 404 error.
Scarecrow @ 10
Coming back later, to provide more answers, was the most gracious — and amazing — part of Dean’s visit.
and of course he’s always heard on KO’s program regularly….so its a pleasure when he’s here to give us his reasoned and legal opinions….can FDL please get a media outlet ASAP? someone/anyone….lets make it happen pups ;o)
John Dean. Again. Wow!
Lahoma and I feel strongly that Mr. Dean should receive a full and unconditional pardon by the next president.
COMMONWEALTH CLUB
Recorded Oct 01 2007
Broken Government
JOHN DEAN
Audio Broadcast KQED Oct 12 2007
on this page
Peterr @ 14
We have top people working on it. Top people.
juslin @ 16
but but this is the new media ;)
As the one who asked the question that prompted this anecdote, let me say that the best part of the Book Salons for me is the way in which authors often drop in additional stories, anecdotes, or commentary that goes beyond what’s in the book itself.
The quality questions/comments from the firepups can really make for a great discussion with the authors who come. John Dean was a rare treat on his first visit, and I have no doubt his return engagement will be equally entertaining.
OT but I’m surprised there is so little comment (none I can see) on Genl Sanchez’s amazing diatribe. He doesn’t say mistaken or unfortunate but tells it like it is. This should surely be big news. This is a man who was there at the top and knows.
tw3k@21
yeah i know but we ALL dont have PCs…but everyone has at least 1 tv in their home….in my community i’m always mentioning FDL and get quizzical looks….sighhhhhhh
and cnn has an empty 8pm time slot
Be sure and keep us in the loop Jane. I’d love to give Cindy Sheehan a copy of this to
shove upwave in front of Pelosi’sassnose.Seriously, I promise to be good. Will Mr. Dean be touring in support of the book?
juslin @ 24
yup too true :/
At least KO is a fresh breath of air.
Nice Peace rally here in Athens today. We had an Iraq vet as one of the speakers and he was very effective.
A.Citizen @ 26
Is it true that Sheehan got banned from dKos for running against Pelosi?
These days Dean’s been a prophet.
Wish more people would heed what he has to say.
John Dean is a giant. Recall perhaps this is the man who warned Nixon of the ‘cancer on the presidency’ that was Watergate. I rate Mr. Dean with Elliot Richardson and William Ruckelshaus.
punaise @ 19
Thanks, punaise – listening right now as I continue house and shop winterization. the audio is excellent quality, pups…
indeed john dean is THE man on crimes in the WH….and can discuss it in terms laymen can understand – even me lol
juslin @ 33
Ed*ard Teller @ 32
de nada. more good listening:
CounterSpin is FAIR’s weekly radio show, hosted by Janine Jackson, Steve Rendall and Peter Hart. It’s heard on more than 125 noncommercial stations across the United States and Canada.
CounterSpin provides a critical examination of the major stories every week, and exposes what the mainstream media might have missed in their own coverage. Combining lively discussion and a thoughtful media critique, CounterSpin is unlike any other show on the dial.
CounterSpin exposes and highlights biased and inaccurate news; censored stories; sexism, racism and homophobia in the news; the power of corporate influence; gaffes and goofs by leading TV pundits; TV news’ narrow political spectrum; attacks on free speech; and more.
Happy Birthday, John Dean..10-14-38..
Grandma Millie @ 36
ooo Thanks for reminding us!
Watching Manchurian Candidate — and now it doesn’t seem far fetched.
With every book, with every appearance here and with Olbermann and others, Mr. Dean makes the case for justice.
Mods, can you delete the last entry with the inactive links?
OT – For those who missed Jane’s poll yesterday, there is an unofficial Triple Poll that addresses some of the issues brought up in the comments.
The results are on a free service with annoying advertisements and audio, so please forgive the inconvenience. It does have a pretty bar chart that makes it easy to read. The poll is still open if you want to add your votes.
My Shock just arrived today.
Now we see Sanchez’ mea culpa… and the plans pre 911 for the GWOT and the spying and the patriot act and we think this is the straw that will break the camel’s back. And it never is.
We need to resoundingly win the elections and then push hard for serious reform and… dare I say, bring this country back to where it once was. WOW that sounds like what conservatives used to preach.
Lots of undoing to do, lots of messes to unravel. Lots of accountability moments without get out of jail free cards for sale.
08 is the chance we have. It won’t come sooner. Something broke in the leadership. They failed us.
Scarecrow @ 38
And we are watching “The Grapes of Wrath” again. “Doesn’t seem far fetched” either. ;0)
gotta run out – hope my kids let me back on the pc lol
I blame Bush for this.
We will dump nuclear treaty, Putin warns
· Missiles deal ‘must cover China and India’
· Threat issued at talks with Rice and Gates
http://www.guardian.co.uk/russ…..21,00.html
OKK, As my late husband was born in Tahlequah,Ok. was in Gen.Patton’s 3rd Army, Battle of the Bulge,etc. have a question for you..As J.Dean, A. Greenspan and others, have changed their party to Independent what do you think the outcome would be if massive #’s of unhappy Dems, also Repubs. did the same and of course voted their likes, also voted out incumbents who are betraying us, would that send a message. IE: Palosi, Reid, etc..Await your answer. BTW, Independents say they are at 42%
On PT (”poll topic”)…..
for a whole lotta pups, anyway…
Woo-effing-hoo!
Working my way through Shock Doctrine. It’s one HELL of an eye opener. I honestly had no idea about Friedman’s extensive role in Latin America, but damn do the pieces fall together.
Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton advocated talks to settle differences with Iran but said Saturday that Teheran would invite US action if it were to disrupt oil supplies.
“I will make it very clear to the Iranians that there are very serious consequences attached to their actions,” Clinton said. The presidential candidate spoke at a town hall meeting with 300 people at a high school in a Democratic stronghold in early voting South Carolina.
Kirk James Murphy, M.D. @ 46
Wow! I thought they weren’t endorsing anyone!
OKK – I don’t know if you’ve been here yet, but if you want a nice surprise, go here…
Ian upstairs on the Underclass
Elliott @ 49
National is not endorsing anyone but has stated that state level are free to endorse as they see fit.
I’ll volunteer to hand-deliver books to two Democratic challengers in MD: Donna Edwards (she’s a friend) and Andrew Duck.
I’ll be on an airplane tomorrow during the chat, but I’ll read it when I get home.
I have been a regular reader of John Dean at FindLaw and was one of the pups who wanted him for one of our book salons. It was even more exciting to participate but the BEST was meeting Mr.Dean just a week or so later at an ACLU panel discussion.
He graciously autographed my book BUT light right up when I mentioned FDL and how much I enjoyed that afternoon. Dean explained that he had so much fun participating that he was having a hard time getting other things done because it had sucked him right into our community. AND my copy of “Conservatives without a conscience” has a PS. It was a delight to visit FireDogLake!
Thanks Jane…
Grandma Millie @ 45
Your husband is “one of us” (an Oklahoman). Is your late husband Cherokee? My father was at Normandy. Your question is interesting, important and perhaps too complicated for me to answer. For the time being I prefer to stay in and support the Democratic party. But that could change at any time. I am not at all happy with my party right now. I realize this doesn’t answer your question. And for that I am sorry. ;0)
newtonusr @ 50
Nice pix! ;0)
Kirk James Murphy, M.D. @ 46
Interesting.
I know it was CW that Obama supporters in Illinois plus not wanting a repeat of Howard Dean with Edwards kept SEIU nat’l from endorsing him, but I heard it was also NY, who felt that they could endorse nobody, but they could not endorse somebody other than Hillary.
man, I am usually well on my way to connecticut by then but I think I’m gonna have to postpone my trip just to get a word off to the dean ofm politics
I was watching Blade Runner: The Final Cut and y’know it doesn’t seem so far-fetched when you realize Bush is a replicant.
Rats; I won’t be around for the salon. But I do have a question left over from the first one, if anyone feels like asking it….
Thank you Mr. Dean, for your ongoing service to our country and for Conservatives Without Conscience.
With regard to your description of J. Edgar Hoover; you say that Hoover “rigged the Warren Commission investigation in a manner that still colors the nation’s understanding of President Kennedy’s assassination.” Would you explain what the persistent misperception continues to be?
Thank you; Dru
Dru @ 60
man
that’s a great question to which even if he knows the answer I am sure he is not at liberty to answer
Somebody from FindLaw? Cool. I used that all the time when I couldn’t afford Lexis and Westlaw. Still use it.Jane Hamsher @ 13
Haven’t read it but saw her on “Real Time” last night ans was pretty impressed. Although I don’t think Maher had read the book )or Vicente Fox’s book either…. And why was Maher kissing Fox’s ass so much?) But Tucker was on and he is such a schmuck. last night and on his show as well, almost everytime someone makes a substantive point critical of Bush, the war, the SCHIP veto, etc., Carlso will say “You’re right” or I agree” and then retreatto bogus retorts like “But don’t you want your government to be able to protect you?” or some such shit. Every discussion Carlson is in he almost immediately gives a ton of ground… and then changes the subject. I foget what he said that had Paul Krugman almsot fall out of his chair.
But Naomi Klien was good.
juslin @ 16
/// Look in a search box for — REAL NEWS. DONOR SUPPORTED, NO ADS, NO GOVERNMENT INTRUSTIONS.
Here are some comments from my review of John’s book for Findlaw. I will be hosting the salon later and look forward to being with you all:
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/s…..assel.html
Dean argues that the Republicans have made a wreck of all three branches of government–Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary. His focus is not on Republican policies of the last seven years, but rather on how Republicans have neglected, or mangled beyond recognition, the lawful and legitimate processes built into our Constitution and laws.
Compromised processes, Dean argues, inexorably lead to bad policy.
Dean assails Congress for its virtual total neglect of a process that is at the heart of the doctrine of the separation of powers–oversight of the Executive branch. In addition, he faults Congress for ignoring the reports of its own General Accountability Office (GAO), condoning the White House’s insistence on secrecy, and tolerating (and outright supporting, in some cases) Bush Administration policies that have given us Iraq and a host of supposed “anti-terrorism” measures that reject the basic principles not only of our Constitution, but those of international law, including the Geneva Conventions.
In addition, Dean faults the Republicans and their authoritarian tactics for seeing to it that Congress doesn’t get much done. (Dean believes, however, that the atmosphere is more bipartisan since the Democrats took control of Congress in the 2006 elections.)