Grisham slams war
Best-selling author John Grisham, taking his first major public step in presidential politics by planning to host an event Sunday near his home in Charlottesville, Va., for New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, said the current administration is built around “bad people with evil intent” and contends President Bush played politics as thousands died in Iraq.
Grisham talked about this weekend’s event during an interview Thursday to discuss his new book, “Playing for Pizza,” a fictional account of a Davenport and University of Iowa football player trying to revive a fractured career in Italy.
“The war is an immoral abomination that we’ll pay for for decades to come,” Grisham said near the end of a 40-minute telephone interview with The Des Moines Register. “We’re paying for it now at the rate of 100 kids a month while Bush plays politics with it.”
U.S. Department of Defense and Iraq Coalition Casualty Count statistics indicate the monthly average for American fatalities in Iraq is about 70. Coalition fatalities average just more than 75 per month, according to the Iraq Coalition group.
A White House spokesperson contacted Thursday afternoon referred questions about Grisham’s comments to the Republican National Committee.
“It’s easy to level criticisms and attack those who offer solutions,” said Chris Taylor, Midwest press secretary for the Republican National Committee. “It is much more difficult to make decisions and to lead.”
Grisham said he has traditionally supported Democratic candidates financially and in other ways – but not in such a high-profile way.
“This is definitely the most visible thing I’ve done,” he said.
Grisham, 52, said he made a few 1992 campaign stops in Mississippi for President Bill Clinton.
However, the former trial lawyer and legislator joked about his potential influence in politics.
“In 2004, I campaigned a little bit for John Kerry in South Carolina, which … he lost,” he said. “I guess that’s why he didn’t call me back.”
Grisham said he and his wife met the Clintons 15 years ago at the White House but do not consider themselves close friends.
“I like Hillary. I think she’s going to win,” Grisham said. “I’m hopeful the Democrats can reclaim the White House. I think it’s going to be very hard for the Republicans after this administration to hang on.
“I think she has the best chance to get the nomination.”
Grisham said his differences with the current administration trace back to the beginning of its White House run.
“I’ve always thought that they were bad people with evil intent – and all that, it’s playing out now,” he said. “You can’t hardly look at any aspect of the government in the seven years so far that’s been run properly.”
Taylor of the Republican National Committee defended the White House and administration.
“President Bush’s aggressive prosecution of the war on terror has kept America safe,” Taylor said. “His fiscal policies have grown our economy and he has upheld America’s position as leader of the free world.”
Part of Grisham’s motivation for getting involved in the political event, he said, is rooted in personal concerns about the current White House.
“I can’t stand those people – and their incompetence is astounding,” he said.
“I always thought you could at least depend on the Republican Party to maintain some semblance of fiscal responsibility.
“But they run up record deficits – taking care of billionaires that they want to take care of. Don’t get me started on politics. I could go for a long time.”
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Sources: DesMoinesRegister.com, FOXNews.com
I have always been a fan of John Grisham until this interview. I have send all his books to the trash and will never purchase another or see movies from them again. He should keep his views to himself as he just lost 50% of his fans. What a career ending move!
I agree 100% with #1 – Jeff.
I have read over 3000 books in the last 26 years, but will avoid enriching Mr. Grisham any longer. I won’t throw out what I have, but won’t add to it.
Perhaps I will become a fiction writer myself, as wisdom and knowledge are not requirements of the practitioners. . .
I agree with #1 and 2. I think any one has the right to contribute to and support any person he choses.(just as I do) But I also have the right not to buy books by authors who are vocal about their political views. I have stopped going to a lot of movies because of the same thing.
Used to enjoy reading some of Grisham books but not any more. After his doppy comments he is an idiot and has no ideas or solutions, he just wants to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom if the witch gets elected.
Dittos all the way (1-4). I really enjoy his books; I usually cannot put a book down once I start it. BUT, what makes a seemingly intelligent person go on a rant and simply get his facts wrong? It just doesn’t make any sense why an enormously successful person would risk offending his future customers. He is certainly free to support any candidate he chooses (and we know Hillary needs some CLEAN money), but he should save his words of criticism until his editor can check them.
I have been a big Grisham fan for many years and I own all his books. I will NEVER buy another. If he would just keep his mouth shut about his leftist political views, he wouldn’t be losing half his fan base.
I agree with everyone above, he is a great author but his opinions about politics are just that, HIS, I respect his right to have opinions but I expect the same from him. Being an author, or movie star etc. doesn’t make your opinion more important than ANYONE else or anymore correct, why would you think that your opinions matter to me? I will never understand this.
Jeannie
He supported B. Clinton AND John Kerry?? He likes Hillary because she has read his books??? So have I and millions of other Americans. I thought he was a true and decent southern gentleman. He actually wants to sit with Bill at the debates? Will he make sure Bill keeps his fly zippered? I will not be reading anymore Grisham. Does fame and fortune make everyone a liberal?
I am a huge fan of Grisham books,they are some of the best stories i’ve ever read. I believe as American’s we are witin our right’s to voice our opinion’s. The oponion’s of Mr. Grisham will not stop me from reading his books,after all it’s not a crime to be honest,is it?
Thanks #9. You make sense. As for ## 1 to 6 and 8: well, it’s no wonder this country is in the mess it’s in.
You call yourself fans ??? #9 said it best this is the land of the free freedom of speech is still a freedom right? You all must be the same idiots that elected Bush to his 2nd term what a joke I support John Grisham 100%. I will keep supporting him and Hillary for that matter too bad I don’t live in VA or i would go to the event showing support for Hillary