Click here or the image above to watch the event.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the latest installment of the McCain Institute’s Authors & Insights series, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper discussed his latest fiction book, “All the Demons Are Here,” with Executive Director of the McCain Institute Dr. Evelyn Farkas. The discussion between Dr. Farkas and Tapper focused on his book, his memories of Senator McCain, and the broader themes of democracy, disinformation, journalism, and war.
“We are grateful to Jake for discussing his latest book, which is engrossing, incredibly well-written, and includes many of the themes we are dedicated to at the McCain Institute – democracy, human rights, and character-driven leadership,” said Dr. Farkas. “Jake’s relationship with the late Senator dates back to 1999 when he covered Senator McCain’s first presidential race, and it was great fun for us to hear his stories from the campaign trail.”
“He did care greatly about his country, and he was a gas to cover,” said Tapper.
Set in the late 1970s, the historical thriller, “All the Demons Are Here,” follows adult siblings Ike and Lucy and transports readers into the world of political unrest, serial killers, tabloid journalism, and more.
Notable quotes from Jake Tapper during the Authors & Insights event:
On January 6 being evoked in the book: “January 6 is evoked to a degree; it’s not exactly the same thing, but one of the things I wanted to try to understand … I wanted to try to understand why mobs would be formed and why mobs would follow a demagogue and how that might happen. It’s not January 6, it’s not the same thing obviously … but we all think about January 6 a lot … it’s still one of the worst things that has happened to this Republic. I wanted to explore it because it’s still very much a part of recent history.”
On disinformation: “People in power – whether it’s governments, NGOs, journalists, businesspeople – there just needs to be a lot more willingness to take a breath, be responsible with your voice, don’t believe everything you read on the internet, let the facts come in. Because I see a society tearing itself apart based on narratives that people want to believe …”
On the Israel-Hamas War: “I see a possibility that from this horrible, horrible experience of everything that has happened that there could be a two-state solution … it’s so awful, it’s just got to get better.”
On distrust in media: “I really wish media literacy were taught … in the same way I wish civics were taught … in schools – just as a basic expectation of what people should know about reliable sources and information and what to do if someone gets something wrong. And if the local newspaper gets something wrong, what you have a right to demand, and what you expect.”
Click HERE to view the full conversation.
In 2020, the McCain Institute launched the book talk series Authors & Insights. Through this “reverse book tour,” McCain Institute leaders interview authors of important newly-released books on American politics, policy, and leadership with the intention to engage the American people in a dialogue that affirms the importance of character-driven leadership and America’s role in the international community. Previous participants have included the late former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper, World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, and more.
The McCain Institute’s next Authors & Insights event will take place on January 9, 2024, with CBS News’ Major Garrett and David Becker discussing their book, “The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of ‘The Big Lie.’”
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs advance democracy and human rights, empower character-driven leaders, combat human trafficking, and prevent targeted violence. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
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