In 1980, I was the "student moderator" for an out of control Young Democrats debate at Eastern Kentucky University.
Student Regent Rick Robinson represented Jimmy Carter and Rob Dollar, the editor of the student newspaper, represented Ted Kennedy. Young Democrats president Jim Biaso was for Jerry Brown.
The "debate" grew more and more raucous each passing round. As moderator, I lost control of the room and it started to resemble a professional wrestling match.
In the final round, Dollar knocked over the podium and gave an impassioned, from the heart, speech about how the country had lost its focus under Carter and needed new leadership.
Robinson responded by singing "God Bless America".
Robinson went on to have a tremendous political career, first as an aide to Congressman Jim Bunning and then as a candidate himself for Bunning's seat in Congress. Dollar went on to be an award-winning journalist in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Tenn.
Now both are successful authors. In a way, both of them can trace their careers back to that debate at Eastern Kentucky University.
Rick's career as a political insider is a central part of his books and Rob's passionate advocacy, as a journalist and activist, play into his new book.
Robinson has put out four outstanding works of political fiction. All four are regulars in the Amazon top 100 bestsellers on the political fiction list.
The latest, Writ of Mandamus, was the Grand Prize Winner at the London Book Festival. It is a stunning masterpiece. It has all the plot twists and turns of a Grisham or Tom Clancy novel.
Robinson, who was named 2010 Independent Author of the Year, has a main character based on Robinson himself and Rick's campaign for Congress.
Kentucky references and especially Eastern Kentucky University references are peppered through all of Robinson's books but especially Writ of Mandamus.
Robinson dedicated the book to Dr. Thomas Myers, the longtime Vice President of Student Affairs at Eastern Kentucky University. When Dr. Myers died, Rick told me that he based his life on the standards that his father, Dr. Myers and Senator Jim Bunning set for him.
A pretty good group of mentors.
Both Rob and Rick reference me in their respective books but Rick has the most creative twist. He has me as a saloon keeper in Ireland. Based on my family tradition as the 'son of a son of a gambler" it was an inspired choice.
Rob Dollar co-wrote, When Newspapers Mattered: The News Brothers and Their Shades of Glory with award winning editor Tim Ghianni.
When Newspapers Mattered is funny, profane, zany, profound and an autobiographical history of how their work at small newspapers made a difference in an era before a "bottom line" mentality set in the media business.
It is easy and fun to read but the passion and empathy for the common man that Rob showed over 30 years jumps out of the book. Tim and Rob see newspapers as a way to make a difference in society and bemoan the downsizing of that public trust.
Warning to those in that part of the country, Rob and Tim name names and lots of them. Including mine (but in a friendly way.)
Tim and Rob were the consummate journalists in an era when they could use the power of the press to go after bad people.
They also developed a "News Brother" persona with funny outfits, a movie, and outlandish behavior that reminds you of a latter day Hunter Thompson.
Both Rick and Rob have remained close and loyal friends since college and I have been proud of their success.
I'm proud that both men have stayed true to the same values they exhibited in college and never "sold out" or stopped following their dreams. Being an author is hard work (I can tell you about that myself) and I am proud of my friends for making their books a reality.
My alma mater also should be proud. The education they received at Eastern Kentucky University shaped the rest of their lives.
We had big dreams in 1980. Rick and Rob made their dreams happen.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.