C.H. Booth Library

To Present

‘The People’s Choice’

Kick off the final full month of election season with like-minded individuals for three consecutive Wednesdays in October, when the C.H. Booth Library presents “The People’s Choice,” a minicourse led by local resident scholar Julie Stern.

The course will provide the opportunity to talk politics — that taboo subject of polite society — without getting into the current election. Take a look at the underside of the political system seen from the viewpoint of campaign staffers through literature, film, and song. Find out why in America it seems like politics is doing whatever must be done to get elected, and not end up as a minor footnote in the history books.

Join Ms Stern on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:30 pm, for a discussion on Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize winner, All the King’s Men. The novel follows the rise and fall of populist demagogue, Willie Stark, who is elected governor of Louisiana on a reform ticket during the Great Depression, only to become corrupted by his power. Based on the real-life figure Huey Long, the novel deals with issues of race, class, and personal loyalty, as well as Southern politics.

On Wednesday, October 22, at 7:30 pm, participants will view Mike Nichols’ movie, Primary Colors. The film stars John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, and Billy Bob Thornton in the tale of the struggle by a group of earnest young campaign workers to get their charismatic, but deeply flawed candidate elected in spite of his errant libido.

The film raises questions of ethics in politics, and whether the noble end justifies the moral compromises needed to win. Ms Stern will return to lead a discussion of the film.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:30 pm, Rick Spencer will be in town to sing songs and entertain with stories from the 1856 presidential campaign between James Buchanan and John Fremont. The songs and stories are insightful, humorous, patriotic, and sometimes bawdy. Join in a fun evening of music and good food.

Call the library at 426-4533 to sign up for any one of these programs.