Rosalynn Carter
Sunday, December 03 2023
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter didn’t possess the glamour of the Kennedys, or the charisma and ambition of the Clintons, yet Rosalynn Carter stood out as one of the strongest first ladies in American history. Assertive and impactful, she rightfully takes her place alongside Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The Western Flyer: Steinbeck’s Boat, The Sea of Cortez, and the Saga of Pacific Fisheries
Tuesday, November 28 2023
Russ Eagle reviews Kevin Bailey’s book about the legendary boat made famous by Steinbeck.
- Published in Books
Listening to America as It Approaches its 250th Anniversary
Tuesday, November 14 2023
I’m taking this winter to plan details for my quest next spring to explore the country in the shadow of John Steinbeck’s classic book Travels With Charley in Search of America. I’ll write about our plans from time to time and would love to hear your thoughts about what we have in the works.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The Heroism of SuAnne Big Crow — Video Dispatch
Tuesday, November 14 2023
On a visit to the Black Hills and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Clay happened upon the youth center dedicated to the memory of SuAnne Big Crow, the Oglala basketball star. Clay shares a little of her heroic story in this short video.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
75 Years Later, Steinbeck’s Western Flyer Returns to Monterey
Monday, November 13 2023
The fishing boat that took the author and his friend Ed Ricketts on their famous expedition to the Gulf of California in 1940 was pulled literally from the ocean floor for an eight-year, $7 million makeover. Recently, it returned to Monterey Harbor, ready to return to work. Listening to America's special Steinbeck correspondent, Russ Eagle, was there to cover the event.
- Published in Features
The US Presidency and What Can Be Lost Between Administrations
Monday, November 06 2023
What happens in the gap between one administration and the next, especially when the outgoing president is unavailable? This “leadership gap” has had an intriguing influence on U.S. History.
- Published in Features
My Father: A Reminiscence at 30 Years
Sunday, November 05 2023
My father’s birthday was November 1st. He died at 67, 30 years ago. But he has not faded in my heart and soul.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Winter Arrives in North Dakota
Monday, October 30 2023
Well, I put the Airstream away for the winter. And just in time, too. It went into storage here in Bismarck on Monday, and it snowed for the first time Wednesday night.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
Sunday, October 29 2023
With the death of Franklin Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman became one of the nation’s most unlikely presidents. Truman, with little preparation, was thrust into the presidency amid the most tumultuous four months in world history.
- Published in Books
The Final Witness: A Kennedy Secret Service Agent Breaks His Silence After 60 Years
Monday, October 23 2023
The minute I heard that former Secret Service Agent Paul Landis was publishing a book entitled The Final Witness, I pre-ordered it. It arrived yesterday, and I read it in a single evening.
- Published in Books