In my brand new memoir, Audition: A Memoir (Knopf, $29.95), I recall my long, illustrious journey to the pinnacle of broadcast journalism. However, it wasn't my glamorous, ground-breaking career that caused a ferocious media frenzy. It wasn’t the fact that I was the first female co-anchor of a network newscast. No. It was my clandestine affair with a married black Senator.
Let's face it: All us white folks are ashamed of the behavior of our ancestors in the Deep South. Slavery is the most regretful crime in American history. When I spent time with the gifted Senator, I must admit I felt the tables were turned. In some secret part of me, I felt that our coupling was bigger than the two of us: I was performing on behalf of the American people, and justice was being served. It was retribution of the most personal, palpable kind.
I have had, at various points in my public life, a similar satisfaction with lovers of Hispanic descent, Asian descent, the Pentecostal faith, and those making less than $40,000 a year.
Because of the headlines my personal proclamation made, I'm extremely glad I did not give in to my publisher who encouraged me to detail the torrid affairs I enjoyed with the following:
- Fidel Castro
- Mike Wallace
- Chris Wallace
- Boris Yeltsin
- Boris Karloff
- Nipsey Russell
- Bob Barker
- Burt Reynolds
- Ernie Hudson
- Wilford Brimley
- Ethel Merman
- Chiang Kai-shek
- Bozo the Clown
- Luciano Pavarotti
- Judge Wapner
- Larry Fortensky
- Menachem Begin
- Carl Sagan
- Jerry Van Dyke
- The Dalai Lama
I will save those stories for Audition: Part II. Until then, please buy my memoir, Audition: A Memoir (Knopf, $29.95) and take a little time to enjoy the Jew.
Anonymous:
Barbara Walters - you are a disgrace to society with your little comment to the McCain's. It should have been an apology and it wasn't even close. Joy Bayhar should be in a monkey cage - she looks like one with lipstick - actually monkeys are more mannerly than she is......get rid of her - she also is a detriment to society.
Mr. McCain fought for your liberty and the others as well and this is what you should him........blast you all!!!!! You are stupid ingrates.......except for Elizabeth!!!!
9/23/2008 8:49 PMAnonymous:
Barbara I am 65 years old and for you and joy bayhar to talk about McCain and how old he is and that he is to old to be president of the united states is a put down to me and other older americans. I think that joy bayhar is a loud mouth and has only one opinion and that is her way or know way. How awful are you. I will not watch your show or support any thing you do. I am also a very big book reader but I will not be buy your book.
10/1/2008 6:41 PMAnonymous:
Dear Ms. Barbara,
I hope you are fine. I have been an admirer of yours for many years. I am so proud of the work you do. However, the past couple of days, it has appeared to me, that there is a fake audience applause when Elizabeth speaks.. Please tell me this is not so.
I respect Elizabeths opinion as many others do, but if the show has to include a fake applause then something is not right.
Please let me know. I await your reply.
Sincerely
Stephanie Byrd
10/9/2008 11:25 AMHarrisburg, PA
Anonymous:
Dear Ms. Barbara,
I hope you are fine. I have been an admirer of yours for many years. I am so proud of the work you do. However, the past couple of days, it has appeared to me, that there is a fake audience applause when Elizabeth speaks.. Please tell me this is not so.
I respect Elizabeths opinion as many others do, but if the show has to include a fake applause then something is not right.
Please let me know. I await your reply.
Sincerely
Stephanie Byrd
10/9/2008 11:26 AMHarrisburg, PA