A Conversation With Ross Perot

Texas billionaire and Presidential candidate Ross Perot demonstrates, once again, that he's no slouch when it comes to using the media in this hour-plus self-commercial. Interviewer Sue Ann Taylor (who sounds a little lost) rarely poses a question; rather, Perot, a very slick customer who talks politics better than any recent political hopeful in recent memory, holds the floor on education, the economy, and small businesses. Bemoaning the fact that we live in the age of media "spin control" and "sound bites," Perot deftly mixes his version of straight talk with his quotable Texas homilies ("It's time to pick up a shovel and go clean out the barn."). Citing the breakdown of the nuclear family, the "softness" of American business, and the fear of our governing politicians to tell the nation the terrible truths, Perot deviates from traditional contemporary political philosophy by actually offering some suggestions for solutions. An interesting conversation, to be sure, yet even here Perot's allusions to the problems with "special interests" give a hint about the intolerance that he has recently shown in comments to the press about gay people holding government positions. Still, an excellent opportunity for people to listen to Perot and decide for themselves. Highly recommended. (Available from most distributors.)