Former Senator Mike Gravel and David Eisenbach talked about their book, The Kingmakers: How the Media Threatens Our Security and Our Democracy (Phoenix Books, June 17, 2008). Topics included the role media organizations play in shaping the way the public thinks. Senator Gravel discussed, among other things, the media’s handling of the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq and the early coverage of the 2008 Presidential race. Mr. Eisenbach read selections from the book, and the authors responded to questions from the audience.

Mike Gravel represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1981, and he ran for president in 2008, first on the Democratic ticket and later on the Libertarian ticket. He is best known for releasing the Pentagon Papers. He is also the author of Citizen Power.

David Eisenbach was communications director for Senator Gravel’s 2008 presidential campaign. He teaches media and politics at Columbia University. He is the author of Gay Power: An American Revolution.