Chris Lydon at his best, and Mailer in surprisingly good form. Perhaps the most interesting part of this interview consists of Mailer's reflections on Kerry's personality. His description of Kerry as the consummate wind surfer and how this relates to his political career is intriguing.

"My Dinner with Andre" meets "The McNeil-Lehrer Hour." You could listen to these two talk all day, all night. From hegemony to hipdom to homogenization --Mailer and Lydon explore it all. Lydon has Mailer compare the cultural climate in which Kenedy was nominated to today's presedential election--and the conclusions that Mailer draws are fascinating and horrifying. Mailer 's prophecy: Bush will win this election, is unfortunate and what's worse is that Mailer is so convincing. But you almost have to forgive a country that reelects Bush if it is the same country that allows these two to be heard on the radio. Play this leading up to the election--play it after the election--or both.

Lydon and Mailer, what a fabulous pairing. A shared love of language, and interest in cultural investigation make for a fast-paced, intelligent and fascinating twenty minutes. The conversation is filled with pithy insights into the essential makeup of the presidential candidates, the country, and the perishable nature of democracy, among other matters. Snappy quotes abound. Production notes offer a few of the many highlights. The length is long for morning or afternoon NPR, but it’s so worth airing, in two parts if need be. Lydon ends by saying it’s been “a pleasure and a privilege to talk…” as it is to listen. This is a must air.