U. hosts `Primary Colors' author

His book held steady for 25 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. John Travolta starred in the movie based on the novel. But Primary Colors author Joe Klein was not too big or too busy to return to his alma mater with inspiration for the next generation. "It didn't take much to get me back to Penn," Klein said. "I feel I owe this University something." Klein, a national political commentator and also the author of The Running Mate, drew about 200 students, faculty and community members to Logan Hall, as part of the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program. The lecture series brings distinguished College of Arts and Sciences alumni back to campus. In the first Fox Leadership forum of the semester, the 1968 College graduate spoke about the need for public service in America, the media's effect on politics and the growing cynicism surrounding American political life Currently a correspondent for The New Yorker, Klein began as "a son of Pennsylvania," according to the event's moderator and Political Science Professor John DiIulio. Although, Klein's lecture was advertised as "Examining the Clinton Legacy and the Future of the Bush Presidency," his remarks focused on the need for increased public service in America. Klein described the Police Corps -- an organization that requires participants to spend four years as a police officer -- as an example of such public service. He added that our generation should "learn how to dance," a metaphor he used to illustrate the benefits of volunteerism, explaining that by dancing together, the nation is more able to accomplish its goals. While Klein concentrated on public service, he did not neglect the historical presidential election of 2000. "Moments of spontaneity, of surprise, of inspiration -- especially of inspiration -- is what we lacked in this past campaign," Klein said. He added that with the stress on polling and public opinion, politicians become experts in "followership, not leadership." Klein noted that cynicism is a root cause of the noxious political atmosphere currently plaguing America. "Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre," Klein said. "Cynicism is what you're getting from the press now." Panelists -- including columnist Jane Eisner from The Philadelphia Inquirer, former Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode and College senior Adam Magnus -- responded after Klein's brief remarks. During the question and answer session that followed, Klein closely examined Clinton's legacy. A hundred years from now, Klein said that Clinton will be remembered for erasing the distance between leaders and the public. "Clinton understood the power of vicarious intimacy," Klein said. "The office of the president doesn't just take place in the oval office, but in your living room, in your kitchen." Fox Leadership Student Director Matt Vamvakis, a College senior, said Klein's talk was generally well-received, judging by the high turn out. "Mr. Klein's reputation clearly preceded him," Vamvakis said. Those in attendance found Klein's talk refreshing. "I was surprised that we focused on service today," said College senior Lori Uscher. "It was a pleasant surprise."