March 29, 2005

The next University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum will feature Ari Fleischer, primary spokesperson for President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003, and author of Taking Heat: The President, the Press, and My Years in the White House (William Morrow, on sale March 1, 2005 ). Bill Plante, CBS News White House Correspondent since 1993, will interview Fleischer.

Taking Heat is an introspective exploration of the top political events during Bush’s first term. Fleischer gives an insider's view on the Washington political arena from a perspective few have seen as he recalls his unique experiences in the West Wing and offers an assessment of the leadership lessons he learned from America’s CEO President. 

Fleischer became one of the most quoted press secretaries, serving through the tumultuous 2000 election, 9/11, war, recession and anthrax scares.  His is an analytical exploration of world-changing political events as seen through the eyes of one of the most powerful men in U.S. government.

During these events, President Bush surrounded himself with a handful of close advisers, including Fleischer, his press secretary and one of his most trusted confidants. In this role, Fleischer was present for every decision and became an eyewitness to history. Through the ups and downs of this time, he took the heat, fielded the questions, and brought the President's message into living rooms around the world.

Fleischer tells the story of the men and women of the White House press corps and the cornerstones of democracy: freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. Fleischer writes of his belief that the press has a bias in Washington. Aside from partisanship or press-driven ideology, he sees a focus on conflict regardless of who's in power. Calling the White House press corps masters at being devil's advocates, he faced the challenge to calmly field their questions, no matter how pointed.

Before serving as press secretary, he held the position of senior communications advisor and spokesman for the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign. Prior to joining Governor Bush’s campaign, he served as communications director for Elizabeth Dole’s presidential campaign and as principal staff spokesperson for the House of Representatives on issues relating to taxes, Medicare, Social Security, welfare and international trade.

Event & Ticket Information

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

11 a.m. Discussion with Ari Fleischer, moderated by Dr. Laurie Rhodebeck, associate professor of political science, at the University of Louisville, Ekstrom Library Auditorium. Limited to university students, faculty and staff.

The Kentucky Center
5 Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Louisville

5 p.m. Carmichael's book sale and wine and cheese reception provided by Brown- Forman, Lobby

6 p.m. Interview with Ari Fleischer by Bill Plante, Bomhard Theatre.

Live taping with WFPL 89.3 and KET, The Kentucky Network, and “The Spoken Word,” which will carry the audio version of the event to 39 public radio stations throughout the southeseast and 1.1 million listeners.

Master of Ceremonies is Forum Editor/Book Editor Keith Runyon of The Courier-Journal

7 p.m. Q & A followed by book signing on Bittners' stage set

A $16 ticket includes the above three events. A limited number of discounted tickets of $5 each are available for U of L students, faculty and staff at the KCA box office --U of L photo ID is required.

8:15 p.m. Dinner with Ari Fleischer, hosted by the University of Louisville President James Ramsey, in the Mary Anderson Room. A $100 package ticket includes all evening events, including dinner (Proceeds go to the nonprofit Kentucky Author Forum; $35 is tax-deductible.)

Tickets are available at The Kentucky Center, 502-584-7777 (1-800-775-7777) or TicketMaster at 502-361-3100.

Ari Fleischer will be the guest on WFPL’s “State of Affairs” with Julie Kredens at 1 p.m., repeated at 9 p.m., March 29. The public can join the conversation with questions and comments, between 1 and 2 PM, by calling 502-814-8255 or toll-free at 877-814-8255.

While in Louisville on March 29, Bill Plante will be interviewed by Dave Cronen, host of WFPL’s “Off the Cuff,” with the broadcast date to be scheduled for early April.

A taped version of the event will be made available at The Louisville Free Public Library, St. Matthews/Eline Branch, 3940 Grandview Ave., at 2 p.m., Friday, April 1. There is no fee involved, but those interested must sign up in advance due to limited seating. Call the library directly at 574-1771 for further information.

WFPL 89.3 FM and Kentucky Educational Television (KET) will record the event for future broadcast, which will be distributed nationally to PBS affiliates nationwide, under the title: "Conversation with Ari Fleischer."

NOTE TO TV AND PRINT MEDIA: You may cover Ari Fleischer live at the University of Louisville in the Ekstrom Library Auditorium between 11a.m. and noon. on March 29. You may use this session as a press conference, asking questions along with members of the audience.

Access to a live Kentucky Author Forum feed during the evening interview is always available through KET. If interested, please contact Duncan Hart at 859-258-7296.

The Kentucky Author Forum series is produced by Mary Moss Greenebaum and sponsored by the University of Louisville, Brown-Forman and The Humana Foundation, in cooperation with Bittners, Carmichael's Bookstore, The Courier-Journal, KET, WFPL/89.3 FM, “The Spoken Word” and the Kentucky Center. Questions should be directed to the Kentucky Author Forum office at 502-589-2884.

624 West Main, Second Floor
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone 502.589.2884
Fax 502.589.4334
email KYFORUM@aol.com