Extra: E. Jean Carroll, American Hero

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Timeliness dictates that this post comes to you as a rare extra.

On Wednesday, at lunch with two friends, I declared my intention to avoid blog topics with even a faint whiff of partisan politics. Why risk alienating anyone?

It is taking me less than two days to discard my own guidance. Some will construe what follows as political.

This heel turn is because I feel compelled to comment on a seismic event in American history: the legal vindication of writer E. Jean Carroll and the former president's culpability in a landmark case of sexual abuse and defamation. 

Here is the twist: I knew E. Jean Carroll in the ’90s. I was the publicity director at Esquire magazine and E. Jean was a valued contributor. It was my job to promote Esquire by getting her on TV and other media outlets. Because of this one-time affiliation, I have watched her legal quest and personal journey unfold with heightened interest.

E. Jean was someone you could know for minutes and become fast friends. Immediately likable, intellectually luminous, hilarious, and mediagenic, she made every phone call and in-person interaction a delight. Unlike some of the badgering writers I was charged with promoting, she inspired me to get media placements for her. Her soaring spirit and keen wit demanded to be shared with the rest of the world.

Our professional affiliation was brief but unforgettable. She was in my world for two or three years. When I left the magazine we naturally fell out of touch. Today, I do not claim to be anything more than one of E. Jean's legions of virtual pals on Facebook.  

I always felt she was destined for greatness as a writer, but as everyone now knows, at 79, her paramount achievement would be to stand tall and prevail against epic bullying and abuse.

As I followed Carroll’s labyrinthine legal journey to victory and vindication, I, along with everyone on her side, was struck by her persona. Composed, cosmopolitan, and mostly unflappable, she heroically pursued justice for herself and recognition for other women with determination and purpose. 

Gone was the wise-cracking, sardonic E. Jean I knew. There was nothing funny about what happened to her, and the tale she told over and over again demanded seriousness. It meant threading a needle with perfect word choices, messaging, and a strategically crafted public image. She brought brains, heart, and honesty to the courtroom -- qualities that her male antagonists lacked in spades.

I wish her sordid tale could permanently counter the prevailing cancer in American politics. But the cancer was right back on CNN Wednesday night, still calling Carroll a liar and a “wack job.” She may sue again. I defy anyone to look at this brave, poised, articulate woman and see “a wack job.” I know who the real wack job is here. 

It probably comes as no shock to you where I fall on the political spectrum. Connecting the dots based on my interests and passions is easy enough. Moving forward, I will continue to write about trivial things like the film Mommie Dearest and the Met Gala.

But once in a while, especially as the coming electoral season approaches, I won’t be able to hold in the values that make me who I am. And today, that is someone who believes E. Jean Carroll’s story with every bone in his body.