This book was brought to life by a great many different people to whom I am indebted.
I want to thank the following family, friends, and colleagues who, in one way or another, helped me along in this journey: Sascha Alper, Ed Beason, Veronica Brady, Joe Conason, Dan Dibble, Karen Duffy, Eamon Harrington, Shannon and Drew Hayden, Taylor Johns, Steven Johnson, Douglas Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Jr., Sheila and Chris Kennedy, Vicki Kennedy, Edward Klaris, John Lambros, Kasey Madden, Jonathan Mahler, Domenic Mastrippolito, Bridget McCarthy, Michael McDonnell, Joe McDougall, Jeanne Pepler, Robin Pogrebin, Ed Saxon, Rosie Schaap, Jeanine Shriver, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, Terry Ward, and Larry Weissman.
I also want to thank:
My brother-in-law Max Kennedy for his encouragement and support, especially in the early days—when it mattered most. My former editor, now friend, Andra Miller, who was there for me too. Emma Taylor, essential in organizing Tom Hayden’s work, and Tom Deignan, essential to its completion. Barbara Williams, an incredibly loving wife and friend to Tom Hayden—thank you for your trust, kindness, and direction.
My researchers, dedicated and thorough: Barbara Clark, Kathleen Geier, Michelle Hovanetz, and Alex Singal. My consulting editors, for the invaluable advice, collaboration, and feedback: Janette Barber, Neil A. Grauer, and Jeff Swimmer. My terrific agent, David McCormick of McCormick Literary; David always knows just what to do. And Ed Hemingway, my friend and partner on my last three books, for so readily offering up his beautiful illustrations. I know Ed did it for me—as well as for his mother, Valerie, who came here from Dublin.
I want to thank Elisabeth Scharlatt, the publisher of Algonquin Books, the remarkable leader of what is a remarkable team. This includes Jackie Burke, Algonquin’s amazing publicity manager, along with the whole publicity and marketing group. And in particular, Betsy Gleick, my editor, whose sure hands guided this effort. Not just smart, she is at once persistent and a pleasure—a rare combination. Thank you, Betsy, for getting us here.
My extraordinary contributors, without whom there would simply be no book: Pierce Brosnan, Terry Golway, Tom Hayden, Kathleen Hill, Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, Jill McDonough, Michael Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, and Mark K. Shriver. This was hard work, and your commitment to the project and your patience with me, especially given your own busy lives, was very moving. You brought compassion, talent, intelligence, and courage. I hope, holding this book in your hands, you feel it was worth all the trouble.
On a personal note: My mother, Madelyne, my father, Ed, and my brother, Paul, the nearest branches on my family tree, the ones who taught me the very meaning of family. And Ethel Kennedy and my Kennedy in-laws, who came here from Counties Cavan, Cork, Limerick, and Wexford, for showing me, in word and deed, what service means.
And to my wife Rory: I am lucky to have a partner whom I love so much and whom, after all these years side by side in both life and work, I so admire. To our children, Georgia, Bridget, and Zachary: when it’s more fully your turn, here in America, I know that you’ll do your best—and undoubtedly better than we.