Newsweek

Newsweek enters the diary in two distinct roles: as a publication whose review of Popism drew notice, and as the name attached to a gathering that launched convention coverage. Together, these references place the magazine at the intersection of book reception and political reporting in 1980.

The Popism review

On the way to catch a 9:00 shuttle, the diarist records buying newspapers and a two-dollar copy of Newsweek. Its review of Popism was described as great, giving the magazine a direct part in the book’s public reception. The diary preserves the favorable assessment but does not quote or describe the review itself.

Convention coverage

On August 10, 1980, Bob arranged for the diarist to meet Ina Ginsburg so they could begin covering the 1980 Democratic National Convention. Their first gathering was a Newsweek party at the Rainbow Room, hosted by Katharine Graham. The entry places the magazine within the social setting of the coverage’s opening, while offering no further account of Newsweek’s reporting or editorial organization.