Written by DCist contributor Christopher Durocher
Fresh from his underwhelming appearance on Oprah, former New Jersey governor and “proud, gay American” James McGreevey will speak and sign copies of his new memoir, The Confession, at Books-a-Million in Dupont Circle tonight. The Confession chronicles McGreevey’s rise to national prominence as one of the country’s most powerful governors and his dramatic fall after admitting to an extra-marital affair and attempts to make his lover (or object of sexual harassment, depending on who you ask) his homeland security advisor.
McGreevey, who has been a relative recluse after announcing his departure from the governor’s mansion in 2004, walked back into the public spotlight this month to promote his book, released on September 19th. Ostensibly, he wants to share his story of self-denial, betrayal and corruption to help other closeted men and women find their ways to their “authentic selves” and educate the straight world about the crucible of the closet. But as anyone with a passing knowledge of politics knows, after such a spectacular and public scandal as McGreevey’s, only a very humble and public mea culpa, like The Confession, can put him in a position to one day vie for public office again.
Despite book sales and criticism that could only be described as withering, McGreevey’s appearance promises to be an eye opening experience for attendees. You might find out which New Jersey Turnpike rest stops have the cutest men. You could ask the former governor whether he plans on paying a visit to the alley behind a synagogue that was the scene of an anonymous, Washington D.C. dalliance he describes in his book. You may even discover just how idiotic he feels about his 2002 comments condemning a lawsuit that sought to obtain same-sex marriage rights in New Jersey, now that he’s found the love of his life, Australian financier Mark O’Donnell.
These and other uncomfortable revelations about McGreevey’s marital bed and his attempts to enjoy straight porn are yours to behold, tonight at 6 p.m. at Books-a-Million, located at 11 Dupont Circle NW.
