Jack Abramoff is Back

Jack Abramoff, disgraced former Washington lobbyist, discussed his new book and his new life outside of the federal prison in front of an intimate gathering of family, friends and interested public at the American Jewish University (AJU), in Bel Air, California, Sunday April 1. The self-described poster child for “don’t write in an email what you don’t want to read as a newspaper headline”, pleaded guilty in 2006 to conspiracy, fraud, and tax evasion. Dr. Robert Wexler, AJU President, interviewed Abramoff in a recorded session inside the University’s synagogue.

Affable and in good humor, Abramoff shared what it was like to receive one of the most public floggings of modern Washington history. “Anybody who says there’s no such thing as bad press has never seen my press,” he said with a chuckle. He resents his demonization at the hands of duplicitous politicians. It was at least 300 members of Congress that Abramoff’s firm “had a lot of influence with, meaning we raised money for them and we were involved in their offices.” For a man who once had so many inroads to congressional circles, the number of representatives who don’t remember meeting him is remarkable.

Jack’s back - and he’s written a book.