Victories Undone

I started in merchant banking in the early ’70s, moved to New York City and Los Angeles in 1980, and founded two financial businesses, one in the film industry. This was a completion-guarantee company that helps independent producers to raise money from banks. We insured against the eventuality that the film wouldn’t be completed. It became the main way for independent producers to make films for 15 to 20 years in the States and the UK.

Every four years-indeed, only every four years-the American political establishment descends on Iowa to sample the local hospitality and take the temperature of public opinion. Several months of watching Washington's most elite mimic unaffected Midwesterners and stomach deep-fried everything culminates in the dead of winter when Iowans perform the inscrutable ritual of caucusing for president.