Walter Lippmann (1889-1974) was a prominent American essayist and editor. His many books include A Preface to Politics, Public Opinion, A Preface to Morals, and The Good Society. Ronald Steel is professor of international relations and history at the University of Southern California. He is author of Walter Lippman and the American Century. Sidney Blumenthal, former adviser to President Bill Clinton, is the author of How Bush Rules (Princeton) and a regular columnist for the Guardian and Salon.com.