The following is a transcript of July 18, 2010's Today Show
LAUER: One of today's biggest stories is the release of a new book by Illinois Congressman Jasper Irving. I'm here in Washington DC with Congressman Irving. Congressman, hello.
IRVING: Goodmorning, Matt! I have to say that it's quite a pleasure to be included in this program, I love what you all are doing with it. Oh - and call me Jasper.
LAUER: Thank you for your kind words, and thanks for joining us today. Now, let's get to the heart of the matter here, your book, 'Crisis Point' is being released, with quite some hype.
IRVING: Ah, well, I'm flattered by all the hooplah around this novel, and I'm glad that Americans are interested in a mature discussion on the issues.
LAUER: Not to mention the limited pre-release availability of your book.
IRVING: (laughs) Well, I like to build drama.
LAUER: Clearly, but it paid off. Early reports have seen stores swamped with people demanding 'Crisis Point.' And your first review, in the New York Times, was quite positive.
IRVING: Like I said, I think that Americans just want to be talked to straight. They don't want the slander or the spin that, unfortunately, many politicians practice.
LAUER: Anyone in particular?
IRVING: Now, come on, we're not here to play that game.
LAUER: (Laughs) Pardon me then. Now, back to the book. Tell me about what motivated you to write it.
IRVING: Well, before I entered in politics in the 2006 election, I had been working in the insurance industry. Just like many of your viewers right now, I had to sit through election years where all these candidates would speak in half-truths or try to avoid the topics at hand. I never liked that. And when I ran for Congress and became a part of this system, I only saw a worse case of that. In fact, I was sickened with the degree to which some of these races deviated from what they're supposed to be about: solutions to problems, management, those kinds of things. So, I stumped in my district about that, I spoke to schools, unions, companies, etc., and it was out of those speeches that I was able to lay the foundation for 'Crisis Point.'
LAUER: But why now? Why a book? Is this an attempt to launch yourself into a larger arena.
IRVING: Heavens no, I'm just a freshman Congressman afterall. Trust me, the limelight is not where I want to be right now, I'll leave that for some of the other guys. This is just a cumulation of my frustration, and I felt that if I could fuel that into some positive outcome, that would be all the better. So I bided my time with 'Crisis Point' and really built a solid case.
LAUER: A case for what?
IRVING: A case for what politics should be. What ideas and plans we should implement to create a better future for ourselves and our children.
LAUER: Go on about these ideas and plans.
IRVING: Well, I think one of my favorite aspects of this novel was the chapter about domestic apathy. It strikes me as depressing how Americans can seem so out of the loop when it comes to their own nation. Our gated communities, full of Mercedes' strike a contrast to some places where electricity can barely be maintained. While American patriotism is at an all time high, we can't seem to fix all the problems with our own nation. And on top of that, we're overseas, in Kazakhstan and Gaza, trying to do what we should be doing at home, creating a peaceful civilization for all. That balance is something that we definitely need to focus upon in the future.
LAUER: Speaking of the future, where do you see yourself ten, twenty years down the road?
IRVING: (laughs) Another, 'are you trying to carve a path to the White House' question eh? Well, I'm sorry, but I'm simply not a career politician. I ran for Congress because I felt that there were issues that weren't being addressed, and when I feel that those problems are corrected, I'll return to private life. So, in twenty years, I'll hopefully be retired, with my wife and children by my side.
LAUER: So you're not in politics to win it all then?
IRVING: No, I believe in the more traditional definition of American political service. Did you know that in the early years of our Republic, our politicians were nowhere near the careerists that we have today, in fact, most politicians ran for more than one or two terms.
LAUER: Interesting, although I understand that you've announced you're candidacy for a second term.
IRVING: That's correct Matt, and I certainly hope that I can serve the people of my district for two more wonderful years as their Representative.
LAUER: Well, I think that we're all out of time today Congressman. Thank you for coming on the Today Show.
IRVING: It's been a pleasure. Anytime.
