The Inquizator: Steve Barnes talks Fulbright, how to dress well and the strangest political gossip he’s ever heard

Steve Barnes is surely the most familiar face in Arkansas political news. He’s been on television in Arkansas since 1968, with stints at KTHV, KATV, KARK and, currently, AETN. He’s also developed a career as a freelance print journalist, writing a syndicated column and contributing to the New York Times, Reuters and many other news outlets. Arkansas TV viewers today know him as the host of AETN’s “Arkansas Week,” a weekly roundtable discussion on the latest in state news and politics. (Arkansas Times staff and contributors are regulars on the show. Barnes gave Times Associate Editor David Ramsey what may’ve been his first pair of grown-up loafers.) Barnes is a past recipient of the University of Arkansas’s journalist of the year award. He gamely answered the summons of the second edition of The Inquizator via email.

Advertisement

What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?  Sell.

Who is your favorite Arkansan — living, dead or fictional — and why?  J. William Fulbright. There were areas of powerful disagreement. From him I learned not so much what to think, but how to think.

Advertisement

If money was no object, what would you do with the rest of your life? Anything that could inculcate in children a love of reading.

What’s the strangest piece of political gossip you’ve ever heard?  That I was running for Congress. (If nominated I will flee, if elected I will steal.)

Advertisement

Any tips on looking good or communicating effectively on television? Don’t effect.

When and where did you eat the best meal of your life?  Several years ago; a beachfront rental open to the Caribbean. My wife and I shared a lunch of fresh-baked bread, butter, jam and some sliced ham. Unforgettable.

When and where were you happiest?  I’d hope I’ve not yet been my happiest. Thus far, however, I’d say the birth of my grandchildren. (“Every child arrives with the message that God has not yet despaired of man.” – Tagore. Quite the optimist, He.)

What would be your own, personal version of hell?  It would be cold, and there would be nothing to read.

Advertisement

What was the best piece of advice you ever received?  Don’t worry about them.

Assume Arkansas needs a new state motto. What should it be? Unus porro, dimidium tergum.

What sartorial advice do you have for young men today? Kiwi.

What’s your most important ritual or routine? First net scan of the day.

What’s the funniest clean joke you know? Barnes for Congress!

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 48 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Friday and Saturday To-Do: Steve Kimock and Friends Next article A bag of brittle from Juanita’s Candy Kitchen in Arkadelphia