Glenn Beck

The question, “How low would you be willing to sink to get on television?” is not one that fiction writers have to confront in America that much any more. Unless you write shitty thrillers, that is. According to a Motoko Rich report in the New York Times, “an increasing number of writers have discovered a new champion: Glen Beck, the outspoken media darling of populist conservatism.” Translation into reality from collegial-media-speak: A lot of writers are willing to wallow in it with the loud-mouthed far right wack job demogogue that may be Motoko’s “darling” but is seen by many others as something far more vile.

But as Rich continues in her understated fashion, “On his radio show and cable television programs, first on CNN Headline News and now on the Fox News Channel, Mr. Beck has enthusiastically endorsed dozens of novelists, a majority of them writing in the thriller genre. Mr. Beck, who now attracts 9 million weekly listeners on radio and 2.7 million daily viewers on television, often selects authors whose plots or characters reflect political stances that mirror his own. But he also promotes the work of authors who may disagree with many of his views.”

Among them: David Baldacci, Nelson DeMille and James Patterson. Oh yes, and, ahem, Brad Thor.

“He’s our Oprah,” says Thor. “God love him, we’re very fortunate.”

If you just overlook all the hatred and divisiveness and dishonesty he whips up in your country, that is.