a writer gives himself away if he’s writing honestly.

Wallace: “You are an active liberal.”

Hammerstein: “Yes, I guess I am.”

What connection does this have with your work?

“I think it must have a connection, because it expresses my feelings, my tendencies,” Hammerstein said. “As I’ve said before,

Wallace: “Would you agree that most of our writers and directors on Broadway and television in Hollywood are liberal and that there is a liberal complexion to their work?”

“I think I would, yes,” Hammerstein replied, honestly and with no defensiveness.

By Peggy Noonan