The most depressingly exhilarating scene in Giuliano da Empoli’s new book, The Hour of the Predator, is set at the inaugural dinner of the Obama Foundation, in 2017, during Donald Trump’s first term.
Da Empoli, a liberal political operative and admirer of Obama’s, was brimming with anticipation for the event. Given the dire political circumstances, he was somewhat perplexed to learn, once seated, that the dinner’s message was centered on the virtues of Michelle Obama’s organic vegetables. He grew even more uncomfortable when he found out that “conversation facilitators” would be in charge of the night’s proceedings, directing guests to answer questions such as “Why am I called that way?” and “Who would I like to be?”
