Although Klein may have intended to have his book parallel the Clinton Administration at the outset, Klein was writing a work of fiction and it should not be interpreted otherwise. While many of the characters resemble actual people, the inconsistencies between them, whether negative or positive, should not be of grievance. Clearly, as Klein says, he forgot the real-life inspiration, and so, did not intend to offend.
However, if someone were to be offended, Jesse Jackson, portrayed as the Rev. Luther Charles, has the most reason to be angry with Klein. Jackson is portrayed as an insane man who tries to lead Burton astray. The Rev. Luther Charles is always stirring up trouble for Burton and has to be persuaded not to mess up the whole campaign. While he shows his other side, talking with Henry in New York, he still manages to plant seeds of second thought in Burton’s mind.
Jackson may have some radical views, but nevertheless, he did not deserve to be portrayed as such. His interactions with Burton are what make him relevant to the story, but the real-life basis for Burton is George Stephanopoulos, making the Burton-Charles interactions unlikely. Jackson, while portrayed rather harshly, still should not feel insulted, as it is clear that Klein was not taking a direct shot at Jackson.
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I understand your maintaining that the book is fiction and that, in the end, no one has a right to be angry. Still, it is clearly about Clinton, so the analogies to others grew out of that.
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