Molly Ivins was a nationally syndicated columnist who became known as the media's go-to spokeswoman for most things Texan, particularly the numero-uno Texan inhabiting the White House. She says, "When George W. got elected, I became part of the news media's golden rolodex of experts."

Early in her career she fell in love with the circus atmosphere of politics, and covered both the Texas legislature and national politics with keen insight and a sharp wit that formed the basis of her writing over 30 years. She wrote five books along with her regular newspaper column that was distributed to more than 300 newspapers across America until her death in 2007. She talked with Writers TV in 2005.

Video 1 Reporting With Humor
Molly talks about using humor in political reporting and her stint as editor of the Daily Chuckle-a duty that came with one of Molly's first jobs as a newspaper columnist.

Video 2 Big Top Under the Dome
Molly describes the first day she encountered Texas politicians at work and how that launched her career.

Video 3 Read Well, Write Well
Molly believed that everyone, but particularly journalists, should be well read to know the world around them. She talks about why that matters.

Books by Molly Ivins: