(Eugene Luther) Gore Vidal, novelist, essayist, screen writer and someone who almost became as well known for his  arguments with other public figures as for his writing, only made one venture into stage drama. There were several made for tv plays, but The Best Man stands as his lone venture onto Broadway. A lifelong political campaigner, Vidal had a very jaundiced view of the American political process. Given the times we might have expected him to be a fan of JFK but he was nothing of the sort, wishing for a more intellectual and principled candidate for the highest office and his views are clearly reflected in this play. The main character, William Russell is a former state governor and cabinet minister but is also an intellectual and not exactly a man of the people. Worse still his marriage is basically a sham and with his wife, Alice, is desperately putting on a show of unity for the press and party. With all this against him and a fierce contest for the backing of ex President Hockstader, his unprincipled rival Senator Joe Cantwell goes for the kill and digs the dirt. Will Russell respond in kind? Can he save his candidacy and his marriage? Is he really the Best man for the job?