Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on truth, Trump and the 2020 presidential election

By Los Angeles Times

Sep 16, 2018 | 2:55 PM

Watch the full discussion between former Secretary of State John Kerry and Times columnist Patt Morrison at the Ace Theatre in downtown L.A. on Sept. 15.

Former Secretary of State John F. Kerry sat down with the Los Angeles Times' Patt Morrison at the Theatre at Ace Hotel on Saturday to discuss his new book, "Every Day Is Extra."

In a wide-ranging discussion with Morrison, Kerry talked about President Trump, truth, China's rise, and the 2020 presidential election.

Trump tweets

Kerry responded to Trump's allegation that the former secretary of State's talks with foreign leaders were "illegal" by bringing up the president's former campaign manager, who recently pleaded guilty to federal charges. "The conversation he ought to be worried about is the one Paul Manafort had with [special counsel Robert] Mueller."

In a discussion with Times columnist Patt Morrison, former Secretary of State John Kerry responded to Trump's allegation that his talks with foreign leaders were "illegal": "The conversation he ought to be worried about is the one Paul Manafort had with Mueller."

Democracy in danger

Kerry said he believes American democracy is imperiled by three things: money in politics, gerrymandering and the misguided loyalties of current politicians.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry told Times columnist Patt Morrison that he believes American democracy is imperiled by three things: money in politics, gerrymandering and the misguided loyalties of current politicians.

2020 rumors

Kerry says talk about whether he will run for president in 2020 doesn't "make sense right now," but he's not ruling anything out.

Former Secretary of State John F. Kerry says talk about whether he will run for president in 2020 doesn't "make sense right now," but he's not ruling anything out.