Barack Obama boards a helicopter at Mechanics Bay bound for a game of golf with Sir John Key in Northland. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Barack Obama boards a helicopter at Mechanics Bay bound for a game of golf with Sir John Key in Northland. Photo / Brett Phibbs
MONDAY Michelle said this morning, "Where are you going?" "Out," I said. The driver took my bags. She said, "Can you get some milk?" "Well," I said, "I guess I can."
TUESDAY Arrived at Auckland airport just after midnight. John was there. "Mate," he said, and shook my hand. "Good to see you," I said. "How was theflight?" "Good," I said. "Wait till you try Air New Zealand," he said. "I'm on the board." "How's that going?" "Good," he said. "That's good to hear," I said. He took my bags, and opened the door of the limo. "See you at Kauri Cliffs tomorrow. Think you can beat me this time?" he asked, with his trademark smile. "Hey," I laughed, "I hope I can."
WEDNESDAY Beautiful day at an exclusive course with John and his son Mick. "How's your career in showbiz?" I asked him. "I've kind of quit," Mick said. "It's hard. You can have all the talent in the world, but you still need to promote the brand," I said. "Yeah, I found it pretty hard to get any publicity," he said. "There you go," I said. John took my golfbag, and we walked along the green in the sunshine. "So," he said, "how's life after politics treating you?" "Pretty fair," I said. "I mean. Here we are." "Here we are," he said. His phone rang. "Oh," he said. "It's Simon. New leader of my party. It'd mean a lot to him to have his photo taken talking on his phone to you. Would you mind having a quick word?" "Sure," I said, "I suppose I can."
THURSDAY I met John this morning at another exclusive golf course. He said, "How was last night?" "Good," I said. "I had dinner with Peter Jackson." "Good guy," he said. "He said you helped him out once," I said. "It's about making things happen, isn't it?" he said. "That's what it's all about," I said.
Later I flew to Auckland and met Prime Minister Jasmine Ardern. I said, "I hear you are expecting a baby." She said, "I am in a few weeks." I said, "That's so exciting."
Later there was dinner at an exclusive events venue. Stan Neil, the actor, asked me questions onstage. Well, a man has to sing for his supper, which was a choice of ginger-glazed salmon with turmeric and coconut broth, or slow-cooked beef short-rib with grilled broccolini and crispy shallots, cooked by renowned New Zealand chef Gordon Peters. I ordered both but couldn't eat it all. Stan took my doggybag, and had it taken to my hotel room.
Later I sat at the bar with John. "Mate," he said. "End of the day? You were a great President. A great, great President." "So were you," I said. "Damn straight," he said, and walked to the bathroom.
I saw my reflection in the window. It was ghostly in the black glass. I didn't like what I saw looking back. It looked more dead than alive. I thought: How can you live with yourself? And then John slapped me on the back and ordered one for the road.
FRIDAY Michelle called when I was at Auckland airport. "You home soon?" she asked. "Pretty soon," I said. "Good. Can you pick up some milk?" The pilot took my bags. I felt very tired. "You know," I said, "I don't know if I can."
