Erik Larson: 'When people say outlandish things take them serious'

I had the opportunity to attend a recent lecture in Pittsburgh by best selling author Erik Larson on the release of his new book, "The Demon of Unrest" about the months between Lincoln's election in 1860 and the start of the Civil War.

Larson opened his lecture to questions, and one thoughtful member of the audience asked Larson--with his new book and prior book "The Splendid and the Vile" about Churchill taking the reins during the Nazi Blitz--what common themes are there to the run up to war?

Larson replied--with an answer befitting of today's political climate--"When people say outlandish things take them serious."