I Had to Say Something The Art of Ted Haggard's Fall

For almost three years, a man named "Art" came to see Mike Jones, an escort, at least once a month. With time, the relationship deepened, including sexual experimentation as well as sincere conversation. Like many of Jones' closeted clients in the clergy or the military, Art revealed his vulnerabilities as he struggled with his true desire for sexual contact and emotional involvement with a man. One day, Jones recognized Art preaching hate on a religious cable channel. He soon discovered that Art was actually the Reverend Ted Haggard, who, as president of the National Association of Evangelicals, influenced the daily lives of thirty million followers, advocating virulently against gay rights and same-sex unions, with direct access to White House policymakers. On November 1, 2006, after months of indecision, Jones made public his relationship with Ted Haggard. Within days, Haggard resigned from all his positions of power, admitting to a "sexual immorality" that shook the evangelical world, right before Election Day 2006. Here is the disarming story of how a sexual relationship became a lightning rod that completely changed two men's lives, as well as, possibly, the history of American governance. Jones' only rules were telling the truth and not being ashamed of who he is. From 1980 until November 2006, Mike Jones worked as an escort and a massage therapist. His story dominated national news, including coverage on The Today Show , Good Morning America , MSNBC, CNN, CourtTV, The Dr. Keith Ablow Show , the Associated Press, in People , and TIME . Jones was credited with turning the midterm election for the Democrats. He was named one of The Advocate 's People of the Year for 2006. Sam Gallegos is a Denver-based freelance writer who worked as a researcher for Randy Shilts, author of And The Band Played On .

Mike Jones, 49, is a Colorado native who has excelled at bodybuilding throughout his adult life, winning many awards for his physique. From 1980 until November 2006, he worked as an escort and a massage therapist. His story has been national news, including coverage by The Today Show, Godd Morning America, MSNBC, CNN and Court TV. He lives in Denver, Colorado.