Jim Lehrer, The NewsHour: Why "The Edge"?

It's a name that best reflects my distinctive style. It's cutting. Sharp. The culmination of many things, all narrowing to an extremely useful point.

In short: It's me.

Jeff Greenfield, CNN: Jim, you probably know that U2 bandmember Edge is already referred to by many fans as "the Edge." Aren't you a bit concerned you'll be mistaken for each other? Or possibly sued?

That's a thoughtful question, Jeff. But no, I'm not concerned. Here's why:

1. I am The Edge. He is Edge. It's an important difference. For example, my friends will probably call me "The," and my business associates, "Mr. Edge." But when anyone talks to Edge, he's just "Edge."

2. I write. He plays guitar. Big difference. Can you imagine The Edge up on stage, twiddling away on some stringed piece of wood while thousands of teenaged girls scream with adulation and raw, naked lust? No, of course not.

Likewise, can you imagine Edge penning short, witty essays about current events and social nuances while thousands of teenaged girls attend U2 concerts instead? Similarly far-fetched.

3. I think it's pretty preposterous to think U2 would sue anyone over copyright issues.

John Fund, The Wall Street Journal: What gives you the right to change your God-given name? Is there a precedent for this?

Yes, there is. Mark Twain was originally Samuel Clemens. Charles Dickens, as many of you know, was once Charles Dickinhands. And author Tom Wolfe was brought into this world as Stumpy McHoppingtoad. All of them had their own reasons for changing their identity. I have mine.

Jake Tapper, Salon.com: Is your writing going to evolve to take advantage of your daring new nom de plume?

Good question, Jake. Yes, it will. All my new work will be first-person fictional essays about what it's like to tour as U2's lead guitarist. Thanks for coming, everyone. And remember: capital "T," capital "E."