Lots of Lessons for Today's Politics
590313
This is perhaps the sixth Lincoln biography I've read and one of the most engaging. By choosing to focus on his political acumen and the activities of his Cabinet during the lead-up to and execution of the Civil War, Goodwin was able to penetrate deeply into the intriguing details of an aspect of his life that is often ignored by other biographers.

Her fast-paced, journalistic writing style gives every anecdote the feel of a breaking news story, a sense that the reader is actually there and then that is the hallmark, for me at least, of good biography.

As I read, I frequently noted behaviors and attitudes, situations and circumstances that paralleled those of today's U.S. political scene. Observing how a successful President handled them gave me some insight into how and why things work -- and don't work -- as they do in modern Washington.

This is a blisteringly good read. If I have one criticism, it is that in her zeal to be as complete as she could, Goodwin sometimes seemed rather indiscriminate in the incident she chose to report. There were sidebar stories about his Cabinet member and, in particular, their families, that I found somewhat distracting. But not sufficiently so to dim my recommendation.
3778322
I would really like to give this book a better review. It was based on dozens of interviews of the participants, is well-written, and reveals certain facts that haven't really come out before -- at least, not in a way that presents them as part of a whole picture. The treatment of both Democrats and Republicans seems even-handed, and I even find my respect increasing for several of the Republicans, including Representatives Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan, and Speaker Boehner, who came out of the debt-ceiling crisis in a very bad light.

However, there is a lot of context missing. Even though the book aims to present a whole picture of politics through 2009-2012, much is missing, or given short shrift. Perhaps it was assumed many of the details of health care and budget negotiations would make people's eyes glaze over. Those that are presented are sufficient to help the reader follow along on the main issues, but not enough to fully understand the origins of all the numbers. On the other hand, the book isn't aimed at policy wonks.

Absent too is the greater context of increasing partisan bitterness and craziness (such as the prominent Republican Birthers who were trying to hammer the issue during this time, while President Obama was expected to negotiate with their leaders); and there are only hints of failings of leadership rather than a deeper analysis of how it affects our modern politics (there are occasional references to statements or actions by Representative Pelosi that suggest a lack of leadership skills).

The Price of Politics is fascinating, informative, but it's not All the President's Men, or the Final Days. That would have gotten it more stars from me.
2626537
I don't normally read political books from republicans, but I happened to run across Chris' blog recently and enjoyed his writing, so I figured I'd give the book a try. I wasn't disappointed; the book is well-reasoned and Chris offers several insights I hadn't previously considered.

The first point that really grabbed me was the idea that teachers are the reason democrats are more interested in actually governing. Both major parties have a number of special interest groups that can be counted on for support, but the democrat's supporters include teachers and other government workers - groups that have a vested interest in a government that functions well. The republicans don't have equivalent groups, and many of their supporters would actually prefer that government not work well; thus, republicans have much less incentive to do a good job governing.

Much of the book is Chris' ideas for policy. As an old-style conservative, he advocates for a small, yet strong government that takes on fewer tasks but does those tasks well. While I certainly don't agree with him on everything, I found many of his points convincing. The book ends with an argument that politicians have become less accountable due to reduced participation in public (not necessarily political) groups, and a call for more community participation outside of voting - be it the PTA, a neighborhood meetup, or something explicitly political - with the goal of reducing extremism by making politicians again geek approval from community-minded interests.

Overall, a good read that I certainly recommend.

Note: this review was originally written for Vulcan Ears Book Reviews (vulcanears.com). I obtained this book through Kindle Unlimited.
2285764
An excellent read with well thought out examples as to how conflicting views or goals can be turned into a win-win situation for all involved.  I enjoyed reading it, and plan to go back and go through it again.  Now, if only we could get our politicians to read it!
4930002
This book is not just an elegant telling of three political success stories, but a highly instructive assessment of the ingredients that make, or fail to make, for positive political outcomes. Sometimes the bulk of the work can be delegated to staff, sometimes it is for principals only. Sometimes interest groups control, sometimes they can be held off. Sometimes the political pressures of the moment control, sometimes they don't. Sometimes longstanding personal relationships overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, sometimes they count for little. There is a great deal of content in this short book.
I hope Ms. Lawrence is at work on a follow-up. Our political system is greatly in need of her counsel.
3648750
This book was used in my government 1 class and I thought it did a terrific job in providing examples that are relevant in today's political world.  I would definitely suggest this book to anyone trying to learn the basics of government policy
4601692
Basically a road map for today's politics. I enjoyed the book alot. The author was looking into the future.
460097
We are using Fiorina's book as a supplementary text to the primary text book in our Introduction to Political Science course at the community college where I tutor.  It helps to add dimension to the more basic exposition of the structure of government (separation of powers, federal systems, etc.) by looking at partisan and party political issues more in-depth, and more currently.  This book starts with the wonderful quote from Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who once stated that all are entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.  Fiorina walks a fine line between opinion and fact, and does so with skill.

The book goes through the midterm elections of 2002 for its data; hopefully an update will be forthcoming soon.  Still, the closely divided nature of the country is still present throughout, a roughly 50/50 nation of red states and blue states, with plenty of blue in the red, and plenty of red in the blue.  This is a key understanding for Fiorina - the nation is not sharply divided or deeply divided, but rather closely divided.  He points to events such as Patrick Buchanan's speech in 1992 heralding a replacement of the Cold War with the Culture War, and showing that, despite the best efforts of commentators on all sides, the typical American will still be a centrist and moderate in many respects.

The idea of a culture war is a myth, according to Fiorina.  This is based on the misrepresentation of facts, or misinterpretation of such data as election results and polling data.  The polarisation of America is more of an appearance or illusion brought out by statistical manipulation than a reality inherent in the system.

At the highest levels, Fiorina states, the parties are indeed more polarised, but this sharp identification left or right is greatly diluted, the further from the party centre, the less polarised people are.  One example of this is the issue of gay rights and gay marriage, which came to the forefront strongly in the run-up to the 2004 Presidential and Congressional elections.  Fiorina analyses this, forecasting that the idea of a permanent shift from economic to religious-based issues is a premature conclusion that many commentators are drawing, and that more traditional identifications are still very strongly present in the American political spectrum.

Fiorina also examines the way in which extreme voices on both sides of the political spectrum can influence, and indeed dominate, American politics in the media, and how this can be understood and put in proper perspective by the middle-ground majority.  He identifies three major developments:  the rise of the purists, the expansion of government, and the increasing level of participation in democracy in the country.  These three elements (together with other factors) make for a tricky situation in the future.  Fiorina's humour is apparent in various ways - he uses a quote from Stealer's Wheel ('clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...') to describe much of the way people see American politics (and the clowns and jokers can be on both sides alternately, and sometimes simultaneously!).

This is a good text to use to understanding and explore current political trends.  Only a bit more than 100 pages, it encompasses a great deal of information, in an interesting and engaging manner.
1520166
This book is many things, but boring is not one of them. I am always a bit amused when nonfiction books are labeled as such. I rather see this book as thought provoking, particularly in light of current political events here in the USA. I am reminded that while there are significant differences in politics during 2017 and 1381, there most certainly are a great deal of notable similarities between these time frames. By reading about the past, there are many lessons to be learned for the future. One of the most important things that I have come to realize, is that the common person should never be underestimated, which is something that hopefully our leaders will come to recognize as well.
2137384
In Presidential Declarations, Doug Wood brings Samantha Harrison (the political animal we met in Presidential Intentions) head to head with many of the players in the real world politics of the near future and the real fears of global tensions.  His astute understanding of the political landscape, illustrated though snippets of her past campaign speeches and strong character reminds the reader of how much we long for leadership with a strong pragmatic view putting patriotism before partisanship.

Written in the style of a dramatic thriller, we also get a little political history lesson, albeit with a slight conservative slant.  I couldn't put it down once I picked it upa great read for where we are in the current political cycleit certainly had me holding todays real candidates and politicians to the standard set by Sam.
561144
Great read with lots of important lessons. I'll come back to its pages for inspiration and reassurance over the years, I'm sure.
4178240
I like a lot of current issues discussed as well as some historical information. He presents both. His timeline is perfect. The message is on topic, except for a little corner-turning.  I would like more detail. Today's issues are especially more critical because they, for the most part, are ignored. I wish to see more books written about the commoners and the kick-in the-ass treatment they got from Congress and the Wall Street wealthy.
587339
In this day of career politicians who have lost touch with their constituents back home, along comes this history teacher who makes a bet with his class and loses. Now he has to run for Congress against an incumbent who is a piece of the furniture in Washington. This story could really happen in this age of computers and smart phones. A great read for those who like politics.
4211224
Richard North Patterson's The Race is a sad commentary on our current state of  political campaigning.  An excellent story of political ethics and how today's politicians must "sell" themselves to the people anyway they can.  Mr. Patterson examines the American political process through the campaigns of 3 Republican presidential candidates.  Each is flawed in their own particular way as they seek the presidential prize.  How they each morally and ethically handle the rigors and challenges of political campaigning is analyzed through their individual actions and words.  Added to the mix are campaign managers that view winning as the only goal to the exclusion of everything else.  Together, Mr. Patterson weaves a very interesting and highly entertaining story.  He presents dilemma after conundrum as his hero, Senator Corey Grace, is forced to deal with his own demons as he tackles the impossible problems of today while dealing with the unethical actions of his fellow candidates.  Mr. Patterson mixes race, ethics, religion, homosexuality, love, family, friendship, politics and much more in a bubbling stew of political drama as each candidate, and particularly Corey Grace, must make ethical and moral decisions.  It is not easy or pretty and all fail to a lesser or greater extent, but hey, that's American politics today where there are NO real winners just compromises.
Average character development but good examination of moral and ethical priciples and political decision making.  Although a superficial review of today's campaign machinery, a good job at big-picture overall political strategy and tactics.
Strong language, some sex, no violence.
Overall a good, quick political read although can be depressing.  Interesting ending although unrealistic.  Recommended.
2223378
Born to a politically active, conservative family in New Mexico, Alisa shares stories of her family standing by the highway holding picket signs when she was a girl too young to really know what they were taking a stand for.  She shares her starstruck story of touching then Republican presidential nominee, George W. Bush.  "My fingertips just brushed the hem of his sleeve.  It was enough."  Her home school field trips to the state capital where she and her classmates were unleashed upon unsuspecting liberals to practice conversation techniques meant to remove the scales from their eyes and sending them running to the GOP confessing their many sins along the way.  After moving away from home, the events of September 11th, the resulting Iraq War and through forming relationships with fellow New Yorkers, Alisa realized that she had mixed up her priorities.  That being a follower of Jesus' teaching didn't necessarily go hand in hand with the GOP's political agenda and that those who cheered for the opposing side weren't as misguided, uninformed or evil as she was taught to believe.

This book isn't so much a guide to how to untangle the reader's faith from their politics as it is a memoir of Alisa's faith journey.  The last few chapters, while important felt different from the rest of the book in tone and subject matter and I felt that they could have been developed a little bit more to better tie into the rest of the book.  The chapters read like blog posts and are therefore easy to read.  There are a few scriptures that she references as a basis for her belief change but for the most part, she speaks of general christian concepts and examples from conversations with liberal christian friends.  If you're looking for a book to help you untangle your own faith/political crisis I think you'll be disappointed by Raised Right.  (However, there are many other authors who may be better able to tackle the theological task of untangling the Christian Conservative Agenda from the heart of God and the example of Christ.)  If you're looking to identify with a young person who has struggled with finding their identity in our country's limited political landscape, you'll most likely find a kindred spirit in Alisa.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review*
248774
This book is a great read for anyone who has an interest in contemporary politics of America and in the west more broadly. During the 2016 election, a vast populist surge overtook both major political parties. Bernie Sanders represented (and still does) the type of populism that propelled America through the New Deal and beyond. His ideas presented in this book are hardly new to anyone who has followed him, yet his descriptions of his humble rise from campus activist to famous Senator are really worth getting to know. His story is one of building movements from the ground up, a strategy that has served him well throughout his career (and almost won him the nomination). If your a person burned out by the election, this book will give you a ray of light into what is possible with collective action.

The second half is largely a point-by-point policy platform for, what is now seeming like, a new wing of the Democratic Party. Criminal justice reform, campaign finance reform, economic reform, etc. Once again, these ideas aren't new to anyone who's followed Bernie, but may be of interest to those that haven't so far. What I took away from this book, more than anything, is how un-radical Bernie's ideas really are. I imagine even an ardent Trump supporter would be bound to find something of value in this book. Bernie, far from advocating "pie in the sky" ideas, is giving us a picture of possible renewal of the party's core New Deal values. In fact, I'd even say that Bernie is a more traditional Democrat than Hillary Clinton and Bill. Reading through this platform is almost like hopping in a time-machine to the pre 90's New Democratic Party, to a time when the party was devoted to the union-driven worker's platform that started under FDR and continued, largely unabated, to the time of "triangulation".

This book is worth it, and I'd challenge even the most devoted Trump or Clinton fan to read it. You may be surprised at how much you agree with his ideas!
1614672
My interest in this particular book began with the press on the anniversary of the death of Robert F. Kennedy.  Although I heard about this book, I never read it.  Until now.  It was a good read on the genesis of political campaigning in the modern day.  It's manifestation, however, took place in 1980 with the election of President Ronald Reagan.  McGinnis takes us into the back room of the political campaign to illustrate how Richard Nixon, politcal pariah of 1960, evolves into the Republican nominee a short 8 years later.  The names of individuals involved in the process in 1968 have relevancy to this date (i.e. Roger Ailes, Patrick Buchanan) and infamy in the past (i.e. Dwight Chapin, John Mitchell).  McGinnis also illustrates the movement away from the importance of the print media to the new media of television in political campaigning.  When viewed today, we may shrug our shoulders.  However, back in 1968, it was revolutionary.  The Selling of the President 1968 is a good beginning to understanding political marketing of candidates for office.