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rebeccamahanyhorton's review against another edition
4.0
When the majority of the campaigning for the 2008 election occurred, I wasn't close to voting age--I wasn't even a teenager. My exposure to the entire affair consisted of watching most of the SNL skits about the campaigns, hearing my parents discuss it every once in a while, and talking with friends who knew about as much as I did.
Reading this book, then, was very interesting. It wasn't just a look at the campaign I didn't experience, but a behind-the-scenes look at what was really happening behind all the messages, speeches, and ads. I really liked seeing that side of the campaign (though more than once I wondered how the hell the authors got all that information, down to exact quotes). To me, it really humanized the politicians that too often can be seen as a collection of ideals that we do or don't agree with.
I felt a little iffy on the treatment of Hillary Clinton and other women in the book. I didn't doubt the veracity of what the authors said, but sometimes the way they said it struck me the wrong way. (Hillary's a "scold"; Bill had "bimbo eruptions"; "hysterical"; Biden's lapse into chauvinism in a practice debate was troubling only in the implications that it had for Obama's campaign.)
In short, though, it was a really fascinating (and incredibly well researched) read. I would imagine that even somebody who followed the 2008 election closely would enjoy it too.
Reading this book, then, was very interesting. It wasn't just a look at the campaign I didn't experience, but a behind-the-scenes look at what was really happening behind all the messages, speeches, and ads. I really liked seeing that side of the campaign (though more than once I wondered how the hell the authors got all that information, down to exact quotes). To me, it really humanized the politicians that too often can be seen as a collection of ideals that we do or don't agree with.
I felt a little iffy on the treatment of Hillary Clinton and other women in the book. I didn't doubt the veracity of what the authors said, but sometimes the way they said it struck me the wrong way. (Hillary's a "scold"; Bill had "bimbo eruptions"; "hysterical"; Biden's lapse into chauvinism in a practice debate was troubling only in the implications that it had for Obama's campaign.)
In short, though, it was a really fascinating (and incredibly well researched) read. I would imagine that even somebody who followed the 2008 election closely would enjoy it too.
jsisco's review against another edition
4.0
ORIGINALLY READ IN MARCH 2010:
The backstage pass offered here is fascinating, but ultimately tinged with what seems like inaccuracies. I would liken reading this to having a book on the history of Tobacco Road with both authors holding degrees from Chapel Hill. There's plenty of gossip and damaging characterizations throughout this, but none of it is really directed at Obama. The little invective pointed in his direction either doesn't stick or is painted as preposterous because of its sources. As someone who worked on Hillary's campaign, I can hardly claim to be an unbiased audience. That said, I also know that there were other allegations concerning Obama and his campaign's behavior throughout. The fact that he comes off as a Golden Boy with a little bit of an attitude problem is disconcerting, to say the least.
I also thought it was problematic that so little attention was focused on McCain, Palin, and the Republican nomination process. I can't imagine they exhausted the depth of information out there for an overarching view of the proceedings. Pieces of this book dive into highly-detailed spans of time, and then months elapse in a matter of paragraphs.
I think what I'm trying to say is this - the book overall is impressive and quite intriguing. The research is well done but far from the final word. Consistency is a major weakness here, and, while I found the book fascinating, I was left wanting something more. In that way, it's quite similar to the 2008 election itself - and Obama's campaign.
REREAD IN AUGUST 2012 AFTER PAUL RYAN'S VP ANNOUNCEMENT:
This book is just as manipulative two years later. I appreciate the research and how easily one plows through this story, but the obvious characterizations and tweaking of reputations is pretty nauseating. They have a boner for Obama and hated pretty much everyone else involved, and it's hard to read at times as a result.
The backstage pass offered here is fascinating, but ultimately tinged with what seems like inaccuracies. I would liken reading this to having a book on the history of Tobacco Road with both authors holding degrees from Chapel Hill. There's plenty of gossip and damaging characterizations throughout this, but none of it is really directed at Obama. The little invective pointed in his direction either doesn't stick or is painted as preposterous because of its sources. As someone who worked on Hillary's campaign, I can hardly claim to be an unbiased audience. That said, I also know that there were other allegations concerning Obama and his campaign's behavior throughout. The fact that he comes off as a Golden Boy with a little bit of an attitude problem is disconcerting, to say the least.
I also thought it was problematic that so little attention was focused on McCain, Palin, and the Republican nomination process. I can't imagine they exhausted the depth of information out there for an overarching view of the proceedings. Pieces of this book dive into highly-detailed spans of time, and then months elapse in a matter of paragraphs.
I think what I'm trying to say is this - the book overall is impressive and quite intriguing. The research is well done but far from the final word. Consistency is a major weakness here, and, while I found the book fascinating, I was left wanting something more. In that way, it's quite similar to the 2008 election itself - and Obama's campaign.
REREAD IN AUGUST 2012 AFTER PAUL RYAN'S VP ANNOUNCEMENT:
This book is just as manipulative two years later. I appreciate the research and how easily one plows through this story, but the obvious characterizations and tweaking of reputations is pretty nauseating. They have a boner for Obama and hated pretty much everyone else involved, and it's hard to read at times as a result.
gsatori's review against another edition
4.0
I am not a fan of bubble gum journalism. I like my history and current affairs books carefully researched and meticulously attributed so I can verify information. So why do I like this book? I put my historian's sensibilities on hold and instead enjoyed the fictional style the book employs and the rapid pacing and flair for the dramatic. This will make a great movie. Great history? No.
heidiimmes's review against another edition
3.0
I read this because Nate Silver said it reads like a novel, and anyway, I would probably read anything Nate Silver mentions. He was right about this book (of course. Can the guy be wrong?).
nlbullock1's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting, "dishy" book about the 2008 presidential election. I thought the book was fascinating and disturbing about the politicians that run for office in both political parties.
kgentry4's review against another edition
4.0
An overreach look at our most recent presidential election. Very interesting no matter which side of the"fence" you're on.
allibroad's review against another edition
5.0
The guy reading the audible.com version cannot pronounce any of the names... Really irritating.
pocketvolcano's review against another edition
5.0
This is a 10 star book. The fact these authors had such access is amazing. It made me like and admire Hillary Clinton and President Obama a lot more. Must-read for anyone who is into politics and/or the 2008 election.
klarastan's review against another edition
5.0
1. I love gossip.
2. I loved the 2008 campaign.
Thus, I loved this book. I could not put it down and blazed through it in just a couple days.
2. I loved the 2008 campaign.
Thus, I loved this book. I could not put it down and blazed through it in just a couple days.