John Heilemann

Like a lot of people, I followed the 2008 Presidential election very closely. It was interesting to read this book with the knowledge I had because it all made perfect sense, and there were a few parts of the book that really clarified what was happening in front of the cameras. This is a book about the people involved with the campaigns - Edwards, Hillary Clinton (and Bill), and then-Senators Obama and Biden on the Democrat side; McCain and Palin on the Republican side. In addition, a lot of behind-the-scenes folks.

I come away from it disappointed in the spectacle that presidential campaigns have become. This should come as no surprise, but there was very little idea stuff going on in that campaign. (And not in the book, either - if you are looking for policy analysis, look elsewhere.) Instead, it was an endless series of calculations and fretting about how this or that would "play". Our country needs more "Lincoln-Douglas" and less "Survivor".

I also come away with a changed opinion of several people. I worry that a book like this is giving me inaccurate information in that regard, but I can't help it. This is a powerful personal account and the players are as intimate as characters in a novel. A darn good novel, to boot.… (més)

“It was Bill Clinton who once pithily captured the contrast between the two parties when it came to selecting a presidential standard-bearer: "Democrats want to fall in love; Republicans just fall in line.”
― Mark Halperin, Double Down: Game Change 2012

I enjoyed this book greatly although I think the first one is a bit better. But this is a great political read! I read many political non fiction books and sometimes they are boring, sometimes they are overly long, sometimes they are to gossipy or bland. None of those issues here! The book, like the first installment is a delicious read, brimming with information and is any political junkie's dream.

I am still waiting for a number three. I hope there will be one although with the news cycle being what it is today I am getting a bit burnt out on Political reads. I did enjoy this one though.… (més)

“We are the makers of history, not its victims.”
― John Heilemann, Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime

Edit of an old review:

It is hard for me to imagine ANY political junkie not loving this one.

It is about exactly what it says its about.

And it is just fantastic . I believe it is one of the best political non fiction books I have ever read. For a political junkie, as am I, you get everything you could possibly want.

Inside campaigns, how they come together, how decisions are made, who makes them, bad decisions, good decisions, politics..pure, raw and unfiltered.

Game Change takes you into the inner workings of Political campaigns. Or more specifically, THESE political campaigns...and leaves you there.

And make no mistake, you are there. It doesn't feel like your reading a book. Your in the thick of it, watching the whole race unfold. It's fast paced, electrifying and just pure Political fun.

AND..it isn't dull. Some political books I have read can be written in a way that lacks excitement. There are many books on Politics which maybe about very interesting topics but the writing can be dry or they can be overly long. Or it can feel like your in a class room and who wants to go back to school. LOL.

Not here. I was actually a bit down when the book ended..any political junkie will know that is a sign of a great political book!

It gets into the weeds on everything and is very well researched and is effortlessly interesting.

Game Change is a winner!… (més)