First published 2016
John Dickerson takes readers behind the scenes of American presidential campaigns to uncover the human drama that shapes political history. The Face the Nation moderator and Atlantic contributing editor examines the nervous strategies conceived in hotel rooms, the moments when candidates falter at microphones, and the spectacular failures of carefully crafted plans. Dickerson explores both famous campaign moments and forgotten tales from the brutal nineteenth century races, when politicians believed the republic's survival hung in the balance. He reveals how many seemingly modern campaign elements emerged before paved roads or electric lighting existed. Political strategist Mike Murphy captures the intensity: campaigns resemble warfare minus the bullets. Dickerson guides readers through pivotal moments including primaries, debates, conventions, and scandals that force candidates into desperate moves and bold risks. These are the stories that reporters swap at hotel bars after long campaign days. The book illuminates the high stakes battle for control of the world's most powerful office, where ambitious characters driven by ego and conviction compete in a contest with clear winners and losers.
Genres: history, 20th-century, american, political-science, politics, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: high-stakes, insider-perspective
Period: 19th Century, 20th Century, 21st Century
464 pages · Hardcover · Twelve