"Game Change" a Page Turner

I haven't finished the book, "Game Change" yet but it is a page turner like no other political tome I've read.  If you were into the 2008 presidential race, this is the book for you.  I began reading it last Wednesday.

It's been criticized on a number of levels as it is without footnotes or references, all stories being delivered from sources the authors deem reliable, those with whom they've worked for years.  The authors' contention is that few, if any, would be forthcoming about behind-the-scenes campaign experiences if they had to be publicity outed.  As such, the caveat emptor here is "grain of salt".  Be that as it may, it reads like a suspense novel.  You cannot put it down.

Not sure why it's been characterized as critical of Hillary.  I think the portrait of her seems balanced and fair.  Who the hell would run for president & not be overwhelmed, exhausted &/or arrogant from time to time?  The remark Harry Reid made about then Sen. Obama's light skin & speaking abilities (lacking a dialect) seems taken out of the context in which he spoke.  I have no love for Harry Reid.  He's a pompous ass.  But I doubt if what he said was much different than what most of the cognoscenti said when considering Obama's chances as a black presidential candidate.  It's all about electability.

The most surprising thing I've learned, thus far,besides the Elizabeth Edwards revelations, is how long the candidates prepare to be candidates.  It is years in the making.  I'm not talking about the youthful yearnings to be POTUS; I'm talking about the years during which potential candidates lay the groundwork themselves in their policy no matter their political standing or office (or no office) at the time.  They assemble their teams years in advance to assess the landscape.  They begin to raise money furtively.  Talk about your well-oiled machine.

A "Game Change" on Fox

I rarely, if ever, run out and buy a book the day it is released.  I wait for my BOMC catalog or the second hand book store to carry it.  "Game Change" elicited a different response.  I saw the authors interviewed on three programs in two days and I had to have it!
I went to my local independent book store to ostensibly buy a birthday card for my husband, which I did, and picked up the book as well.  I approach it with some caution; after all, it's spin about spin.  But, this last campaign was so exciting, so unexpected, had so much drama, the characters couldn't have been better crafted if they'd been authored by Mamet, Wilder or Shakespeare.  So, what's a little over-the-top?

Speaking of  "over the top", Sarah Palin is now a Fox news analyst.  Should be interesting.