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Work Hard, Study...and Keep Out of Politics! : Adventures and Lessons from an Unexpected Public Life
Work Hard Studyand Keep Out of Politics Adventures and Lessons from an Unexpected Public Life Author:James A. Baker, III Prominent Republican James Baker recalls his life in politics in this candid memoir. Crediting tennis partner George H. W. Bush for drawing him into the arena after the death of his wife in 1970, Baker starts with his first political posts in the Ford administration and proceeds to the disputed presidential election of 2000, in which Baker direc... more »ted the Republicans' legal strategy. Those interested in political gossip will relish these stories as Baker's replies to various tell-alls written by veterans from the Reagan era, while those intrigued by the practicalities of power might see in Baker's career an example of how to succeed in American democratic politics. However frequently Baker praises public service in this memoir, he as often admits that the need for power is what motivated him. This honesty lends credence to his anecdotes, many of which originate in the presidential campaigns Baker managed for Ford, Bush, and Reagan. One regularly wades through lists of staffers, ritual praise attached, to reach Baker's operational points, which are well worth the attention of the politically savvy of either party. In the main, Baker's accounts reinforce the tough nature of politics but resist easy cynicism about the occupation, from which Baker emerged with his reputation for integrity intact. Readers who relish political revelations will enjoy this insider's backward glance. -- Gilbert Taylor, Booklist« less
Josh G. (bhweekly) - , reviewed Work Hard, Study...and Keep Out of Politics! : Adventures and Lessons from an Unexpected Public Life on + 20 more book reviews
One of my all-time favorite political memoirs. Filled with good trivia and anecdotes on his work in domestic politics and government.