Blue Smoke and Mirrors (Hardcover)

by Jules Witcover (Author), Jack W. Germond (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 337 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult (September 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670513830
• ISBN-13: 978-0670513833
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #953,499 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid, Straightforward Narrative, December 10, 2005

By	K.A.Goldberg (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This straightforward account of the 1980 race for the Presidency recreates events and the state of the USA in vivid yet concise detail. The authors show the naked manipulation, dirty moves, and diverging media coverage that was part of U.S. politics. Readers see that President Jimmy Carter was decent and honest (despite a mean streak) but his grip seemed uncertain as gas prices soared and hostages sat in Tehran. Carter beat back Ted Kennedy's primary challenge, but was not in a strong position for the fall campaign. His challenger Ronald Reagan swept easily to the nomination at age 69, but a series of foolish utterances left many questioning his fitness for the job. Congressman John Anderson's third-party candidacy started strong (23 percent in June polls), but without funds he faded fast. In the end, inflation, hostages, and Carter's low approval ratings led to an easy win for Reagan.

The authors wrote four straight books on U.S. Presidential campaigns from 1980-1992, and Whitcover wrote a very good narrative (Marathon) alone in 1976. This is a solid and straightforward narrative for history fans and political junkies.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How Reagan won and why Carter lost the election of 1980, July 23, 2007

By	M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Two veteran political columnists, Witcover and Germond, provide intriguing information on the strategists and politicians who masterminded the 1980 election campaigns. The authors argue that uncontrollable and unforeseeable events rather than issues determined the victor of this election. The authors include coverage on the campaigns of Teddy Kennedy, Howard baker, Robert Dole and John Anderson. I recommend this book for its seemingly unbiased look. A must for any interested in U.S. Presidential Campaigns.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Political Book I've Read - Exposes Carter Completely, February 3, 2002

By A Customer

This tightly edited classic wisely uses a straightforward, chronological approach in bringing the 1980 Presidential election to vivid life. It is not overly long as these authors' book on Bush vs Dukakis '88 election was. Well worth the hassle
of buying used.
Carter's lack of political instincts and his often contradictory personality (usually conciliatory yet capacle of pettiness and vindictiveness) are well illustrated here. The '80 primary elections are wonderfully covered, even minor candidiates such as Howard Baker and Robert Dole are covered. Teddy Kennedy's only presidential campaign is thoroughly dissected. The authors evenhandedly cover the Reagan and Carter and (remember) John Anderson campaigns. Buy it!