The Bluest State: How Democrats Created the Massachusetts Blueprint for American Political Disaster (Hardcover)

by Jon Keller (Author)
Key Phrases: bluest state, boomer liberals, holiday tree, Big Dig, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
In a state long enamored of progressive liberalism and Kennedy family lore, the dreaminess of liberal policies has run smack up against the harsh realities of dwindling job opportunities and deteriorating quality of life, scolds Keller, who has covered Massachusetts politics for nearly 30 years. Calling his state the "Brigadoon of 1960s liberalism," Keller castigates the self-satisfaction of aging baby boom Democrats who have taken the party's dominance for granted. Despite promises of social equality, the working class suffers under an exorbitant cost of living; despite promises of racial equality, segregation is still rampant and a black man only recently reached the office of governor; despite talk of educational reform, schools are still in decline. Keller details how the state with so much promise, under long control of idealistic liberals with a virtual blank check, has fallen so far from the mark. A member of the generation and privilege he criticizes, Keller writes with passion as well as long and deep knowledge of the politics of Massachusetts and its once proud heritage in national politics. Bush, Vanessa

Review

Advance Praise for “The Bluest State”
"California and Texas, the 1st and 2nd largest states, have produced more serious presidential candidates than any other states. In third place is Massachusetts, the 13th largest state. Jon Keller has kept his gimlet eye on the politics of this state for many years, and The Bluest State explains how and why the Bay State keeps inflicting its politics on us."--Michael Barone, A Senior Writer for U.S. News & World Report and Co-author of The Almanac of American Politics

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (September 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312368313
• ISBN-13: 978-0312368319
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #393,965 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Democrats To Learn From, September 17, 2007

By	Ken (Arlington, VA by way of Cambridge, Mass.) - See all my reviews

Having grown up in Massachusetts and having spent a lot of time working in politics, I read this book with great anticipation. And my high expectations were exceeded! Mr. Keller's knowledge of the intricacies of Mass. political history is awesome. He uses this knowledge to entertainingly critique the excesses of the Mass. Democratic party's liberal establishment. Along the way, I gained facinating insights regarding the Kennedy family, John Kerry, former Boston Mayor and political living legand Kevin White, former Massachusetts Governor and current presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and so many more of the political personalities that make this study of Bay State politics so interesting.

As a life-long Democrat, I found Keller's critique instuctive. And as another reviewer suggested, I too hope that Democratic candidates read this book and take note.

Finally, I give Mr. Keller credit from weaving some of his own personal history into this book, because ultimately it's Mr. Keller's personal passion for politics and, in addition, his passion for the plight and diginity of the economic have-nots of Massachusetts that comes shining through.

Enjoy this book! I did.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious Political Commentary, September 12, 2007

By	Eve (Boston) - See all my reviews

I am a liberal and I love this book because it rings so true and is a pleasure to read. The anecdotes will make you laugh out loud. The book is getting a lot of attention in conservative media circles, but it's also for liberals. Jon is a broken-hearted baby boomer who wants Democrats to wake up and get back on course. He's not a conservative per say, but rather a very sharp independent thinker who isn't afraid to speak truth to power. I hope that the Democratic candidates will read this book and take note!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long overdue!, October 19, 2007

By	B. Kirby (Sun City Center, Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having been born and lived for most of my life in Massachusetts, it's refreshing to read the other side of the Boston Globe. Too bad that the "boomers" won't get the message.