Feingold: A New Democratic Party (Hardcover)

by Sanford D. Horwitt (Author)
Key Phrases: interstate banking bill, gift ban, small dairy farmers, Russ Feingold, Leon Feingold, Democratic Party (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Author and essayist Horwitt's latest is a love letter to Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, the lawmaker whose political life began with a seat on his high school student council (where his "leadership reflected both his passion for the democratic ideals he had absorbed from his family, and his identification with American civil rights and the political heroes who sought to turn those ideals into reality") and now "represents the progressive side of the Democratic divide more clearly and authentically than any successful politician on the national stage." It would be easy to fault Horwitt for his naiveté ("With Wisconsin progressives, efficient government and fiscal prudence were not empty slogans; they were simply the way government was supposed to work. And honesty and high ethical standards were practical, indispensable ingredients of efficient government because they curbed tendencies toward cronyism, graft, and other forms of corruption."), but his intent here seems to be one of preaching to the choir. In that case, he succeeds with this light, one-sided polit-bio.
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From Booklist
Feingold's name is likely most often recalled in tandem with Senator John McCain's as part of campaign-finance-reform law. His lone Senate vote against the U.S. Patriot Act and his criticism of the war in Iraq have also heightened his profile as a man willing to take courageous stances. Horwitt, whose previous work was a biography of social reformer Saul Alinsky, depicts the Democratic senator from Wisconsin as an authentic progressive at a time when his party has lost its bearings. Raised by a staunchly Democratic father, Feingold developed a passion for politics early and an appreciation for progressive ideals. Horwitt recounts Feingold's rise in politics, always evoking the progressive label even as the Democrats adopted political pragmatism. Feingold was on course for clashes with his own party—defying Democrats to vote to continue the impeachment hearing of President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal and butting heads with Hillary Clinton on campaign-finance reform. Although this biography is unauthorized, the timing of its publication will certainly pique readers' curiosity about Feingold's further political ambitions. Bush, Vanessa

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (July 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141653492X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416534921
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #728,965 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feingold: a role model for young people (and old), September 10, 2007

By	Hildy E. Nelson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Many reviews have noted the simplicity of Horwitt's book about Senator Feingold, all for the good I say. Horwitt brings a clarity to the life of a rare individual and politician, similiar to his book on the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky. The author takes us through the life of Feingold, from small town Wisconsin youth to brilliant academic achiever to ever thoughtful and ethical politician. You have a front row seat through all the elections that Feingold has won, and understand that he did it on principle, even though many times he was seen as the likely loser because he wouldn't play ball the old (unethical) way. Feingold and his staff often had to use creativity, instead of lots of money, to win campaigns. Media watchers will love reading about the hilarious shoe-string television commercials that were created for Feingold's astounding wins.
Political junkies will love the analysis of Feingold's most important senate work in Wisconsin and in the U.S. Senate. From BGH (bovine growth hormone), Campaign finance reform, the Patriot Act, the Iraq war, and much of his work in regard to civil liberties. If you want to know about any of these things: Wisconsin, the U.S. Senate, ethics, politics, the Progressive movement in history, the constitution, where we go from here - you will want to read this book. And then if you have a young child or even a college age child, interested in politics or upset with the lawlessness of our times, give them this book. People like Russ Feingold are our hope for the future. Give your child hope and maybe they can change the world too.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Senator Should Be, September 27, 2007

By	Christopher R. Mangin (Newark, DE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Horwitt portrays Senator Russ Feingold as a principled guy with a passion for progressive politics who worked his way to the top all the way from the bottom rung by connecting with and listening to people. That's exactly who Russ Feingold is and that's exactly what a Senator should be.

The first half of the book includes a short biography of Russ's life with special emphasis on the events that encouraged him to enter national politics. The second half of the book focuses on the events that define Russ Feingold. Whether the instances concern campaign financing, the vote on the Patriot Act or the vote on Bill Clinton's impeachment, Russ proves that he is not a panderer or a partisan but ultimately he supports what's in the best interest of his beloved state, Wisconsin, and his beloved country, the United States of America.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of those books you have to tell people about, September 23, 2007

By	Patricia Kramer (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've always been proud that Russ Feingold represents me in the Senate and this book enhanced my knowledge of his story and made me even prouder to call him My Senator. In such a mobile society, it is good to know that Feingold's roots run deep in Wisconsin. It was fascinating to learn some of the decision making process behind the principled stands he has taken through the years. He is a politician who considers The Constitution to be the touch stone of our government and as relevant today as ever in our history.

I think many Wisconsinites would find the historical references to local names and places stories fascinating. But I also highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks there is no one still willing to stand up against the big money interests for Constitutional principled government. Russ Feingold is one of the real people our founders were hoping would govern us. I agree with the previous reviewer that young people would benefit from reading this book to give them hope and an ethical guide, we sorely need heroes.