Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress [Hardcover]

Rep. Robert Wexler (Author), David Fisher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0312366442 | ISBN-13: 978-0312366445 | Edition: First Edition

There’s a reason The Nation, America’s leading progressive magazine, named Robert Wexler the country’s “Most Valuable Congressman.” It's the same reason right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh refers to him as “disgusting.” It's because for the last twelve years Wexler has been Congress’s most outspoken liberal -- taking on George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Alberto Gonzales, General David Petraeus, and, when necessary, even his own party.

In Fire-Breathing Liberal, Wexler brings readers onto the floor of the House and puts them at the center of some of the last decade’s biggest controversies. He passionately describes how he defended Bill Clinton from impeachment and how he stood up against the Bush brothers when the “butterfly” ballots in his Florida district wrongly decided the 2000 presidential election. He also offers an honest and brutal assessment of the Iraq war and explains why he has become a leader in the movement to impeach Vice President Cheney. And, with warmth and wit, Wexler shares some of the funniest stories from the corridors of Congress, including how he became The Colbert Report’s most talked-about guest.

This is a remarkably candid first-person account of recent political history that shows government as it has rarely been seen -- by a Democrat in the middle of the storms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Over the course of twelve years, Robert Wexler has fought for his constituents and his ideals, refusing to let the status quo in Washington dictate what is best for this country. His book is a testament to that fight.”

--Senator Barack Obama

 

“[A] remarkably open and honest book for a politician to have put into the light of day. If you want to know how Washington works, read this book.”

--AfterDowningStreet.org

 

“[Wexler’s] tales-from-the-trenches biography juggles his appealing mix of idealism and realism, explanation and anecdote, in just the right amount. . . . This really is a blast of a book to read; getting the behind-the-scenes lowdown on maneuvering legislation through committees, hitting the campaign trail vicariously with a gifted and passionate pol . . . these are experiences political junkies should lap up in big doses.”
--Daily Kos

 

“A rollicking tour of politics in Florida, at the White House and in the U.S. Capitol. . . . The book is part autobiography, part civics lesson and part excoriation of the Republican stewardship of Congress before the Democratic takeover last year. It's an ambitious mix, but it works.”

--St. Petersburg Times

 

“A really good read . . . well-seasoned with hilarious moments . . . a welcome change from all the hypocrisy and pretensions of politicians puffed up with their own self-importance. . . . This book is a great education, and everyone can benefit from Wexler's unique perspective on politics and the political process of our beloved republic.”

--Grand Rapids North Star

 

“This is a very good book . . . Wexler, elected to congress in 1996, is a man who is passionate but practical, liberal but realistic . . . it is worth reading.”

--Palm Beach Post

 

"Wexler, a six-term Democratic congressman, opens his memoir-cum-civics lesson by saying, “I want to proclaim on every page of this book that I am a liberal Democrat and proud of it.” Fortunately for the reader, he is able to weave his proclamations into entertaining vignettes from the campaign trail to the halls of Congress in blow-by-blows of his involvement in defining moments of recent history: defending President Clinton from impeachment and challenging the Gore v. Bush decision . . . [a] fascinating and humorous insider account of the House of Representatives."

--Publishers Weekly

 

“With enthusiasm and candor, a passionate Democratic congressman gives readers an inside look at the House of Representatives during a period of declining government accountability . . . Wexler’s Southern Florida district was the center of the “butterfly ballot” controversy during the 2000 election, and he angrily recounts the zeal and heartbreak he saw in his elderly constituents, hundreds of whom mistakenly cast votes for Pat Buchanan that were never properly recounted. A staunch supporter of Israel and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he endured a tense meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad because he saw it as an opportunity to learn more about a powerful figure in Middle Eastern relations. When Assad asked, “Is George Bush crazy?” Wexler’s description of the thought process behind his carefully phrased answer offers a mini-lesson in diplomacy. His clarity and humanity in no way dampen his zest for picking fights. His list of Republican misdeeds includes strong-arming for votes, using fear to galvanize public support, misleading Congress into war and illegally wiretapping citizens . . . After loudly decrying the Clinton impeachment on the grounds that the president did not betray his country, he now declares that a worthy candidate for impeachment currently sits in the White House. Yet Wexler never loses humor or optimism. His wife, children and belief in democracy keep him grounded and working hard for civility and the ideals on which the nation was founded . . . Wexler’s approachable, eye-opening political autobiography overflows with intriguing detail and insight.”

--Kirkus Reviews

 

“As this inspiring book makes clear, Robert Wexler fights skillfully and passionately for progressive causes, and we’re closer to our goals because of him.”

--Senator Edward Kennedy

 

“I enjoyed Congressman Wexler’s book even more than I enjoy cocaine and prostitutes.”

--Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report

 

“Thank God for Robert Wexler -- the man who will always be my Congressman. This book proves he’s the only guy in politics who may have a brain and mouth bigger than mine!”

--Randi Rhodes

 

About the Author

Robert Wexler is a six-term Democratic congressman representing Florida's 19th district. A member of the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Financial Services committees, he was named "Most Valuable Congressman" by The Nation in 2007 and one of "The 50 Most Effective Legislators in Congress" by Congressional Quarterly. He and his wife, Laurie, have three children.

 

David Fisher is an author and journalist who has co-written fifteen New York Times bestsellers. He most recently co-authored William Shatner’s memoir, Up Till Now.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; First Edition edition (June 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312366442
• ISBN-13: 978-0312366445
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #939,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just another Congressman, June 27, 2008

By 

Robert Kall "Rob Kall of Opednews.com" (Newtown, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress (Hardcover)

Frankly, I had some doubts about this book, before starting it. There are lots of congressmen out there. I didn't have to do much more than open the book though to realize that the title's not quite right. It should be Fire Breathing Liberal HERO.

There aren't many progressive, liberal members of congress (Dennis Kucinich is the first that just about any progressive will think of) and there are even less who have taken stands and less who have actually made things happen. I love the work he's written about and is still working on regarding impeachment. He's done fabulous work on election integrity-- and tells some interesting tales, being the congressman from the center of "chad county" during the 2000 Florida election disaster.

Wexler is the real deal. His book gave me, a political junkie who publishes a major liberal website reaching over half a million visitors a month, incredibly MORE new information than I expected.

In 2005, at least 16 months out from the 2006 election, my current congressman was just getting started on the campaign trail, with a number of primary opponents. He contacted me because he'd heard I was a local activist worth talking to. By the following summer, he was the democratic candidate and I was hosting house party for him and getting to know him and many of his staff pretty well. It was a learning experience and I got a much, much better picture of what members of congress do to run for office and get started. But I still had a lot of questions.

Wexler's book does a fascinating job detailing what happens when a new member of congress is elected. Then he tells us all about how he gets things done, not just in congress, but with his state's governor.

There's a reason that this book's rollout included Wexler appearing on the Keith Olbermann show, the COlbert Report, CNN and more. He's the real deal-- a fire breathing liberal who takes stands, faces tough questions and actually does things that make liberals and progressives happy.

Bottom line, this is a very solid, informative, entertaining read you won't regret investing your money or time in.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up...."Liberal" is a GOOD word !!, June 29, 2008

By 

Corey Mondello "....all men are created equal... (Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress (Hardcover)

I am a Liberal.

One who believes the Founding Fathers were Liberal.

A person described as a "Liberal" is someone who cares about the individuality of every human being and the country, along with the planet.

I use John F Kennedy's quote as a signature in all my outgoing emails;

"....if by a liberal they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, their civil liberties.. If that is what they mean by a "liberal" then I am proud to be a liberal. "~ John F. Kennedy

I was happy to see this in Robert Wexler's book also.

It is apparent to me that, there are less and less Liberals in Congress, and because of this, the Bush administration, and all other administrations back to Reagan, have truly ruined this country.

I do not reside in Representative Wexler's home state; this does not mean I cannot support a man I find to be very important in opening the eyes of the American people, so they can see, there IS a better way.

When I first started reading "Fire-Breathing Liberal", I could not put it down. Once I did, I emailed everyone I knew and suggested they get one for themselves.

The book is easy to read for both a "lay person" and someone who may be a "political junkie".'

I hope all Liberals read this, and take back the right to call themselves, proudly a "Liberal"....maybe even a "Fire-breathing Liberal".

Corey Mondello
Boston, Massachusetts
www.CoreyMondello.com

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Eye Opener, July 25, 2008

By 

Lew Schiffman "Lew" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress (Hardcover)

We all assume that there is some inherent corruption in politics. However,I didn't realize how naive I was about our system until I read this book. Filled with real life events and a Congressman's own moral dilemnas, this book makes you realize that we must actively monitor what our government is doing or they will destroy our democracy. The book is extremely well written and will keep you intrigued cover to cover.

Lew Atlanta