Herding Cats: A Life in Politics (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Pascagoula, Mississippi, December 20, 2002. Dawn appeared quiet and clear on the Friday morning that would change my life irrevocably..." (more)
Key Phrases: White House, Ole Miss, Trent Lott (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Over the last half century, few figures have played the game of American politics with the skill and zest of Trent Lott. As one of the chief architects of the modern conservative movement, he has been on the front lines of the Republican Party for more than thirty years, playing a key role in its ascension during the turbulent post-Watergate era.

In this candid and compelling memoir, Lott recounts the formative events of his youth and the stories from his political life that have made him one of the most influential and respected lawmakers in the country. From his difficult decision to support Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan in the 1976 Republican primary to his fruitful working partnership with Democratic leader Tom Daschle during the Clinton impeachment and September 11, Lott traces the inner workings of congressional life, detailing the vital role that he has played in guiding the Republican Party and American forward. With clear-eyed candor, Lott also discusses his last days as Senate majority leader, describing his remarks at Strom Thurmond's hundredth birthday party and the chaotic events that followed, which ended his tenure as the Senate's most powerful Republican.

At once riveting and poignant, Herding Cats is the story of political life unlike any other—a life marked by the rise of an individual and the triumph of a party.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Trent Lott is the junior senator from Mississippi. He currently chairs both the Rules and Administration Committee and the Surface Transportation Subcommittee and serves on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Finance Committee. He lives with his family in Washington, D.C., and Pascagoula, Mississippi.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (August 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060599316
• ISBN-13: 978-0060599317
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #697,568 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars read the book, then review, August 26, 2005

By	David (washington, d.c.) - See all my reviews

I find it ridiculous that the previous review posted simply ranted about their hatred for Lott rather than examine the book. Amazon is not a political blog and can do without those types of comments.

As for Lott's book, readers should take it for what it is - a memoir of personal insights into his career in politics. And for that purpose the book works. If Lott chooses to speak about the loss of leadership, then let him. This isn't a news article, this is a personal account. Revewis of the book have taken issue with Lott playing the blame game and focussed only on that portion. So what? Let him tell his side regardless, and enjoy the book as personal insight into the situations discussed.

Basically, if you enjoy politics, regardless of your politcs, you will enjoy this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic., October 26, 2006

By	Christopher Lynch "Meow Master" (Tampa,FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After several attempts by professional Cat Wranglers and Herders to describe
their profession, Mr. Lott finally gives us a fantastic How To guide. Each Chapter brings attention to the difficult process of maintaining a proper herd of felines.

Probably the slowest part of book is his philisophical take on Cat intellect and , surprise, Cat Pride. Not a scientist, Mr. Lott attempts to connect ancient cat worship to meow mix television commericals.

It's a worthwhile read for any potential Cat herder.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars... Interesting at some points but not nearly enough, January 1, 2006

By	Paul Allaer (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Trent Lott's auto-biography comes at a curious point. He's not retired from politics, so why this book at this point? Lott was the Republican's majority leader untill he ran into a massive wall following insensitive remarks at Senator Thurmond's 100th birthday party. A good portion of the book is devoted to that.

"Herding Cats" (312 pages) has some interesting moments, in particular in the early part of the book, where Lott retells the early part of his life. Lott was a student at Ole Miss in 1962 when the university broke segregation and the first black student enrolled. Lott offers some interesting insights on what the atmosphere on campus was like. I wish the book was more like that. Unfortunatly, too much of the book is devoted to a retelling of Lott's recollections of meetings on the Hill as a House Representative and later as a Senator. "I caucused with so-and-so, which lead to the adoption of such-and-such bill", I am paraphrasing, obviously.

As to the infamous Thurmond incident, Lott keeps to his often-stated explanation that "I was just paying an old friend a compliment". Reading his book, I am convinced that Lott is a decent man, and not a racist or one who is pining back to the days of segregation. That said, "Hearding Cats" simply does not make for compelling reading, but for certain passages.