Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power [Paperback]

Darrell M. West (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 013017694X | ISBN-13: 978-0130176943 | Publication Date: July 3, 2000 | Edition: 1

= This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification in order to build support and shape the political process. Featuring lively stories about Patrick Kennedy—covering both public life and private citizenship, this book provides an in-depth look at the Congressman's political emergence, the effect of the Kennedy family legacy—on him and the country, and the lessons of celebrity politics in general. For those fascinated by the decades of political, social, and economic clout of the Kennedy generations and phenomenon, and Americans interested in the celebrity influence on the country's political climate today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the more intriguing aspects of American politics is the significant role played by political dynasties—families that generation after generation have filled key leadership positions in the country. No dynastic family has left a greater imprint on recent American public than the Kennedys. In Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power, an insightful and lively political biography of the current chairman of the Demoncratic Congressional Compaign Committee, Darrell West explores the intersection of traditional political dynasties with contemporary celebrity politics in the newest generation of Kennedy politicians. In so doing, he teaches us a great deal about old politics and new—from "all politics is local" to "permanent campaign." His new book is an instructive and entertaining read."—Thomas E. Mann, W. Averell Harriman Senior Fellow in American Governance, The Brookings Institution

"A fascinating account of the early political life of Congressman Patrick Kennedy—thoroughly researched and carefully written. Step by step from his nearby scholarly perch, Darrell West traces the jagged learning curve of an emerging national figure, as he navigates the entanglements of his celebrity birthrights as a Kennedy and his chosen career as a Rhode Island politician. It's a timely and uniquely informative biography of a now-and-future national political player."—Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Kanan Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester

From the Back Cover

= This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification in order to build support and shape the political process. Featuring lively stories about Patrick Kennedy—covering both public life and private citizenship, this book provides an in-depth look at the Congressman's political emergence, the effect of the Kennedy family legacy—on him and the country, and the lessons of celebrity politics in general. For those fascinated by the decades of political, social, and economic clout of the Kennedy generations and phenomenon, and Americans interested in the celebrity influence on the country's political climate today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (July 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013017694X
• ISBN-13: 978-0130176943
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,109,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Darrell M. West is vice president and director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Previously, he was the John Hazen White Professor of Political Science and Public Policy and director of the Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is the author of numerous books on American politics, campaigns and elections, mass media, technology policy, and health information technology. He has given lectures in more than a dozen countries around the world. His email is [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fair, In-Depth & Thoughtful Book About Rep. Patrick Kennedy, July 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power (Paperback)

I expected the worst and was pleasantly surprised to get the best. This book by Prof. West is a fair, in-depth and thoughtful account of a young "celebrity" politician who challenged himself to succeed and so far is doing a pretty good job at it, according to Prof. West. The book gives an in-depth look at the early struggles of Patrick Kennedy, son of the famous Senator Ted Kennedy (and his likeable mom, Joan) and heir to the Kennedy fame. It chronicles the family and public life of this young man's rise to poltical power (number 5 Democrat in the House of Representatives yet he is only in his early 30's).

What I liked most about this book is that it was not a typical knee-jerk analysis of the Kennedy's and I felt truly showed Patrick Kennedy as a human being, committed public servant and rising star. Hats off to Prof. West for his research, his fair analysis, and his ability to tell a good story.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable Account from Inside Kennedy Political Operation, July 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power (Paperback)

This book provides a highly readable account of the Kennedy's political operation. Generally sympathetic to the family, but hard-hitting at times. Good stories from people who have worked for the Kennedys as well as those who have opposed them. The average person would like this book!

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fair account, September 5, 2000

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power (Paperback)

I was initially alarmed at the slender length of the book, and had braced myself for choppy reading and hurried accounts. I was glad I kept an open mind, because this book easily surpased all of my content expectations.

West neither massacres nor coddles his subject, and I could actually identify with some of Kennedy's emotions and struggles to define himself. As a college student, I was very impressed that he was in the legislature while finishing up his degree---no easy feat in a state of any size. His personal health led him to identify with the disadvantaged and disempowered.

Tracing his childhood and young adulthood, West shows how the "un-Kennedy" Kennedy emerged to become the chair of the DCCC. For a public figure, Kennedy has managed to keep his life largely private and scandal free. He does not engage in the life style that has created headlines for so many other members of the family.

Although I am more partial to his father's voting record, I respect the niche Kennedy carved out on his own terms and was impressed with the many different things he had accomplished. This book is especially inspirational for young democratic politicians.