Customer Reviews

Why I Am a Democrat

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Sorensen reminds each Citizen of America that we still have both the abilities and the obligations to serve our families, communities, and country. He asserts that we can do better, and we will do better. Each of us should create hope in places where there is none. We should give of ourselves, in order to grow as a nation. If there is no hope, create some! With every good wish...God Bless America Jeremy Gabriel Bourret (DEMOCRAT)

This is a great book to remind us young Democrats what our party has stood for and stands for. We can be proud of our heritage.

Of course this book is going to get nasty reviews from Republicans, but hey, that's why it's a good book!...

Like "We're Right, They're Wrong," Sorensen's book is pure pleasure for us unapologetic liberal Democrats (and there are far more of us than is generally acknowledged), reminding us why we are that. Sorensen is an eloquent writer, both principled and pragmatic, who is more respectful to his/our opposition than you would expect (but not without explaining *why* they're his opposition!) His historical background as a witness to the Kennedy years enhances his credibility. While it is short on specific facts (for that, I would recommend American Prospect Magazine, or an E. J. Dionne book), Sorensen's book is inspirational and moving, and will always have a prominent place on my shelf. What a pity that it's out of print.

After his election, Ronald Reagan convinced me that I was not his kind of republican. I switched parties soon after he proved himself to be in the pocket of the ultra rich. I became a Democrat and found that I was in very good company. Those Democrats that I met shared my values and concerns for average Americans. I came across Ted Sorenson's book by accident. When I sat down to read it, I found that he had spelled out for me the very reasons that I became a Democrat. I had not given much thought about why I felt so at home with the Democrats until I had read his book. The Democratic party works to improve the lives of the great majority of Americans.

I even recommended this book to a former friend who is a staunch Republican. I doubt that he ever read it even though he did borrow a copy from the public library. Unless you have an open mind, you would not enjoy this book. Since Obama was elected, my close friend has turned on me and attacked me with hateful, slanderous e-mails to other friends. Staunch Repubicans are never open minded enough to examine their opinions.

I was very fortunate to attend a meeting in Kansas City, MO that was sponsored by Truman Library. Ted Sorenson was a member of the panel that discussed the Presidency. I am proud and thankful that I was able to tell Mr. Sorenson how much I enjoyed his book. From the reaction of other attendees, they must have agreed with my comments. It makes me feel good to know that I was able to give Mr. Sorenson a verbal pat on the back before he passed away.

It would be obtuse of me to deny that this book could be construed as biased to an extent. However, Sorenson points out blatant differences between America's two primary political parties, and this is much needed in an era where people apathetically resign to the false belief that they are nearly identical.
There are books that do a better job at explaining the differences between the two parties. Being an overall good book in the genre, and Sorenson's ability of putting the ideas in an easily comprehendible format, I give it 4 stars.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has been left with a sour taste in their mouth, concerning the current political power in America(2006), and the tedious mantra of the ideologues behind it. I would also recommend this book for people in the middle of the political spectrum. Be forewarned, Republicans will only give this book a bad review.

This book could be have so much better and be a lot more relevant to today. It was written in 1996 after the disastrous midterm elections for the Democrats when Newt Gingrich and his Republicans had taken back the House. Ted Sorensen could have so much more to offer to Democrats and aspiring Democrats from his personal story, experience, and his articulate phrases. Instead, this is a droning litany of platitudes and vague ideals that is at worst, a little bit dated. The best parts are references to his own past, his childhood, and his roots in Nebraska. Luckily, Ted Sorensen rectifies a lot of this with his 2008 memoir, Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History.

The same old story liberals love to repeat endlessly: Republicans are racist, uncaring, and greedy; Democrats are compassionate and selfless. Sorensen is Rush Limbaugh's complete opposite: each man thinks their party is right 100% of the time. We know what their opinions are before they say or write them, making it completely pointless to listen or read any "ideas" they propound. This book is simply not even worth opening, let alone buying it, unless you enjoy predictable partisan spin.

Blather. Blather blather blather... That about sums it up. Even Sorensen's cogent points are incoherent. To say that the Democratic party Sorensen paints is "principled" must be, frankly, a sarcastic joke. And one made in the poorest taste. If his really is an accurate reflection, the Democratic party has fully forsaken its roots to finally cater only to hatemongers. This book is likely neither to convince the opposition nor to satisfy the adherent. I really don't see what good there is in it. No matter how much a Democrat you are, I have to believe that almost any other book is more suitable to your sensibilities.