From Publishers Weekly
The senator from Illinois offers an enlightening and entertaining account of his presidential candidacy in the 1988 race, a shrewd appraisal of his fellow candidates of both parties and a thought-provoking inquiry into the electoral process itself. Simon questions whether the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries should carry the importance they do, and argues that the presidential campaign must be shortened and made less dependent on financing. He charges that "the two candidates with the most money were nominated." Simon is highly critical of the Bush campaign which he believes demeaned the presidency. High on Jesse Jackson, he predicts that the country will one day have a black president; "It may not be Jesse. But like John the Baptist he preaches about, he has helped prepare the way." There are several backstage surprises in the book, one of which is that industrialist Armand Hammer told Simon he could have any cabinet post he wanted in return for endorsing the candidacy of Albert Gore Jr. First serial to New York Times Magazine.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
About one half of this book is an account of Simon's (D-Ill.) 1988 campaign experiences, and while this portion of the book is revealing, his commentary on how the campaign nominating process might be improved is more noteworthy. Simon laments the fact that to be successful, a political candidate must sound knowledgeable while remaining vague about programs he or she would try to implement. He also feels that the campaign schedule should be shortened; this would lessen the cost of running, giving less wealthy candidates a chance. A shortened campaign might also help the media to stick to the issues and avoid reporting on such trivialities as Simon's bow ties. This insider's report is recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Gary D. Barber, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Gary D. Barber, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
