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Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign History Hardcover – August 2, 2016

by John Dickerson (Author)

122 customer reviews

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From Face the Nation moderator and contributing editor for The Atlantic John Dickerson come the stories behind the stories of the most memorable moments in American presidential campaign history.

The stakes are high. The characters full of striving and ego. Presidential campaigns are a contest for control of power in the most powerful country on earth. The battle of ideas has a clear end, with winners and losers, and along the way there are sharp turning points-primaries, debates, conventions, and scandals that squeeze candidates into emergency action, frantic grasping, and heroic gambles. As Mike Murphy the political strategist put it, "Campaigns are like war without bullets."

WHISTLESTOP tells the human story of nervous gambits hatched in first-floor hotel rooms, failures of will before the microphone, and the cross-country crack-ups of long-planned stratagems. At the bar at the end of a campaign day, these are the stories reporters rehash for themselves and embellish for newcomers. In addition to the familiar tales, WHISTLESTOP also remembers the forgotten stories about the bruising and reckless campaigns of the nineteenth century when the combatants believed the consequences included the fate of the republic itself. Some of the most modern-feeling elements of the American presidential campaign were born before the roads were paved and electric lights lit the convention halls-or there were convention halls at all.

WHISTLESTOP is a ride through the American campaign history with one of its most enthusiastic conductors guiding you through the landmarks along the way.

Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign History

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Editorial Reviews

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"As much as we arrogantly think our present political moment is new, it is not. Now, along comes this wonderful book to set us straight. It connects and interconnects signal campaigns from our 'glorious' past, where the same sausage making we decry today is on vivid, sometimes impressive, sometimes hilarious, display. Dickerson's artful time travel, so accessible but so eloquently written, will be red meat for anyone who counts themselves a politics carnivore-or anyone who cares about the fascinating mechanics of getting elected in the United States."―Ken Burns

"Dickerson knows what he is doing...[This book] should be kept on the night stand and dipped into when you crave a good tale. Like Dickerson as an interviewer, it has sturdy charm; it is inquisitive, generous, probing, and thoughtful. You read Whistlestop to put the chaos of today into perspective - or, perhaps, to escape from it."―NYT Book Review

"Filled with colorful characters and rollicking tales, this chronicle of exciting presidential campaigns is fun, informative, and enlightening. John Dickerson has a storyteller's touch and a historian's insight. It's nice to be reminded of the beauty and glory of American democracy at its best."―Walter Isaacson

"With a delightful conversational style featuring casual asides and plenty of incisive commentary, Dickerson's many years of experience covering politics informs his intriguing inside looks at how certain stories begin and how they grow... A politically astute, timely book that will also have great historical value for future campaigns."―Kirkus Review

"Whistlestop is entertaining and informative, but it also is a timely reminder for those tempted right now to believe that, with the growing divisions in this country, all is lost. No matter how big the storm that throws us off course, we have a history of righting the ship and steering into calmer waters."―Connie Schultz, The Washington Post

"Dickerson's work 'connects and interconnects signal campaigns from our 'glorious' past, where the same sausage making we decry today is on vivid, sometimes impressive, sometimes hilarious, display.'"―Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press

"A gifted chronicler, Dickerson looks back over two centuries of election campaigns and zeros in on flashpoint episodes that somehow reset the collective national narrative."―The National Book Review

"Whistlestop, [a] breezy but substantive account of key presidential campaign moments."―Christian Science Monitor

"These stories illustrate that although this election is unusual, it's not unprecedented...Dickerson's book is an edifying reminder that human beings don't change. Politicians and voters alike often forget the past, and end up repeating the same mistakes."―The Federalist

About the Author

John Dickerson is Moderator of Face the Nation, Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News, and a contributing editor for The Atlantic. Dickerson has been a reporter in Washington for almost 20 years covering the White House, Congress and political campaigns. Dickerson is a co-host of the Slate Political Gabfest as well as the host of "Whistlestop," a podcast of campaign history.

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Product details

Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Twelve (August 2, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145554048X
ISBN-13: 978-1455540488
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.3 x 9.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #193 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Journalism & Nonfiction
- #208 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Elections
- #320 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > United States > Executive Branch

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Top customer reviews

I have enjoyed his own podcast

ByTim Rogerson July 5, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I first found John Dickerson on the Slate Political Gabfest, which is where the idea for Whistlestop came from. I have enjoyed his own podcast, which turned into this book, and like his perspective and his historical attention to detail. These stories are important to see where we have come from, and where we might be going.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

For Political Junkies, this is the real deal.

ByJesse LibertyVINE VOICEon August 17, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Dickerson is one of my favorite political commentators/moderators. He is great on Face the Nation, he is even better on the Political Gabfest, but the most fun is his WhistleStop podcast. Here, he takes much of that wonderful material and fleshes it out, making for some wonderful stories about life on the campaign trail throughout US history. Highly recommended

0Comment 9 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Enjoyed it so much, I bought four copies as gifts for friends

ByDustin Bridgeson September 4, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Anyone who enjoys the history of presidential elections will thoroughly appreciate this book--a lively tour de force encompassing Callender's defamations, Dean's scream, Dukakis' tank, Reagan's microphone, and many more unforgettable stories from campaigns past. Mr. Dickerson's writing style is rich and engaging--smart and scholarly without coming off as stuffy. This was the third--and easily, the best--book on presidential campaign history that I bought this election season.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

A must read in this era of over-the-top politics

BySteven Cunninghamon October 13, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book does not disappoint. Mr Dickerson weaves us thru campaigns present and past allowing us to listen in to the journalists and presidential hopefuls as each of the covered campaigns unfolded. It re-enforced my belief that politics, as a dirty business, hasn't really changed over the years. Still there were stories of grace under pressure that gave me hope for America's future. One side note, being a first edition, there were a few typographical or syntax errors, but easily overlooked. Because of this book I posted on Facebook, I am joining the Librarian Party #readmoreyellless

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Dickersonian

ByBen Ezzellon August 10, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

If you have ever listened to the podcast that inspired this book, you will be unable to read the book without heading John Dickerson's voice narrating it in your head. I count that as a plus.

Fascinating book, well written, insightful.

0Comment 9 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

but it's especially useful perspective in a moment of some conflict over the ...

ByGabriel Rosenkoetteron January 26, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Mr. Dickerson's even-handed and wry coverage of US presidential campaigns past would make for interesting reading on its own merit, but it's especially useful perspective in a moment of some conflict over the US's chief executive. Even if you've been (as I have) an avid listener to the podcast of the same name, there are stories relayed there that can be given more depth here, some that didn't make it there, and connections that can be made in a narrative form impossible in that serialized form.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Terrific Book!

ByF. Homanon August 30, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I always enjoy when John Dickerson speaks on TV about political issues. He is always clear and concise. His book is a wonderful presentation of the back stories of political campaigns. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about stories behind the stories. I can remember campaigns back to John F. Kennedy and never new some of what was going on behind the scenes.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

WHISTLESTOP is a perfect example. Even those with no deep background in ...

ByMark Clarkon January 27, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

It's hard to be as skilled with words on paper as in conversation for some, but John Dickerson is gifted enough to manage CBS's political reporting on television and to share his vast knowledge of history in written form. WHISTLESTOP is a perfect example. Even those with no deep background in the history of presidential campaigns will find his anecdotes and facts fascinating. I recommend this book highly for those looking to find some comfort for the future by learning about the past.

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Most recent customer reviews

Prejudiced by Author's Political Leanings

Can you read a book on historical presidential campaigns without bringing 2017 politics into it? Apparently not with Dickerson...

Published 2 months ago by C. Dean Waterman

Three Stars

Great stories, however since I had listened to the podcasts. It was like a rehash of them.

Published 2 months ago by DS

Fun recollections from presidential campaigns

I am not a political junkie as such, although I do want to stay informed. Some weeks ago, I stumbled by happenstance onto the NPR show “Political Junkie” (hosted by Ken Rudin),...Read more

Published 4 months ago by Paul Allaer

Three Stars

Book cover torn

Published 4 months ago by Alfred J. Padden

I reccommend it!

It was so interestingto read about stories from past, in some cases very past, presidential elections. It puts everything that is current into perspective.Read more

Published 5 months ago by Mary M

it is easy to think that the 2016 presidential campaign was one ...

In an era of audacious Tweets, 24-hour news coverage, and polarizing politicking, it is easy to think that the 2016 presidential campaign was one of a kind.Read more

Published 5 months ago by david

the Whistlestop podcast was a great addition to my playlist -- an excellent combination of ...

I've been a fan of John Dickerson's work (as well as Emily and David) since I first discovered the Political Gabfest years ago.Read more

Published 5 months ago by Chris W.

If you like the podcast, get the book. If you don't, get it anyway.

I'm a big fan of the Whistlestop podcast, and now I find myself hearing John Dickerson in my head as I'm reading the stories in this book. This is not a bad thing.Read more

Published 5 months ago by Brian Russell

A great read for any political junkie thanks to the combination ...

A great read for any political junkie thanks to the combination of meticulous research and dry humor.Read more

Published 5 months ago by Amazon Customer

An excellent collection of campaign curiousity that is a must have ...

An excellent collection of campaign curiousity that is a must have for listeners of the Whistlestop podcast or simply those with a flair to learn more about the presidential...Read more

Published 5 months ago by D. Ownby

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