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Ed Schultz
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Straight Talk from the Heartland: Tough Talk, Common Sense, and Hope from a Former Conservative Hardcover – September 28, 2004

by Ed Schultz (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

Ed Schultz is here to slay the "right-wing radio dragon" and revitalize the charge against Bush-era "conservative cruelty" with his own bold, irreverent truth-talk. When the self-described "gun-toting, meat-eating, drug-free liberal" from America's heartland came out swinging with his syndicated radio program, The Ed Schultz Show, listeners realized right away that this was no cookie-cutter liberal, but a tough-talking advocate for everything that's right about the left. "A free press is all that stands between you and a dictatorship," warns Schultz, in defiance of the Bush administration and ultra-conservative talking heads like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, whom he blames for quashing political debate just when America needs it most. While Big Ed has what it takes to "go bare-knuckle brawling" with his staunchest detractors, it is with a deep compassion and impeccable common sense that he describes how our "government by the rich and for the rich" is imperiling the lives of average hard-working Americans.

In Straight Talk from the Heartland, Schultz rails against the havoc that our nation's leaders are wreaking on everything from international relations to homeland defense, from our skyrocketing federal deficit to the disenfranchised families of rural America who are struggling to make ends meet. With a heady mix of patriotism, outrage, humor, and hope, he makes an urgent appeal to universal virtues such as honesty and liberty, and reminds readers of what he calls the Four Pillars of a Great Nation:

  • Defending America: "We have lost faith in our leaders. The world has lost faith in us. Our foray into Iraq, to disarm a nation of biological and nuclear weapons they did not have, has shrunk American credibility like a cheap sweater."

  • A Sound Economy: "The Bushies are like street hustlers. While they show you a meager tax cut with one hand, they steal your wallet with the other."

  • Feeding the Nation: "Bad farm policy and bad trade agreements are running the American farmer off the land. It's killing small towns, and small towns are the heart of this nation."

  • Educating America: "Don't start counting your tax break just yet. Your state and local taxes are rising to support the unfunded mandate of the No Child Left Behind act."

"I'm here to give it to you straight," Big Ed says. "I've got faith that, when Americans grasp what's going on around them, they'll start acting like a bear fresh out of hibernation -- famished, ill-tempered, and ready to start raising hell."

Straight Talk from the Heartland is the wake-up call America has been waiting for.

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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    William Morrow
  4. Publication date
    September 28, 2004
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.89 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0060784571
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0060784577
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ed Schultz is the host of The Ed Schultz Show, the hottest liberal radio talk show in the industry. He underwent a political transformation after a "date" with his future wife Wendy at the Salvation Army shelter in Fargo, North Dakota, where she worked as supervisor. Schultz also hosts News and Views, a regional talk show launched in 1992, which reaches much of the Midwest and three Canadian provinces. Schultz, who often takes his show on the road in a 38-foot RV called "The Big Eddie Cruiser," is a pilot and an avid hunter and fisherman who's been known to have a "cool one" at the end of the day.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2004
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060784571
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060784577
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.89 x 9 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #5,390,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

About the author

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Ed Schultz

Ed Schultz

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Ed Schultz is the host of The Ed Show, a daily news program on MSNBC, and The Ed Schultz Show, a nationally syndicated progressive talk radio show. A thirty-year veteran of broadcasting, Schultz was the first Progressive talker to hit one hundred affiliates, both satellite networks, and the Armed Forces Radio Network. He has won three Eric Sevareid Awards and has managed and been lead talent for a broadcast team that has won two Marconis and a prestigious Peabody Award. Schultz is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, and he and his wife Wendy have six children.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
37 global ratings

Customers say

Customers appreciate the book's honest approach to addressing America's problems. The writing style receives positive feedback, with customers finding it interesting.

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HonestyWriting style
3 customers mention "Honesty"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty, with one noting it provides an honest look at America's problems, while another mentions it supports real moral values.

"...Ed is real, honest, and a straight talker, straight from the heartland of America. He is patriotic, not an ideologue and he is truly his own person...." Read more

"...and women (as opposed to Bush's wealthy cronies), because he supports real moral values like justice and equality..." Read more

"An honest look at the problems facing America with good ideas to help solve them...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book.

"...A true American, a gifted writer and just a cool guy, regardless of what party he belongs to...." Read more

"It is written in clear, consice and thoughtful prose...." Read more

"...I feel Straight Talk from the Heartland was written by an interesting, successful man and powerful advocate for the working poor and middle class......" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • G. A SENDEROFF
    5.0 out of 5 stars What you see is what you get!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    This book is like having "Big Eddie" at your houuse for dinner. It is written as he is reaching out to his reader and having a heart-to-heart with him.

    Ed is real, honest, and a straight talker, straight from the heartland of America. He is patriotic, not an ideologue and he is truly his own person. A free thinker and a moderate Democrat, Ed Schultz is a good read for ANYONE! Yes, this includes moderates - ABSOLUTELY - as well as conservatives.

    I had the opportunity to meet Ed, his crew and his wife Wendy when they were doing the show locally in the Miami area. Not only did Ed sign a countless amount of autographs for myself, friends and family, he allowed anyone to take pictures with him, he spoke candidly with his audience during commercials, was open to ALL questions and even called my girlfriend from my cell phone at my request!

    This man has a heart and is from the heartland of America. A true American, a gifted writer and just a cool guy, regardless of what party he belongs to.

    Another reviewer said that he does no compare to Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh. I agree and I THANK GOD for that! We do not need another "Druggie Limbaugh"!

    Have an open-mind. Buy this book [...]!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Robert Edwards
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reading or rereading Ed Schultz after 8 years on the shelves...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It is written in clear, consice and thoughtful prose. I enjoyed the way the author presented his "straight talk", mixed with his view of recent history.
    One person found this helpful
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  • angie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Neocons are obviously afraid of this guy.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    The neocons are running scared. Their lies and agenda driven propoganda have been unchallenged on the airways, until now. For twenty years plus, the neocons have been assemblng an infrastructure on TV and radio to brainwash America with their divisive, extremist, fear-driven agenda. Talking points and spin zones have passed for "news" though they have no basis in truth. Finally, the real voice of America, the progressive voice, based upon true democratic principles and values will be heard. Big Ed is finally here. He will be heard and he will be believed because he tells the truth (unlike the Bushies who view lying as a justifiable tool), because he speaks for working men and women (as opposed to Bush's wealthy cronies), because he supports real moral values like justice and equality (unlike George Bush, the divisive bigot), and because he understands that America ought to be a respectful, inspiring world leader (not an imperialist, self-serving one). Listen to this guy. He is the real deal. The neocons know it and, like all cowardly bullies, they're running scared.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • John T. Sostak
    3.0 out of 5 stars Big Ed wrote a book.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    And he mentioned Rush Limbaugh a lot. The Ed Schultz story which I am certain is fascinating is somewhat thin in Straight Talk. A fast read that feels like his broadcasts. I would have preferred a more introspective and revelatory book about Ed. Less about Liberals vs Limbaugh. More about hunting, fishing, family. Best friends and enemies. The topics that may be missed on radio, but should be documented because I think they may be interesting and fun.

    A talented and experienced biographer would take Big Eddie's story and make it a compelling read. Ed Schultz isn't shy or opaque in his book. I do trust him and his writing. Straight Talk could have been a surf and turf, but it was more like a chicken caesar salad. I feel Straight Talk from the Heartland was written by an interesting, successful man and powerful advocate for the working poor and middle class...by a radio host.

    I do not want to be over critical of a man who is worthy of respect. If you are a Fan of Ed, do get Straight Talk, it is Ed Schultz. I am a fan.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Preston C. Enright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Former right-winger doing good
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    Ed's conversion from right-wing parrot to trail-blazing author and radio host provides hope for this country. "Straight from the Heartland" shares the story of his transformative visit to a homeless shelter where his stereotypes of the poor were shattered. He shifted from Ayn Randian idolization of the rich to a leading advocate of the working class; and his concern for the plight of family farmers is all too rare.
    Ed's suggestion that Americans "improve relationships with Muslim populations" is another much needed call for compassion in this era of Islamophobia. "Straight from the Heartland" provides many practical ideas for finding our way out of the fear and anger that elite "perception managers" have created and provides a road map to reinvigorating our democratic ideals. Ed lives his vision through his radio show by not screening callers and creating a daily "town hall" for any and every American to participate in.

    I'm donating extra copies of this inspiring book to the second-hand stores that impoverished people often shop at. Ed's hope, humor and compassion will provide a nice break from all the junky romance and military novels that often fill the shelves at the Goodwill.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • jolyon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Ed Schultz!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    With Ed Schultz, you get more than you pay for. Big Eddy is who he is. Now I agree that this book does not contain a lot of new material for those of us who listen to his show regularly, but I liked the book. I love the comment from another reviewer that Big Eddy will never be another Sean or Rush. Thank God!! Big Eddy could not get a better compliment. Now I admit that Ed Schultz is no Mark Twain but his political commentary is well thought out and relevant. Criticizing Big Eddy for being loud or bombastic is like criticizing Mother Theresa for being too short. Listen to the message and I think you will agree.
    10 people found this helpful
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