One Sentence Summary
A gripping and insightful novel that offers an insider’s perspective on the world of American politics through the eyes of an idealistic young campaign worker.
Book Genre
Fiction/Drama/Political Thriller
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of the book is the 1992 Presidential campaign and the behind-the-scenes machinations and scandals that occur within the world of politics.
Key Ideas
- Political idealism and its clash with pragmatic realities
- The power of charisma and personality in influencing voters
- The high stakes game of politics and its impact on personal lives
- The blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of power
- The appeal and danger of political dynasties
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
Part I: The Primary
The story begins with an unnamed protagonist, only referred to as “Henry Burton,” joining the political campaign of Governor Jack Stanton. Henry is immediately drawn to Jack’s charisma and conviction, but also becomes aware of the scandals surrounding him. As they travel through key primary states, Henry becomes increasingly involved in the campaign and falls in love with fellow worker, Daisy Green. However, their relationship is tested when Henry discovers that Jack may have had an affair with a teenage girl.
Part II: The Caucuses
As the campaign intensifies and moves to the crucial phase of the Iowa caucuses, Henry must navigate the tense dynamics between Jack’s wife, Susan, and his former mistress, Cashmere McLeod. Meanwhile, Henry and Daisy’s relationship is further strained as they both face moral dilemmas and personal challenges within the campaign.
Part III: The Convention
The stakes are raised even higher as the campaign heads to the Democratic National Convention in New York. Henry must confront his own loyalties as more scandalous information about Jack comes to light, putting their chances of winning the primary in jeopardy. In the midst of it all, Henry struggles to reconcile his idealistic beliefs with the harsh realities of politics.
Part IV: The General Election
With the primary won, Jack moves on to the general election, facing off against Republican candidate, Freddy Picker. As the race intensifies, Henry grapples with his own doubts about Jack’s character and his own involvement in the campaign. When the truth about Jack’s involvement in a scandal is finally revealed, Henry must make a difficult decision that will have far-reaching consequences.
Key Takeaways
- The messy and cutthroat nature of politics and the impact it has on personal lives
- The power of charisma and manipulation in political campaigns
- The moral compromises that are often made in the pursuit of power
- The role of the media in shaping public opinion and its influence on political outcomes
Author’s Background and Qualifications
The author, known only as “Anonymous,” was widely believed to be political journalist Joe Klein, who had covered various Presidential campaigns in the past. After denying authorship for months, Klein eventually admitted to writing the novel. With his deep knowledge and experience of American politics, Klein was able to provide an authentic and nuanced perspective on the inner workings of political campaigns.
Target Audience
This book will most appeal to readers interested in politics, particularly the world of American politics and Presidential campaigns. It may also be of interest to those intrigued by drama and scandal.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The book was published by Random House in 1996 under the imprint of Vintage. The first publication date was January 1996.