Bad Boy: The Life and Politics of Lee Atwater

by John Joseph Brady

Lee Atwater revolutionized presidential campaigning. He helped to create a solid Republican south. And he became notorious for turning national politics back into a blood sport, not only using nasty... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0201627337
• ISBN13: 9780201627336
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

"The Godfather of Spin"

About the political life of Lee Atwater, "the godfather of spin," this book details Atwater's political strategies, from managing local races to running Bush's 1988 campaign. Woven into the biography are valuable lessons about campaigning -- information that they don't teach you in college. Though many disagree with Lee Atwater's personal -- and political -- life, it shouldn't dissuade you from learning from this brilliant strategist. (We certainly don't endorse his sins, but you'd better understand them if you're going to work in politics).

Brady captures the true excitement of politics.

Atwater was pretty much a moral scumbag, but the father of politics as we know it today. He did it his way and for that he is a hero. Brady tells the truth about the man and his life. Reading, you feel like a part of the action. It's a great book, but don't pick it up unless you're comfortable being obsessed with politics for the rest of your life!

Must read for pols !

Lee Atwater knew politics and how to work it. This book gives a compelling look at the transformation of a good ol' boy into the man responsible for the election of the most powerful man in the world. Mr. Brady does a fine job of showing all sides of Lee. From the insecurities that drove his attitude through the frailities of a man on his death bed,this book does justice to the real man. Lee Atwater set the trend for the future of politics. This book is a must read for anyone in the business of getting people elected.

A political manual for partisan attack dogs everywhere

Lee Atwater was the founding father of today's political professional. Brady's book reveals all sides of Atwater's personality -- from the man who intimidated many to the fun-loving blues player. A very interesting story and a must-read for anyone in the business of getting people elected.

Best political book I've ever read!

As one active in politics, I've read many a political book, but have never read one that taught me so much and touched my emotions so much as well. I found myself laughing outloud at certain parts, and fighting back tears in others. Phenomenally written.