Philip Stern has written a wonderfully insightful book about our political system that would be an eye-opener for any American. This fine, articulate journalist speaks from the politicians' point of view and, as you can glean from the title, reveals the misery and constant stress politicians are under to raise funds for their campaigns. We complain about politicans being greedy and preoccupied with fundraising, but after reading this account of the political process you realize the politicians don't like it any more than we do. We learn that they simply have no choice.The highlights of this book are the details and documentation. Though written twenty years ago, the essence of this book is timeless. The politicians quoted most surely speak for our current lawmakers. We hear remarks from the likes of the late Barry Goldwater, William Proxmire, Bob Dole and other notable politicans who reveal things we would never know had we not read Stern's book.Stern also lets us hear the other side, the viewpoint of the unions and the Political Action Committee's who wield such power over our system with the almighty dollar, and hence, make up "the best Congress money can buy."I urge every American to read this book. You will be surprised by the humanity, compassion and also the frustration expressed by the politicians interviewed. They are not our enemies; they are trying to be our allies while expected to raise huge amounts of money to finance their campaigns, leaving far too few hours for their constituents.This book is out of print, but it is well worth your while to find a used copy.
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