An American Voter: My Love Affair with Presidential Politics

Rating:
Summary: As a Guide, or to Reflect
Review: As an advance person who has had the pleasure of working with many of the same people Joan Sullivan mentions in her book, I can personally testify to the truthfulness of "An American Voter." Sullivan describes the chaotic day of a political advance staffer better than anyone I have yet to read. If you are looking to do advance work, read this as a guide. If you are an advance person, read this to reflect. This one is highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A fresh political voice
Review: Joan Sullivan gives readers an inside look into presidential politics with all of its hopes, aspirations, and flaws. Sullivan joined Bill Bradley's 2000 presidential campaign as an advance team member. She writes about the nuts-and-bolts of choosing the right podium-not to ostentatious, but not too plain- to planning her own large scale event in New York and having to secure a site with just a few hours to spare. Sullivan writes in a very fresh non-politically jaded voice, yet sometimes languishing to quotes from political books. Sullivan also helps a reader appreciate a candidate who is on the losing side and the work that goes into bringing issues to the American voter as well as a face to Bill Bradley and all political candidates.

Rating:
Summary: Sullivan tells it like it is.
Review: Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Ms. Sullivan's book is the accuracy with which she portrays the participants in her anecdotes. As I covered Bradley's campaign for Reuters, I came in contact with many of the players, and upon reading the book was struck by the generosity and penetration that were displayed in turns. Without overtly caricaturing her subjects, Ms. Sullivan has managed to emphasize many of the quirks that typify people on the campaign trail.

Rating:
Summary: Genuine
Review: This is a detailed and moving look at what it means to work within the guts of a national political campaign. Joan Sullivan is honest about what she sees and bravely honest about herself. You come away from this well-written book with a real sense of optimism and hope for American democracy. And that's a pretty remarkable feat given that Sullivan worked for the losing Bill Bradley presidential bid. It says a lot about her that her passion and hope remain intact and doesn't feel all gooey and pollyanish. She is a very tough player. The book is a very fast read.