Rating: 
Summary: ARE THEIR FIFTEEN MINUTES UP YET?
Review: I found this new book remaindered in the bargain bin - and that's just where it belongs. It's painfully obvious that no professional writer was involved; the sophomoric language and nasty attitudes reek of Carville/Begala. Though wrong much of the time, Begala can be impishly funny as he slights Republicans. Carville, however, is always boorish and obnoxious. In amateurish fashion they detail their experiences as behind the scenes string-pullers in Clinton's campaign - as if we haven't heard it all a thousand times before. It's like going to the family reunion and hearing Uncle Bob telling the same old tired stories again for the umpteenth time - only you don't have to pay to hear Uncle Bob! There are a few relevant tidbits in the How to Communicate Section and admittedly, some of the anecdotes are mildly entertaining. I give it a 2-1/2 and hope they've milked the Clinton years for the last time.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Lessons for a Successful Life
Review: I can't remember the last time I read a whole book, and here I find myself not being able to put this one down. I highly recommend it. Regardless of your political bent, the stories are poignant, gripping, instructive and oh so inspirational!YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
Rating: 
Summary: Very entertaining. Useful ideas presented in a new way.
Review: A useful, incredibly entertaining little book that, after you've read it, you didn't learn anything new but now you understand how some of these things have real life applications. I found that the book could be useful for people in politics or business, or even as a self help (motivation - not actually help.) The book's best quality is it's authors. Carville and Begala fill the book with humorous jokes and stories from years of political campaigns. Whether you are a fan of Bush II, you have to laugh at some of their jabs at him. For example, after using something Bush did as an example of what to do, they write "If this were a partisan book, here is where we would quote from that old auto safety ad: 'You can learn a lot from a dummy.' Thank goodness this isn't a partisan book."
Rating:
Summary: I Bucked Up, I Sucked Up, and Ate It Up! Cajun/Texan Style
Review: BUY TEN COPIES OF THIS BOOK AND GIVE IT TO EVERYONE YOU LOVE AS AN EASTER GIFT THIS YEAR. A book like this should be written everytime these two get 150 pages or so written. I don't care if it says...to be continued on the last page. I can hear them talking as I read. I have used their methods, and I'll be darn; they really work. Every step has a purpose. Especially admitting your mistake. It does make your opponet powerless. Their points should be taught in all schools in this country. They are basic, common sense, and decent suggestions by two good ole' Southern boys who had the ability to Buck Up, Suck Up and give up tricks of their trade to "Newbees" like me to the political world. I have read and seen everything I can buy, borrow, or rent by Mr. Carville and Mr. Begala. These men are my mentors; especially James Carville; after all we are both Cajuns. I get anything he writes in hardback, out of loyalty and just to make sure it stays lucrative enough for him to continue sharing his "War Room" strategies.
Over the years I have watched and read about these two men working together and complimenting each other while orchestrating some of the most brillant politcal spins all around the world.
This book is proof of exactly how they do that "voodoo" they do, and if you don't believe me, read it yourself and post your comments. I am biased by the recipes. I have tried recipes from all of the different books, and they are wonderful as well.
I have been blessed to have been born in Texas by Cajun Parents and raised in Louisiana. I am a Democratic Precinctperson in a County in Kansas, and rely on these guys tremendously for rapid-response answers in this very conservative Republican state I live in. Mr. Carville, Mr. Begala...if you read this...help! We're drowning, democratically speaking, in Kansas!
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Carville Lost Me
Review: The practical nuts and bolts of how to win an election Carville-style are brilliant...his track record proves their efficacy. Unfortunately he uses this book mostly to trash his recent political adversaries. As with his past books the writing style is unneccessarily vulgar and detracts from Carvilles message. Like many books by Clinton Whitehouse alums, this book is filled with rationalization and defense of the Great Mysogynist. Yawn. There is lots of good liberal literature out there...this is not.
Rating:
Summary: An Educational Tool for All Ages on All Sides of the Isle
Review: Once again, Carville and Begala have proven how their success is a direct result of some of the many mistakes they've made. Equally as critical and complimentary to Democrats and Republicans, they provide entertaining insight to the political process and great lessons learned that can be applied to everyday life. A quick and humorous read, I found it to be motivating. Follow their advice, learn from their mistakes and you're sure to be a success in anything you do.
Rating:
Summary: Five Stars for Winning in Politics or in Business
Review: Regardless of your personal politics, this is an excellent book which is written in a "to the point" style with content both useful and fun to read at the same time. I couldn't put it down! I read it in the airport and I read it on the plane. I feel that having read this book will make me more effective in managing a political campaign but it also will provide the energy and focus required to develop and expand my law practice. For anyone with an interest in politics, this is a "must read" book. For anyone seeking to build a business or a professional practice, this book is more useful than ninety-nine percent of the self-help, motivational books I have read. I give this book five stars or an A+! Buy it now, read it and give it to your best friend.
Rating:
Summary: Good, not great and a quick read.
Review: The latest by Carville and Begala is a good book and quick read. Although there aren't any major revelations or "oh wow" moments in the book, there is a lot of good common sense advice. Particularly helpful were the chapters on "Framing the Debate," where they actually give credit to Ronald Reagan, and the chapter on "How to Communicate." Some of the anecdotal information from the Clinton '92 campaign is interesting if you are a political junkie. Although don't buy the book if you are looking for major behind the scenes insight into the Clinton campaign. The biggest disappointment is the chapter "How to Recover When You Really Screw Up." It would have been made the book much more valuable if they'd really dealt with the screw ups of the Clinton administration. Instead they dispense with them quickly and move on. The other thing that was a bit hard to stomach was their constant interjections of their political opinions, which they cover by saying something to the effect of, "if we were going to let our political opinions play a role we would now say something like this..." Then they proceed to take another cheap shot at George W. Bush. Although their politics is sadly misguided, their basic advice is good and the book is written in a breezy and conversational style. If you're offended easily, be aware that they do use a bit of "street language" in the book.
Rating:
Summary: A fun book loaded with good advice
Review: In their intro to this book political strategosts James Carville and Paul Begala offer secrets from the War Room during the Clinton campaign. Buck-up, Suck-up... and Come Back When You Foul-up is a fun book loaded with good advice.
Rating:
Summary: Amusing, Entertaining, and Knowledgeable
Review: I bought this book after watching the two authors being interviewed on TV. I was hoping for an amusing read, with insights into their political pasts. The book delivers thoroughly on both accounts, and even includes recipes for Chicken Salad and French Toast. Those people expecting a collection of revolutionary ideas for managing a business or election will probably be disappointed, but the ideas are solid, tested, and presented in a highly entertaining way. I will definitely be re-reading this book from time to time, for both insight and entertainment.
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