Rating: 
Summary: Solid writing, solid advice
Review: This is a thoughtful and well-crafted look at how to get ahead in politics, business or life while maintaining more than a modicum of integrity. You can't beat that.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: The advice in the chapter headings might seem like common sense, but these two really know how to make the lessons hit home. I was immediately sucked in, couldn't put it down until it was through. It was light, funny, but in the end, inspirational.
Rating:
Summary: N o Spin Zone
Review: If you like to be in the "no spin zone" this book is for you.I cringe when I see Begala and Carville on the TV, but I LOVED their new book, "Buck Up, Suck Up...". The tips they offer as far as applying political principals to your daily life are as important for a service technician as they are for a U. S. Senator. This book has made a big difference in the way I do my job and the way I look at my career. I only wish I had read it sooner.
Rating: 
Summary: Good for the Up and Coming
Review: Not only did this book keep me laughing-- making all those on the plane around me wonder what I was reading-- but as someone who is still learning in the world of politics I found the advice extremely applicable. The chapter on strategy versus tactics was definitely one all those taking on any challenge/ endeavor should read. And while "never giving up" seems like simple advice it is often the first rule people forget. It is one of those easier said than done-- especially when the going gets so tough. As the book says, it is not for those who are truly risk adverse, but it certainly is for those who are willing to try and just need the encouragement to do so.
Rating:
Summary: Good advice...
Review: This is a great book for anyone who is in the business of trying to persuade people. That book isn't only for politicians. Using the skills they learned --and whether you agree with them politically or not, they have phenomenal skills-- in politics, these guys walk you through how you can win in the wide world of communications. Whether your job is selling ideas or selling cars, their advice is sage. What you say, how you say it and when you say it really do matter. You also have to give these guys credit for thinking and planning ahead. As anybody in the crisis communications world can tell you, the key to winning in a crisis is knowing how you will deal with it BEFORE it occurs. Their chapter on "Know How to Recover When You Really Screw Up" should be reprinted and given to every corporate CEO.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and Informative--an excellent read
Review: I have to admit, I'm usually snobbish when it comes to books purporting to advise me on Better Living. Unless from well-respected holy folks (and even then still), I tend to find these books cheesy--as I often find those people who don't have the sense to at least hide their copy of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. But after reading their book, I really felt that I learned from their experiences. This all happened without being talked-down to, or without them resorting to spacey warm and fuzzy motivational speaker drivel. I felt like I was getting face-time with the bosses, and they were giving me valuable advice--not just shouting down wornout platitudes. And while some people from the Right might be instantly repulsed by the sight of them, they should know that Carville & Begala go out of their way to be balanced, and that the lessons they offer can (and should) be embraced by all. For those of you considering buying this book, I'd say do it. It's both a down-to-earth and entertaining read.
Rating: 
Summary: The Hucksters
Review: The language turned me off and the out and out lies and manipulations did also. Unfortunately, my opinion is also pegged to impressions of these two on the television programs they have appeared on. I didn't bother to read more than half and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: HUMOUR...OR A SIGN OF THE AUTHORS' OWN INSECURITIES?
Review: When I picked up this book, I thought there was something of substance and value to be found among the pages. I was disappointed. First of all one has to get by the tongue-in-cheek humour, which seemed just a little to crass and off-the-wall for my liking - plain offensive might be a more suitable description. As one who is experienced in behavioural psychology, it appeared to me that the authors' attempt to emit humour, only served to reveal their own insecurities. As for the actual content of the book, there is nothing new or astonishing to be found here. Some of their political strategies bear merit (two stars for that,) and there is much truth to the fact if one tries hard and long enough, they will generally succeed. But, does that surprise us? The authors have not told us anything more than the average person could not determine using basic, good old-fashioned common sense. Perhaps some will see the attempt at humour in this book as trendy and new-age. Others, like myself, may find the offensive language and attitude takes away from any benefit the book can provide. Personally, I am relieved these two individuals are not entering the political scene in my country! I do believe the book would have earned a lot more credibiblity had the authors stuck with what they knew and not tried to become budding humourists. Richard Pryors, they are not!
Rating:
Summary: Reiterating Old, Good Ideas
Review: In an abrubt version of "Failing Forward" by John Maxwell, with a dose of Machivelli and a smidgen of Covey's "Seven Habits...", "Buck Up, Suck Up...and Come Back When You Foul Up: How to Fight and Win...in Business, in Politics and in Life" explains for the hundreth time what Horation Alger knew all along... Work hard, play smart, and be honest. That, with a little bit of luck, things will work out. Unfortunately, Paul Begala and James Carville are not afraid to explain that tenacity need not always be focused on what's best. Their adage of "It's the economy stupid" only shows that being simplistic can win the war. They do emphasize wisdom. Know your assets, increase them when you can, and spend them wisely. Whether this is a budget, polital cachet, or people devoted to your cause... use them wisely. I recommend "Buck Up, Suck Up...and Come Back When You Foul Up: How to Fight and Win...in Business, in Politics and in Life." The title is long, but the book is good. Anthony Trendl
Rating: 
Summary: Attack . . . Attack . . . and Counter-Attack
Review: Caution: This book features lots of coarse language. If that sort of thing offends you, skip this book. The two Democratic strategists combine to describe the key elements of how they feel that political candidates (whether Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals) can win elections, and successfully pursue their agendas in office. The general advice is to take the offense, and stay on it, even when on defense. Let me paraphrase the key points into a shorter list to make the concepts more understandable: 1. If you keep trying your hardest to get elected, someday you will succeed. Abraham Lincoln is the prime example. 2. Honestly seek out allies when you need them to get elected. John F. Kennedy taking on Lyndon Johnson as his vice presidential candidate is the main example. 3. Attack your strongest candidate in the general election constantly above the belt. Attack first, attack hardest, and counter-attack first. The first Clinton presidential campaign is the main example. 4. Pick the issue where the strongest general election opponent is most vulnerable, and don't let go! "It's the economy, stupid!" 5. Tell your story unceasingly in a brief, emotional, unique, and relevant way. "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" 6. Be quick to lead with your mistakes, weaknesses, and flaws by realizing that people want to hear it from you first. They will find out anyway, and you can gain credibility and trust this way. 7. Once you are in office, use your political capital wisely where it will make a difference. Build on success! I suspect that most of these points are not new to you. Why read the book, then? Actually, it's main appeal is in the self-deprecating humor the authors use in describing how determined people on both side of the political spectrum verbally wrestle for power. If you are a Republican or a conservative, you probably won't enjoy the book because there's lots of positive things said about the Democratic candidates the authors have assisted. The book also refers to Republicans, especially President Reagan, but much less intensively. As examples of the humor, Mr. Carville tells how his mother used to sell encyclopedias to help support the family by looking for men with lots of kids and a bass boat, the book has chicken salad and French toast recipes, and the authors tell about their own personal awkward moments in campaigns. Will you read about the political issues surrounding the most famous White House intern? Oh, yes. Perhaps more than you want to. Why should you want to be in office? I suggest that you have a pretty good reason . . . or you won't want to live like this. The authors leave it up to you as to whether the book applies to other fields. The section on Rule 7: Know How to Communicate was the only section that I thought provided any insights that you might not know already. But that section is quite well done, with vivid examples. If you are like me, your biggest take-away from this book is how effective open, self-deprecating humor is. Help others in all the ways you can!
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