Rating: 
Summary: MUST Read Regardless of Your Political Persuasion
Review: Aficionados of U.S. political history, regardless of their political persuasion, will immensely enjoy Rick Perlstein account of the pivotal Presidential election of 1964. Given Johnson's lopsided majority -- the largest landslide to that point in U.S. history -- the 1964 contest would appear, on the surface, to be uninteresting. However, 1964 was pivotal not for who won, but who lost and why. Perlstein, an avowed Leftist himself, adroitly recounts the rise of the new Conservative movement, which flexed its political muscles for the first time with the nomination of Barry Goldwater. Ironically, as Perstein shows, pundit after pundit proclaimed the Conservative movement stillborn following Goldwater's pitiful 27-million vote total (compared with Johnson's 43 million). It would be, Perlstein points out, one of the greatest political misjudgments in U.S. history, as the next 30 years would attest."Before the Storm" has much to commend it. A few of the more interesting anecdotes include: * Clifton White's brilliant, secretive Draft Goldwater campaign and his tactical genius in out-flanking the Rockefeller/Scranton/Lodge partisans at the convention; * the internecine struggle for the soul of the young Conservative Movement between Welch's John Birch Society and Buckley's National Review; * the rise of the Young Americans for Freedom, which would dwarf its better known liberal counterpart, Students for a Democratic Society; * the role of Bill Moyers, the holier-than-thou PBS personality, in pioneering a new advertising genre: the political attack ad. * the dramatic political debut of Ronald Reagan, with his acclaimed "A Time for Choosing" speech -- broadcast nationally on election eve. I could go on and on. "Before the Storm" is neither a paean to, nor an attack on, the Conservative Movement. Rather, Perstein's account is thorough, well researched and even handed. A MUST read for political fans of all stripes.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Politics
Review: Before going any further I will cut to the chase and give 'Before The Storm' a wholehearted endorsement. I came to this book via a personal recommendation and I am very glad that I acted upon the suggestion to purchase a copy of this excellent book. Briefly the book tells the story of Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign of 1964 and the incredible political landscape of the early 1960's. Goldwater and his campaign drove a coach and horses through the cosy two party system of American politics. He shattered the consensus that had held the Republican and Democratic parties in the centre and created a rallying point for the right in America. This is a wonderfully readable book, it is definitely not some dry, weighty political tome. I myself knew very little of the politics of the era and had many 'jaw dropping' moments while reading he book. To European readers the level of America paranoia about communism during the early sixties is quite astonishing and the book brilliantly shows the heights and the depths that madness reached. I read with incredulity about obviously intelligent individuals who managed to convince themselves that what was patent nonsense was fact. For example many believed that not only could America survive a nuclear war but should embrace it in the name of freedom. The book clearly demonstrates that in the name of freedom a great many of these people were prepared to trample underfoot the very freedoms that their founding fathers had enshrined. I came to this book as a student of the Vietnam War and read with great interest about the prestigious American colleges who eagerly embraced the politics of the right in the early Sixties. However a few short years later almost all of them performed a complete about face and became the most vociferous opponents of the Vietnam War. The book has helped me understand a little better the political background to some of the decision making that led to American involvement in Vietnam. The Sixties are generally thought of as the ear 'flower power' and 'free love' but I am afraid that is not entirely true and this book exposes that myth. Another interesting facet of the book is the account of Richard Nixon's desperate toiling to win the approval of the Republican party and ultimately the Presidential nomination. In my view this book belongs squarely in the 'must read' category and any serious student of American politics of the Sixties should certainly put it on their reading list. Those of us with an interest in the Vietnam should make a point of reading the book. If they do not they will leave a gaping hole in their understanding. I would like to pass along the recommendation I received and urge to read this book.
Rating:
Summary: This is an historical keeper!
Review: Don't bother with this book if you are a partisan (right or left) who simply wants a quick read to confirm your own opinions. Rick Perlstein did not write this for you. Begone! For the rest of you, Perlstein's first book is an adventure in politics not soon forgotten. I had read so many pro and anti- Clinton books over the past several years...few whose titles even come to mind any more, that I was totally unprepared for this outstanding, thoughtful and balanced account of the development of a conservative movement I had hardly given any thought to. It had always existed...hadn't it?
First, this is a lengthy account, perhaps a bit more than necessary, and as has been noted in earlier reviews, not without a few flaws and some interpretive license taken. Still, I sit here amazed that a writer of his youth and political bent could put together such a balanced history and with such depth!
Though each of his chapters were interesting and well developed, some highlights stood out for me. His fast moving account of the Young Republican Convention was hilarious. His Orange County stories were especially interesting as I lived there as a boy during those days. By the way, it was a great place to grow up; hardly the Fascist stronghold harboring the thought police endlessly seeking out to destoy anyone with a remotely liberal idea. Finally, his blow-by-blow description of the Republican National Convention was an absorbing and engrossing page-turner
Perhaps for me, the most compelling part of the book was the drive, ambition and accomplishments...not of Goldwater...but Clif White, whose political savvy and conservative dedication combined to be such an important force in bringing the conservative movement and Barry Goldwater into mainstream America. Perlstein shows how a basically honest, but politically inept Goldwater was no match for a dishonest, shrewd and ruthless Johnson/Moyers team. He showed how political operatives could take the issues of the day--the racial discontent throughout the East and South, and the fear of war, and turn them to your advantage by attaching them to your opponent...and making them stick! To this author's credit, I'm not sure whom he disliked more...Goldwater or Johnson. I sensed neither earned his admiration. It is his balance and detailed research that demand that this effort be acclaimed as a definitive account of an explosive and changing time in American politics. Today's conservatism needs no Clif White to bring it to a naive and vulnerable Republican Party. It has been refined and accepted by America. It can withstand the attacks against it by racial agitators, eco-terrorists and social engineers, as it could not do back in 1964. But how did it get from that disastrous night in November 1964 to where it is today? "Before the Storm" demands a sequel. I look forward to Perlstein's next.
Rating: 
Summary: An important story marred by poor writing
Review: Goldwater's disastorous 1964 Presidential campaign is the vehicle for telling the book's real story: the rise of the ultra-conservative movement in American politics in the sixties. It is undoubtedly an important story, and one that Perlstein has researched considerably. However, Perlstein's work is undone not by his findings, or his damaging portrayal of the burgeoning right-wing movement -- I concur with him on these points -- but by very lazy presentation. Perlstein has obvioulsy drunk deep at the David Halberstam well. He can rattle off an anecdote, but he is dreadfully prolix. The book is at least two hundred pages too long. No reader opening a book on sixties politics needs an eight-hundred word summary of Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove. Perlstein has also made a mess in organising his material; he leaps back and forth, from person to person, without ever stitching the requisite parts together. One moment Henry Cabot Lodge looks to be the certain favourite for the 1964 Republican nomination, and we are treated to fifteen pages on the organisation of his campaign; later we are told, almost as an aside, that he has withdrawn from the race, and Perlstein never explains why. Sam Tannehaus's 'Whittaker Chambers' is a much more assured analysis of the growth of anti-communist hysteria in the fifties and sixites, and is considerably shorter and better crafted than Perlstein's book. A more thorough editor and an author more intent on telling the story carefully and well would have made 'Before the Storm' a much better book than it is.
Rating: 
Summary: Quality book
Review: If you are interested in the history of the contemporaty American conservative movement, this is close to a "must read". A real strength is Perlstein's research, especially archived private letters of such notables as William F. Buckley, Henry Regnery, Clarence Mannion, and Goldwater himself. Also, the book covers the roles of some figures of the right whose importance has been largely overlooked, e.g., Regnery, Mannion, and Robert Welch. However, this book is not without its flaws. Though Perlstein's unorthodox prose rather grew on me, some readers might not be so kind. Also, though it is obvious that Perstein is a man with a sense of humor, he was at times a little too cute for my tastes. Along these same lines, Perlstein wore his liberal political bent a little too much on his sleeves. Finally, I am not sure the book lived up to its billing as telling the story of how American political history was forever changed in 1964. In other words, I think the book is better described as "interesting", as opposed to "important". However, this is a quality book, and I tip my hat to Perstein on his first effort.
Rating:
Summary: Quality book
Review: If you are interested in the history of the contemporaty American conservative movement, this is close to a "must read". A real strength is Perlstein's research, especially archived private letters of such notables as William F. Buckley, Henry Regnery, Clarence Mannion, and Goldwater himself. Also, the book covers the roles of some figures of the right whose importance has been largely overlooked, e.g., Regnery, Mannion, and Robert Welch. However, this book is not without its flaws. Though Perlstein's unorthodox prose rather grew on me, some readers might not be so kind. Also, though it is obvious that Perstein is a man with a sense of humor, he was at times a little too cute for my tastes. Along these same lines, Perlstein wore his liberal political bent a little too much on his sleeves. Finally, I am not sure the book lived up to its billing as telling the story of how American political history was forever changed in 1964. In other words, I think the book is better described as "interesting", as opposed to "important". However, this is a quality book, and I tip my hat to Perstein on his first effort.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous reporting, masterful writing
Review: In my experience, it's rare to find a book that features both thorough, impeccable reporting (primary sources, no less) and wonderfully skilled writing. "Before the Storm" is that rare book. I have read it through twice in the two years that I've owned it, and I enjoyed it even more the second time. As a 45-year-old liberal, I harbor little memory and no nostalgia for Mr. Goldwater. Though I enjoy reading political nonfiction, I would not have expected to enjoy a book about a long-ago, lopsided presidential race featuring a right-wing extremist as the Republican candidate. But a New Yorker book review intrigued me, so I checked out the book. It is the finest book I have read in the past two years. As others have said, readers from all points on the political spectrum will find "Before the Storm" interesting. Why not? A great book transcends narrow labels. I would read anything Rick Perlstein writes, and I anxiously await his next work, whatever it may be.
Rating:
Summary: A Detailed Look at "Mr. Conservative"
Review: Mr. Perlstein, who is by no means a conservative, shows how people who disagree with a politician or any person can write a mostly fair and accurate biography of that man or woman. There are so many things about Goldwater that Perstein brings to light. I am a big Goldwater fan, but I still learned some things. It might surprise many that some of Barry's most fanatic supporters were in fact young people. Many of the people in his early rallies in 1962-63 looked like they might be at a rock concert based on their age and enthusiam. Our younger people are the ones who often starve for a strong and brave political message that is not "watered down". No one can say that Goldwater or his message was not direct enough. This book does a good job in showing us his courage and determination but it by no means leaves out those somewhat negative or embarrasing things that so many biographies manage to do. I agree with an earlier reviewer in that it falls short in that it does not follow up much on him after 1964. Barry Goldwater DID NOT just go away after the loss in 1964. He re-captured his senate seat in 1968. He was a key figure in defending Nixon during Watergate, though only to the extent that he believed Nixon's lies. It was Barry Goldwater who was given the task by fellow Republican senators of telling Nixon that it was "time to go". There is a lot missing on the later controversy created by those who felt Goldwater moved to the left in the 80's. But this is mostly a book about Goldwater through 1964 and the conservative movement that he helped create. I was not sure that Perlstein fully understood the dynamics on how Reagan succeeded Goldwater as the leader of the right in the mid 1960's, but little else is missing.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy effort with great depth
Review: Perlstein has definitely done his homework. Before the Storm incorporates the author's super detailed research into a highly readable and enjoyable account of the Goldwater campaign and the general rise of conservative politics in the early 60's.
AS noted in other reviews, he gives the reader a good understanding of the characters involved with this political intrigue and the organizations that they formed as a result. My only complaint as far as information goes would be that he should have also examine the IDEAS and BELIEFS of these people and groups more closely and also wrapped the book up with a conclusion of sorts. In addition, it seemed like there was a little too much attention paid to extremist groups that had little impact and often times a few too many meaningless names were dropped.
Perlstein, a liberal, does manage to hide almost all instances of bias and the work comes off as quite objective considering this circumstance. My only complaint here is that there a couple instances early in the book that he tries to argue that the government ties these conservatives had on fairly flimsy set of connections.
All in all I highly recommend this work for conservatives or political enthusiasts in general. It is great example of the nuts and bolts of political activity contributing to a much larger movement.
Rating: 
Summary: great story but lean on analysis
Review: Rick Perlstein is an excellent writer, and here he tells a great story. He attempts to capture the general mood of the time and especially the political climate. This was in the aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination; words like "hate" and "extremism" were everywhere. And even though the Cold War had thawed slightly after the Bay of Pigs in '62, that war was still very much on people's minds, still very much a source of fear. And that was another watchword for 1964--"fear." DR. STRANGELOVE played on those fears to humorous effect and highlighted the dangers and absurdity of nuclear war. (As another reviewer has pointed out, Perlstein does, however, spend a bit too much time on an overview of that film, important though it was, and afterwards constantly refers to it.) This is primarily a story about campaign politics, and Perlstein is at his best when describing the behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing that made Barry Goldwater the Republican nominee. However, readers should know that Perlstein focuses on political action and organization rather than on the animating ideas behind the movement. In general, this doesn't affect the book, but a full appreciation of what people were doing and why requires treatment of the core ideas. For example, Perlstein devotes much space--and many colorful anecdotes--to the activities of the John Birch Society, the Young Americans for Freedom, and the libertarian Republicans in places like Orange County, California, but we don't really get to see why they were cooperative or antagonistic with each other; and the significance of William F. Buckley's uniting project is lost. (For a treatment of the ideas, I'd recommend George Nash's THE CONSERVATIVE INTELLECTUAL MOVEMENT IN AMERICA.) I was also disappointed by the absence of any real or substantive analysis. Besides some general introductory remarks, there is nothing that passes for analysis. There isn't even a conclusion; the book disappointingly and abruptly ends in midstream immediately after LBJ's landslide. Thus, the title and subtitle are misleading. What is the "storm"--the consequent rise of conservatism and the triumph of Reagan in 1980? We're never told. And how did Barry Goldwater unmake the American consensus? We get some idea of how he disrupted the reigning Republican consensus of the eastern establishment (but we get no sense of the consequences and how this contributed to the "Reagan Revolution"), and from our twenty-first-century vantage point, we know that many of his ideas are accepted as political orthodoxy today (on the right and left). But just how this happened is left to the reader and his apparently assumed store of political knowledge. BEFORE THE STORM is more journalism than history, and that's fine. As journalism, the book is interesting, insightful, thought-provoking, thorough, and objective. Perlstein takes us into the trenches and shows us what happened in all possible (but not superfluous) detail. He fleshes out personalities and captures emotions. In short, he tells a riveting story without bias. As journalism, as narrative, the book succeeds.
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