FINALLY A Book on Politics That's a Fun Read

"This Town - Two Parties and a Funeral - Plus Plenty of Valet Parking - in America's Gilded Capital" by Mark Leibovich   Blue Rider Press   386 pages   $27.95

The book opens from the point of view of an attendee at the memorial service at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for Tim Russert, the late "Meet the Press" honcho.  Much is made of the networking going on with the Wanters addressing the Haves with fawning adoration.  Many will later comment that it's in extremely bad taste to hand out your business card at a memorial, but, well, it's understandable... (ed. What about selfies?)

Much of the book examines the rigorous inattention of the inhabitants to anywhere other than Washington, DC, usually referred to as "This Town" in deprecating, but fond tones.  You know, showing you're an insider and have been for quite some time. 

Leibovich is the Chief National Correspondent for the New York Times magazine.  His previous workplaces include the Times Washington bureau and the Washington Post which is not so fondly often referred to as the WaPo.

The role of the lobbyists there and the usual jump from being a politician to becoming a lobbyist is thoroughly examined.  This process is often called "money-tizing the politics" or similar.  Interesting sketches of well-known pols are limned.  Harry Reid, David Axelrod, James Carville, Hillary and Bill Clinton to name only a few. 

Ever alert for Obama Adoration, I can report that Leibowich reports fairly and honestly which is a rare thing indeed in today's MSM where leg tingles and fainting women abound.