Book Review: Game Change

I knew the 2008 election was dramatic but this books almost makes it seem like a farce. Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin certainly did not elevate my opinion of politicians, but it didn't exactly give me the warmest feeling for the authors either. The stories are repetitive and at points almost exaggerated. It was refreshing that the opinions were generally scathing all around. I didn't know much about campaigning before I read this book, but just reading about it was exhausting. These candidates have to be on all the time. And all it takes is one sound byte to set them back or potentially lose them the race. I don't know what I was hoping for in this book and I am not sure if I like what I got. Politicians are mean, scheming and selfish.

It is hard to say who got it the worst in this book, but because there was just so much "dirt" on the Clintons, and probably more people who were willing to voice their opinions it seems much of the book is focused around Hilary's campaign. While it is easy to see without the help of this book that the Clintons are not perfect, this takes it to a completely different level. It truly makes me wonder how their marriage works. It comes off as if they are more like business partners than husband and wife.

But oh did Palin get it. I don't know how much of their recount of Palin's activity in the campaign are true, but all of it is fascinating. She basically loses her mind. Completely unfit for office. And here she is two years later seemingly being groomed for the 2012 presidency. Fascinating. A fellow photographer said that he had considered moving to Denmark if she got elected. I might have him save me a seat on the plane, because by this book's account, she is completely bonkers. I mean WOW.

Overall, it definitely did not make me want to run for higher office. I don't even think I would want to run for a minor office after seeing what the candidates in this midterm election went through. 

All of the reviews of this book that I read said basically nothing except for this one: EW.com