For more than four decades, polarized politics in America has been driven by a vicious scandal machine comprised of partisan politicians, extremists on the left and right, and a sensationalist media energized by bringing public officials down. In this sorely needed book Lanny Davis, who has been in the belly of the beast as Special Counsel to the Clinton White House, explains--starting with historical scandals like Alexander Hamilton's extramarital affairs and moving on to the unsurpassable Watergate and beyond--how we reached this sorry state. Davis tells us how this poisonous atmosphere is damaging not just politics but American society as a whole. Davis also offers hope by revealing how a coalition of centrist politicians focusing on core policies that appeal to the frustrated electorate marooned in the middle can pull us back from the brink.
"Lanny Davis has shown he understands the dangers from the left and right of the politics of personal destruction."
Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT)
"This book could not come at a more appropriate time in American political life. Whether it's a debate on the war, judges, taxes, or almost anything else, the ability of Americans to engage each other with respect and dignity is being lost. Lanny Davis has been on the front lines of some of the sharpest political debates in our nation's history. We should listen and learn from his experience and o
