What a Party Audiobook By Terry McAuliffe, Steve Kettmann cover art

What a Party

My Life Among Democrats

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What a Party

By: Terry McAuliffe, Steve Kettmann
Narrated by: Terry McAuliffe
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For a generation of Democrats, Terry McAuliffe has been the ultimate political insider: strategist and spokesperson for the party, confidant for the candidates, mediator among party leaders, and, without question, the most successful fundraiser in political history. Now, McAuliffe's energetic memoir provides readers with a fly-on-the-wall view, from the front lines to the back rooms where deals are made, strategies conceived, initiatives launched, and elections won. Or, sometimes, lost.

With revealing anecdotes that take you from the Carter-Kennedy primary contest in 1980 through the Clinton years to the near victories and crushing losses of the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, this is a fascinating, hilarious, in-your-face look at Congress and Washington, D.C., behind the scenes.

©2007 Terry McAuliffe with Steve Kettmann (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc. History & Theory Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Democrat Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"What a Party! is a must...for all of us who love politics, believe in public service, and know that laughter is often the best survival strategy." (Bill Clinton)
"I've often said Terry's energy could light up a city....Terry's excitement for politics and life is evident on every page." (Senator Hillary Clinton)
"No one knows more about American politics than Terry McAuliffe. He gives us some remarkable insights and knows how to make his accounts both humorous and informative." (Jimmy Carter)
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A wonderful,smart, personal, and funny account of our recent history through the perspective of an insider who is unabashedly passionate about our country's ideals and institutions, angry at the stupidity and cynicism of the current administration, and accepting of the rules of political battle. His account of the inner workings of campaigns - and of what was the matter with the Kerry machine - is fascinating. Uplifting. McAuliffe does the narration - very well.

Great Listen

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In the first paragraph of this book, the authors states not to expect an unbiased look at politics. No statement could be truer.
First the good: this was darn funny and extremely entertaining, and grabs your attention from the first sentence. It flew by and I definitely really enjoyed it. It was a great very raw look at the game of politics, and if you were not cynical before, you soon will be. But you’ll be laughing the whole way.
That bad: this is Clinton writing at its worst. There is not a single insightful introspective sentence in the entire work. This is just a constant tirade about how the democrats and the Clintons in particular are perfect, while the Republicans are a bunch of thieves who have nothing to offer the country except lies and scare tactics. Furthermore, all of the Democrats problems are due to persecution at the hands of biased press and Republican witch hunts. In this regard, it reminds me a lot of Clinton’s “My Life”.
It would be nice if the book could muster some objectivity to analyze the democratic strategy, both strengths and flaws, and add some insight into the author’s regrets, thoughts on his achievements, and reflections on the last 20 years. However, he offers nothing in this regard, just a diatribe against anyone who was not in the Clinton’s camp. Of course the author is perfect in his loyalty to his friends, and his actions throughout 20 years in politics. The only thing approaching how humerous and entertaining the stories in the book are is the uniformly single sided viewpoints offered. Entertaining, but you are not going to learn anything except how dirty politics is. The audio was excellent.

entertaining, but...

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The parts where he's describing the campaign trail and the inner workings of politics are fascinating, but he spends so much time slobbering all over the Clintons that it gets annoying and I'm beginning to think he has a man crush on Bill. I mean, we get it, Clinton was a great president, but you don't need to spend half the book telling me what a amazing guy he has. I think Terry gets the same "tingle" down his leg when he talks about Bill that Chris Matthews has for Obama

interesting but unfocused

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Absolutely loved this audiobook. I purchased it with some hesitation not knowing what to expect, but the book provides a rare combination of being both first hand and unpretentious as it reveals the amazing inner world of high-level political players. One of the most enjoyable listens I have had in years.

great fun

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So much more interesting and real than most politicians books. So many familiar names too, it reads really well today.

Just Get It

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A great listen - really enjoyed it.

What a Party

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