Feingold: A New Democratic Party

by Sanford D. Horwitt

Russ Feingold is a rarity in American politics. A staunch civil libertarian, he was the only member of the U.S. Senate who voted against the ill-conceived USA Patriot Act that was rushed through Congress in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2002, while the Bush administration's fabrications and scare tactics persuaded an overwhelming majority of the Senate to vote for the Iraq war resolution, Feingold opposed it. Washington insiders thought such controversial votes could doom Feingold's 2004 reelection. But he won by a near landslide, far outdistancing his party's presidential candidate, John Kerry.

Sanford D. Horwitt writes in this timely, compelling independent biography that Russ Feingold "represents the progressive side of the Democratic divide more clearly and authentically than any successful politician on the national stage." The third-term senator's willingness to take bold stands -- he was the first in the Senate to call for a timetable for redeploying U.S. troops from Iraq -- has inspired a growing number of rank-and-file Democrats across the country.

Drawing on scores of interviews and historical documents, Horwitt shows that Feingold's authenticity is deeply rooted in the old progressive tradition personified by one of his heroes, Robert M. La Follette, the legendary Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator. "Fighting Bob" and the other great reformers of the Progressive Era placed a high value on honest, efficient government, investment in public education, health and infrastructure, and curbs on corporate power and other wealthy interests in the political process.

Feingold became known to a national audience when he teamed up with Republican John McCain on campaign finance reform legislation. After a seven-year battle, the McCain-Feingold bill became the first major reform of the campaign laws since the Watergate era.

Feingold, who grew up in a small southeastern Wisconsin town, is a man of modest means and the grandson of Jewish immigrants. In this lively portrait, Horwitt evokes mid-century Janesville, a Republican stronghold on the banks of the Rock River, where a precocious Rusty Feingold absorbed lifelong lessons about the importance of community and personal integrity.

Beginning with his first election to public office, he has defied conventional political wisdom and long odds, Horwitt tells us, a pattern that has been repeated throughout his career. Feingold has shown how a new, reinvigorated Democratic Party can stand for progressive ideals, resist the corrupting influence of special interests and win elections.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Biography

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 2007

About the author

Sanford D. Horwitt is an author, book critic and policy advisor to foundations and nonprofit organizations concerned with promoting civic engagement and strengthening democratic institutions. He is the author of "Let Them Call Me Rebel," a biography of Saul Alinsky. His book reviews and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, and other publications. In Washington, he was a speech writer for Congressman Abner Mikva.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back when I still thought of myself as a (moderate) Republican, I was for Feingold. Like many Wisconsinites, I found him to be an unfortunately rare type of politician who was forthcoming, morally brave, and principled. I like Russ Feinfold, so I enjoyed reading this book. That said, it is a book with flaws.

Pretty quickly, it's apparent that this is more a work of political promotion than an objective biography. The author is obviously a fan and the Feinfold presented in this book is firmly in the Mr. Smith Goes to Washington mode. We hear about the young Feingold in high school, popular with students and teachers alike, a young Wisconsin progressive, a true son of the Heartland. This is all true, as far as it goes, but it is presented in breathless tone as though Feinfold's upbringing was somehow unique in its goodness, even though none of this seems beyond the experience of any above-average young man.

The book hits its stride when it gets into Feinfold's political life, which was fairly remarkable.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! This book catalogues the life of Russell Feingold and gives proof that he is the most principled, independent, intelligent, thoughtful, honest, and progressive senator (or politician for that matter) in our national landscape. This book just highlights the fact that Feingold is everything that we hope politicians can/should be. Reading this book can give you hope for our country and our world. Please read this book!

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, I’m a believer.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The names cited in the acknowledgments (and the tone) would seem to indicate that the author is a Feingold fan. And that's fine. The author hints that Feingold has a winning formula for Democrats. A provocative argument. It might be true, but I'm not convinced by what I read, probably because a full defense of that argument goes beyond the scope of the book. A light, enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll admit I skimmed here and there but this book contains some good information about a true standout and Progressive in the Senate. Notable: Rhodes Scholar, McCain-Feingold Bill (Profile in Courage Award), lone Democrat to vote to continue Clinton impeachment trials, lone opposer of the Patriot Act, vote against allowing Bush to invade Iraq.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horwitt has produced a run-of-the-mill biography of the Wisconsin senator who has taken bold, not always popular stands. Feingold’s childhood, high school, and college years are covered in almost painstaking detail, while is first divorce is covered in six lines; the second divorce rates one sentence. It’s a one size fits all biography. Feingold deserves better.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the subject matter more than the author.

[Katiesmurphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is 4 stars, for the pacing more than anything. But Feingold is 5+.

[John Bohnert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope Russ Feingold wins in November 2016 in his bid for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. I donated $100.00 to his Senate campaign even though I live in California. Russ is my kind of politician.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazing man, not the greatest biography - but interesting nonetheless.

[Larry Koester]

Made me appreciate the man what he stands for.