All Politics Is Local: and Other Rules of the Game

by Thomas P. O'Neill, Gary Hymel

No one knows the inside rules of politics better than Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the House and a master of his trade. Having spent fifty years in elected office, from the back wards of Cambridge to the back rooms of Congress, O'Neill has learned what it takes to get elected - and what it takes to stay in power. In All Politics Is Local, O'Neill shares his secrets of success.
With colorful humor and street-corner smarts, O'Neill explains the rules of the game in a straightforward and entertaining manner. First, he states a fundamental rule of politics, such as "Your Word Is Everything," "Don't Give Speeches That Are Pure Bunk," and "Today's Adversary May Be Tomorrow's Ally." Then O'Neill tells a story to illustrate why these rules are true. "Storytelling is the easy part," O'Neill writes. "Sometimes I had to think hard what the principle was."
O'Neill has spent a lifetime studying our greatest politicians at work, from Franklin Roosevelt and James Michael Curley to Bill Clinton. He has played poker with Richard Nixon, wheeled and dealed with LBJ, and feuded with Ronald Reagan. In All Politics Is Local, O'Neill reveals what he learned from those experiences and many others.
Along the way, O'Neill provides a lifetime's worth of insight and advice about the political process - the four ingredients to every campaign; why every politician should have a good accountant; how to work the press; why it's so important to use clout; and when to protest.
Tip O'Neill is a national treasure. All Politics Is Local will be enjoyed and studied for generations.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

190 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1993

Reviews

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tip O'Neill was one of the last great politicians. An ardent Democrat, he was willing to work across party lines to get things done. He and Reagan would joust on politics, but would never make it personal. We could use a leader like this today.

In addition to being a great primer for anyone entering politics, much of Tip's advice could be used for anyone entering the public life - as a business owner or a speaker.

A gem of a book with good advice, and even better stories.

[Anisa Hajimumin]

Politics explained simple, lessons learned, what ought to be done, what the politician should know, and more on a personal level experience. Interesting to those wanting to know politics, but above all, all politics regardless of where and how are all the same and one can see the relation.

[Mary Interdonati · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good and entertaining for a book about politics!

[Miguel A. Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a fairly quick read. A buddy had recommended it. Tip gives great stories and explanations to his “tips” on how to have a great public service career. Anyone who is looking to enter public service should read this. You will find more gems in it that’s relevant today than a few others sources out there.

[Kaitlin Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Many comments I related to through my work in politics and I enjoyed learning a few new lessons. A quick, easy read that’ll make you smile and laugh out loud quite a few times!

[Cathy Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful funny read; with some excellent advice more politicians should be aware of

[Tom Mccutchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read - even though this book was pretty short, I learned a lot from it. Tip O'Neill was a master politician.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful little read. One to two page anecdotes about his life in politics. Excellent compliment to Tip O'Neill and the Democratic Century.

[Ken Bickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tip O'Neill called this little book a political primer, and I guess that's a good description. Each chapter is 1 or 2 pages long, and each includes humorous (for the most part) and sensible advice for anyone interested in politics. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the stories involve other legendary politicians. For instance House Speaker Sam Rayburn (Lyndon Johnson's mentor) once acknowledged newly elected congressman Daniel Inouye of Hawaii by telling him he was the best-known member of the House, next to Mr. Sam himself. "Me?" said the astonished Inouye. "Well just think about it son," said Rayburn. "You're the only one-armed Japanese in the whole place!" Inouye, for those who don't know, was a decorated US Army veteran of World War II, who lost an arm in combat in Italy. I recommend it for a light-hearted look back at politics before it became as polarized as it now is.

[Chris Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book anyone who ever want to run for office should read I wish I read this book 2 years ago. This si know my new favorite book.

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, little book from Boston's own Tip O'Neil. If you love political stories, this is the book for you!

[JRB · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's cute, if a political book can be such a thing.