The Making of an Ink-Stained Wretch: Half a Century Pounding the Political Beat

by Jules Witcover

Jules Witcover has covered American politics for more than half a century. His career extends from the "I Like Ike"days of manual typewriters and whistle-stop trains to the high-tech era of laptop computers and jet travel, covering every presidential matchup from Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush and John Kerry. In The Making of an Ink-Stained Wretch , this venerated reporter reveals anecdotes from 56 years in journalism, 52 of them in Washington, D.C., and on the campaign trail, tracing his journey from small-town reporter to nationally syndicated columnist and author. In the process, he moved from the confines of straight reporting to analysis, emerging today as a sharp critic of presidents in both parties. Witcover, as one of the original "boys on the bus,"provides a personal perspective on the life of a political writer on the road. He testifies to the often-fickle relationship between the press and the candidates, gives readers more than a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes, and writes of critical public events from close range. He was only steps away from Robert Kennedy the night of the candidate's assassination and was at Gerald Ford's side in California when another assassination attempt was foiled. He watched from the South Lawn of the White House as Richard Nixon departed Washington after resigning the presidency. He traveled with the campaign of gubernatorial and then presidential candidate Ronald Reagan and a few years ago rode the "Straight Talk Express"with John McCain. With wit and candor, Witcover captures the grit, glamour, joy, and excitement of newspaper reporting. He presents an insider's view on the changing role and style of reporters, commentators, and other shapers of opinion in today's contentious political climate.

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2005