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Grounded: A Senator's Lessons on Winning Back Rural America
An inspiring and eye-opening memoir showing how Democrats can reconnect with rural and red-state voters, from Montana’s three-term democratic senator
Senator Jon Tester is a rare voice in Congress. He is the only United States senator who manages a full-time job outside of the Senate—as a farmer. But what has really come to distinguish Tester in the Senate is his commitment to accountability, his ability to stand up to Donald Trump, and his success in, time and again, winning red state voters back to the Democratic Party.
In Grounded, Tester shares his early life, his rise in the Democratic party, his vision for helping rural America, and his strategies for reaching red state voters. Leaning deeply into lessons on the value of authenticity and hard work that he learned growing up on his family’s 1,800-acre farm near the small town of Big Sandy, Montana—the same farm he continues to work today with his wife, Sharla—Tester has made his political career a testament to crossing the divides of class and geography. The media and Democrats too often discount rural people as Trump supporters; Tester knows better. His voice is vital to the public discourse as we seek to understand the issues that are important to rural and working-class America in not just the 2020 election but also for years to come.
A heartfelt and inspiring memoir from a courageous voice, Grounded shows us that the biggest threat to our democracy isn’t a president who has no moral compass. It’s politicians who don’t understand the value of accountability and hard work. Tester demonstrates that if American democracy is to survive, we must put our trust in the values that keep us grounded.
Senator Jon Tester is a rare voice in Congress. He is the only United States senator who manages a full-time job outside of the Senate—as a farmer. But what has really come to distinguish Tester in the Senate is his commitment to accountability, his ability to stand up to Donald Trump, and his success in, time and again, winning red state voters back to the Democratic Party.
In Grounded, Tester shares his early life, his rise in the Democratic party, his vision for helping rural America, and his strategies for reaching red state voters. Leaning deeply into lessons on the value of authenticity and hard work that he learned growing up on his family’s 1,800-acre farm near the small town of Big Sandy, Montana—the same farm he continues to work today with his wife, Sharla—Tester has made his political career a testament to crossing the divides of class and geography. The media and Democrats too often discount rural people as Trump supporters; Tester knows better. His voice is vital to the public discourse as we seek to understand the issues that are important to rural and working-class America in not just the 2020 election but also for years to come.
A heartfelt and inspiring memoir from a courageous voice, Grounded shows us that the biggest threat to our democracy isn’t a president who has no moral compass. It’s politicians who don’t understand the value of accountability and hard work. Tester demonstrates that if American democracy is to survive, we must put our trust in the values that keep us grounded.
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Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 4, 2020
I wrote the following review for the Missoulian newspaper:
On the sweltering Monday evening of August 29, 2005, I was part of a crowd of several thousand other people assembled to see the band Pearl Jam play the Adams Center at the University of Montana. As my friends and I waited just outside the front entrance, a burly mountain of a man with a tight flat-top haircut pressed past us and opened the door. He smiled at me and said, “I need to get inside!”
“Yeah, you do,” I said and held the door wide so he could shoulder through. When the door slammed shut behind him, my buddy said, “Who was that guy?”
“That’s the guy we are here for,” I said. “That’s Jon Tester.”
Though he’s certainly forgotten our brief interaction, the tale of that Pearl Jam show in Missoula and how it came to be is just one of many stories U.S. Senator Jon Tester relates in his new book, Grounded: A Senator’s Lessons On Winning Back Rural America. The Pearl Jam concert was a fundraiser for his first campaign in pursuit of joining the “most exclusive club in the world,” the United States Senate. Tester won that race, defeating incumbent Conrad Burns in a tightly-contested election in 2006. That election, and many events to follow, are key moments that turned a relatively unknown politician from a sparsely-populated region of a sparsely-populated state into one of the most recognizable personalities in the modern politics of the United States of America. A staunch and outspoken supporter of rural, working class people and veterans, Tester weathered, in his last campaign for re-election in 2018, a full court press by the 45th President of the United States to see him defeated. Grounded opens with that particular story, and in its telling I felt the smug satisfaction of how those events played out all over again.
There are two things I appreciate immediately about Tester’s book. First, for something it’s not: another tell-all book about the current President of the United States of a type currently dominating the world of political nonfiction. It seems every few weeks another muckraking book about how awful 45 is is breathlessly unleashed on the world and people gobble it up. This is tedious and off-putting, frankly, and the sooner these books and their ilk fade from memory the better. The point here is that if you haven’t figured out yet that the guy in the oval office is a pathological liar and a narcissist out only for himself, you’re never going to. The second thing about Tester’s book, and most important, is that Grounded is actually good! Tester is an affable guy and relates a good story, whether it is the incident with the meat grinder that cost him several fingers as a child, or his experiences as a referee for small town high school basketball. The man has always seemed to me to be a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. Since that first brief encounter with him at his big benefit show I’ve crossed paths with the senator many times over the years, in both sanctioned events and informal encounters, and he has always been friendly and generous with his time. That attitude comes through in his book, and if his stories lean a little, “Ah, shucks….” folksy it’s because that is who he is.
Biased as I am—Jon Tester is the first political candidate I ever actively participated in support of via campaign donations, attending fundraisers, etc.—I did not expect to like the book much. Yes, Tester spends quite a few pages relaying his political achievements but it doesn’t read like the chest thumping one comes to expect from this type of book. The way the book is broken up his stories overlap with stories from his youth; for example, anecdotes where his father makes the young man troubleshoot farm problems on his own (a farm Tester takes over while still in his 20s), that later serve him well in politics. These little gems help forge a larger picture of the senator, and I found myself liking him even more.
A nod must be made to co-author Aaron Murphy for the book’s readability. Murphy served as Tester’s press secretary and communications director from 2006-2013, and as his Chief of Staff from 2017-2019. Whatever role Murphy played in getting Tester’s memoir onto the page—and I suspect it was a significant one—he did so tastefully and with a light touch. This is Tester’s voice we are hearing here.
Grounded is a quick, interesting read. Tester’s political commentary on politics, from as inside as one can get, pulls no punches. I respect the honesty. Readers will come away with not just a fresh perspective on one of our country’s more notable public servants, but also, hopefully, inspired.
On the sweltering Monday evening of August 29, 2005, I was part of a crowd of several thousand other people assembled to see the band Pearl Jam play the Adams Center at the University of Montana. As my friends and I waited just outside the front entrance, a burly mountain of a man with a tight flat-top haircut pressed past us and opened the door. He smiled at me and said, “I need to get inside!”
“Yeah, you do,” I said and held the door wide so he could shoulder through. When the door slammed shut behind him, my buddy said, “Who was that guy?”
“That’s the guy we are here for,” I said. “That’s Jon Tester.”
Though he’s certainly forgotten our brief interaction, the tale of that Pearl Jam show in Missoula and how it came to be is just one of many stories U.S. Senator Jon Tester relates in his new book, Grounded: A Senator’s Lessons On Winning Back Rural America. The Pearl Jam concert was a fundraiser for his first campaign in pursuit of joining the “most exclusive club in the world,” the United States Senate. Tester won that race, defeating incumbent Conrad Burns in a tightly-contested election in 2006. That election, and many events to follow, are key moments that turned a relatively unknown politician from a sparsely-populated region of a sparsely-populated state into one of the most recognizable personalities in the modern politics of the United States of America. A staunch and outspoken supporter of rural, working class people and veterans, Tester weathered, in his last campaign for re-election in 2018, a full court press by the 45th President of the United States to see him defeated. Grounded opens with that particular story, and in its telling I felt the smug satisfaction of how those events played out all over again.
There are two things I appreciate immediately about Tester’s book. First, for something it’s not: another tell-all book about the current President of the United States of a type currently dominating the world of political nonfiction. It seems every few weeks another muckraking book about how awful 45 is is breathlessly unleashed on the world and people gobble it up. This is tedious and off-putting, frankly, and the sooner these books and their ilk fade from memory the better. The point here is that if you haven’t figured out yet that the guy in the oval office is a pathological liar and a narcissist out only for himself, you’re never going to. The second thing about Tester’s book, and most important, is that Grounded is actually good! Tester is an affable guy and relates a good story, whether it is the incident with the meat grinder that cost him several fingers as a child, or his experiences as a referee for small town high school basketball. The man has always seemed to me to be a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. Since that first brief encounter with him at his big benefit show I’ve crossed paths with the senator many times over the years, in both sanctioned events and informal encounters, and he has always been friendly and generous with his time. That attitude comes through in his book, and if his stories lean a little, “Ah, shucks….” folksy it’s because that is who he is.
Biased as I am—Jon Tester is the first political candidate I ever actively participated in support of via campaign donations, attending fundraisers, etc.—I did not expect to like the book much. Yes, Tester spends quite a few pages relaying his political achievements but it doesn’t read like the chest thumping one comes to expect from this type of book. The way the book is broken up his stories overlap with stories from his youth; for example, anecdotes where his father makes the young man troubleshoot farm problems on his own (a farm Tester takes over while still in his 20s), that later serve him well in politics. These little gems help forge a larger picture of the senator, and I found myself liking him even more.
A nod must be made to co-author Aaron Murphy for the book’s readability. Murphy served as Tester’s press secretary and communications director from 2006-2013, and as his Chief of Staff from 2017-2019. Whatever role Murphy played in getting Tester’s memoir onto the page—and I suspect it was a significant one—he did so tastefully and with a light touch. This is Tester’s voice we are hearing here.
Grounded is a quick, interesting read. Tester’s political commentary on politics, from as inside as one can get, pulls no punches. I respect the honesty. Readers will come away with not just a fresh perspective on one of our country’s more notable public servants, but also, hopefully, inspired.
September 27, 2020
I'm a Montanan who has voted for Jon Tester more than once. I've always liked him and felt he genuinely cares about people. I didn't know much about him personally though, which is why I was so eager too read his memoir. This is a casual, honest account of his life both in and out of politics.
I loved how Jon's personality came through in his writing. I appreciated learning about his family history, which also taught me things about the state I live in. What I didn't care for was how much Trump came up in this book. I understand why he told those anecdotes - I am sure most people want to hear from someone who has been a subject of Trump's wrath without being destroyed - but I could have done without all the details. The same goes for the name dropping of Jeff Ahmet and other celebrities/politicians. While the overall tone of the book is genuine, there were a few parts that felt shallow.
The book is dense at times with details about history and political events. While I found it to be interesting and uplifting as a whole, sloooow at times.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved how Jon's personality came through in his writing. I appreciated learning about his family history, which also taught me things about the state I live in. What I didn't care for was how much Trump came up in this book. I understand why he told those anecdotes - I am sure most people want to hear from someone who has been a subject of Trump's wrath without being destroyed - but I could have done without all the details. The same goes for the name dropping of Jeff Ahmet and other celebrities/politicians. While the overall tone of the book is genuine, there were a few parts that felt shallow.
The book is dense at times with details about history and political events. While I found it to be interesting and uplifting as a whole, sloooow at times.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2020
Wow! Highly Recommend For Everyone!
Not since Michelle Obama's "Becoming", have I enjoyed another book as Jon Tester's "Grounded." We have to make America great again by ridding of Trump and his enablers and bring back trust, integrity, equality, decency and transparency back to this great nation of ours if we are to survive and thrive in the future. Enough damage has been done and now it's time to heal our America! We have hope as long as we have decent politicians who took an oath to uphold our Constitution and keep that oath as Jon Tester has done!
Not since Michelle Obama's "Becoming", have I enjoyed another book as Jon Tester's "Grounded." We have to make America great again by ridding of Trump and his enablers and bring back trust, integrity, equality, decency and transparency back to this great nation of ours if we are to survive and thrive in the future. Enough damage has been done and now it's time to heal our America! We have hope as long as we have decent politicians who took an oath to uphold our Constitution and keep that oath as Jon Tester has done!
September 21, 2020
Senator Tester has written an informative, highly interesting account of his years in politics and as a U.S. Senator, and a warm and personal account of how his life on a northern Montana farm undergirded his performance as a senator. Down to earth and highly readable. His honesty and commitment to the people of Montana shine through.
October 21, 2020
Montana!
Where we come from determines where we go. Montanans are unique, like people from every other place.
Jon Tester tries to represent the diversity of Montanans, and in this well-written book, he tells the stories of how he came to be in the shoes he wears, as well as how they occasionally pinch, and cause blisters.
And he proudly points out - as a farmer, he's used to blisters.
It's a good book.
Where we come from determines where we go. Montanans are unique, like people from every other place.
Jon Tester tries to represent the diversity of Montanans, and in this well-written book, he tells the stories of how he came to be in the shoes he wears, as well as how they occasionally pinch, and cause blisters.
And he proudly points out - as a farmer, he's used to blisters.
It's a good book.
February 23, 2022
The audiobook was very good! I liked that he told his life story and career out of order.
February 21, 2024
Good book about the rather unusual path of a humble and down to earth Senator & Farmer. Also provides good insights into Montana politics.
June 10, 2024
Interesting book. I felt there were parts that were literally a word for word paragraph earlier in the book.
January 25, 2025
I bought this book while roadtripping through Montana. I learned a lot about politics and how different it can be in each state. I never heard of Jon Tester before but as far as they go. He seems like a good politician.
November 24, 2020
Interesting book about a Democrat who represents a red state. I live in rural Ohio and can relate to many of the stories about rural life. The book did seem to go into unnecessary detail about Montana political history, but maybe that history would have been more interesting if I were from Montana. All politicians should read the epilogue, which contains practical suggestions for both Democratic and Republican politicians. If you like political biographies, this one is worth a read...but if you aren’t from Montana, you may want to skim over some of the detail.
January 4, 2021
I gave up halfway through. Too much about what a great guy Jon Tester is (and he probably is) and no "lessons on winning back rural America". This is just his memoir.
March 21, 2022
Jon Tester, the senior senator from the state of Montana, is a Democrat who has continued to win in red territory. The only farmer in the U.S. Senate, Tester works M-T/F in D.C., comes home to do town hall/PR events on Saturday, and works all day on his farm Sunday. He has done this since his election to the Senate in 2006.
Tester prioritizes issues most relevant to Montanans: Veteran Affairs, Agriculture, Indian Affairs, and perhaps most importantly: making sure the federal government does not impede on the rights of citizens. Election after election, the Montana GOP tries to tie to Tester to polarizing figures. “He votes with TED KENNEDY all the time,” “He’s in OBAMA’S pocket,” “He does what SCHUMER and PELOSI tell him too.” These tactics never work, and often backfire on his Republican challenger because Montanans understand the silliness of the claims.
Similar to Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Susan Collins (R-ME), Tester often finds himself in hot water with his own party. Tester is less of a swing vote on controversial issues, like the Kavanaugh vote (voted with Democrats), and each Trump impeachment (voted with Democrats). However he has never hesitated to stick his neck out for a cause he believes in. Tester is a rare senator these days, a party leader, who chaired the Democrats’ 2016 campaign strategy, but also someone well respected by the GOP.
What I found most interesting was his HATE for Donald Trump, his “greasy haired son,” and the senators that have enabled him.
After Tester was alerted to issues with Ronny Jackson, who was the White House Physician appointed to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tester released documents of the claims made against Jackson. Stemming from his reported issues with alcohol, and his nickname “the Candyman,” because of his willingness to “give out” prescription drugs without background checks. This raised concerns with Tester, the committee, and even some Republicans. Jackson withdrew his nomination, and now represents the 13th congressional district in Texas.
Donald Trump let Tester fell his full wrath, embarrassed and angered by the bad press his friend Jackson had received. After many tweets, disparaging comments during a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and several campaign visits (4, more than any sitting president had ever visited Tester’s state) to MT for Tester’s 2018 opponent, the senior senator from Montana had enough of “playing nice” with Donald Trump. Tester would go on to win in 2018, just weeks after his vote against Kavanaugh, a move that fellow red state Senate Democrats paid for. Tester has held on, but each election has been tougher than the last.
Tester joined the senate in 2007 (elected in 2006), and when he is up for re-election in 2024, he would be seeking a fourth term. Montana has never been shy to vote their feelings, Trump won the state by 23 points in 2016, but less than two years after that Montana had sent a Democrat back to the Senate (Tester) and elected a Democrat as Governor (Steve Bullock - who ran unsuccessfully against Senator Steve Daines (R) in Montana for the senate). In 2024, Tester will be 68, by no means “old” for the U.S. Senate. However, 2024 is an election year. A year where Montana will almost undoubtedly vote for overwhelmingly for the Republican candidate for president. Tester will have to work the same magic he did in 2012, holding his seat while the state of Montana supported a Republican candidate for president.
Tester prioritizes issues most relevant to Montanans: Veteran Affairs, Agriculture, Indian Affairs, and perhaps most importantly: making sure the federal government does not impede on the rights of citizens. Election after election, the Montana GOP tries to tie to Tester to polarizing figures. “He votes with TED KENNEDY all the time,” “He’s in OBAMA’S pocket,” “He does what SCHUMER and PELOSI tell him too.” These tactics never work, and often backfire on his Republican challenger because Montanans understand the silliness of the claims.
Similar to Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Susan Collins (R-ME), Tester often finds himself in hot water with his own party. Tester is less of a swing vote on controversial issues, like the Kavanaugh vote (voted with Democrats), and each Trump impeachment (voted with Democrats). However he has never hesitated to stick his neck out for a cause he believes in. Tester is a rare senator these days, a party leader, who chaired the Democrats’ 2016 campaign strategy, but also someone well respected by the GOP.
What I found most interesting was his HATE for Donald Trump, his “greasy haired son,” and the senators that have enabled him.
After Tester was alerted to issues with Ronny Jackson, who was the White House Physician appointed to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tester released documents of the claims made against Jackson. Stemming from his reported issues with alcohol, and his nickname “the Candyman,” because of his willingness to “give out” prescription drugs without background checks. This raised concerns with Tester, the committee, and even some Republicans. Jackson withdrew his nomination, and now represents the 13th congressional district in Texas.
Donald Trump let Tester fell his full wrath, embarrassed and angered by the bad press his friend Jackson had received. After many tweets, disparaging comments during a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and several campaign visits (4, more than any sitting president had ever visited Tester’s state) to MT for Tester’s 2018 opponent, the senior senator from Montana had enough of “playing nice” with Donald Trump. Tester would go on to win in 2018, just weeks after his vote against Kavanaugh, a move that fellow red state Senate Democrats paid for. Tester has held on, but each election has been tougher than the last.
Tester joined the senate in 2007 (elected in 2006), and when he is up for re-election in 2024, he would be seeking a fourth term. Montana has never been shy to vote their feelings, Trump won the state by 23 points in 2016, but less than two years after that Montana had sent a Democrat back to the Senate (Tester) and elected a Democrat as Governor (Steve Bullock - who ran unsuccessfully against Senator Steve Daines (R) in Montana for the senate). In 2024, Tester will be 68, by no means “old” for the U.S. Senate. However, 2024 is an election year. A year where Montana will almost undoubtedly vote for overwhelmingly for the Republican candidate for president. Tester will have to work the same magic he did in 2012, holding his seat while the state of Montana supported a Republican candidate for president.
February 14, 2021
There are many reasons that this is much better than other political memoirs. One is that he is different than other political figures. He continues to farm even after being elected to the United States Senate; he goes home every weekend, wakes up early , does all the grunt work with his wife in all types of weather, and does not have independent wealth or large farm income to tide him through. But when he writes of the hard work and challenges, he is not preachy, but he writes as he is lucky because he clearly loves the land and his work.
Another is his candor about times he was wrong. Other memoirs have confessions but they come off as obligatory with more justifying and defending than admission of being wrong. Not Tester. His recounting of voting as a school board member to suspend a male high school student is frank. He concludes he was wrong, acknowledges that the school board was essentially forced to do the right thing and reinstate the student, writes with sympathy about the student and his supporters and explains why he voted as he did without trying to minimize his current belief he made a mistake.
It is also refreshing to read about a political figure who can't be pigeonholed in this time of such polarization. Tester writes with anger as he recounts negative experiences with bureaucratic regulators with no common sense, no business experience. However, Tester does not have a knee jerk reaction by wanting to get rid of regulations, he simply advocates for common sense enforcement of them.
He discusses his political campaigns with the same candor. In his first campaign, in 2006, he ran against the Washington DC establishment pick for the Democratic primary, continuing to run even after criticized for endangering the chances of Democrats picking up the seat. He continued to be at odds with the establishment even after winning the primary, he describes Charles Schumer calling him upset about Tester's debate where he supported repeal for the Patriot Act. Tester recalls telling Schumer that he knew Montana politics better than Schumer did(and for Tester, it was not just a political strategy, he explains why he believes that the Patriot Act was bad). As I read Tester's description of the exchange I realized that Tester didn't really care if Schumer reads the unflattering descriptions and how he would react.
Tester ends the book with advice on how Democrats can appeal to rural voters in red states. His advice is instructive, something that Democrats and Republicans alike could learn from.
Simply, a great book.
Another is his candor about times he was wrong. Other memoirs have confessions but they come off as obligatory with more justifying and defending than admission of being wrong. Not Tester. His recounting of voting as a school board member to suspend a male high school student is frank. He concludes he was wrong, acknowledges that the school board was essentially forced to do the right thing and reinstate the student, writes with sympathy about the student and his supporters and explains why he voted as he did without trying to minimize his current belief he made a mistake.
It is also refreshing to read about a political figure who can't be pigeonholed in this time of such polarization. Tester writes with anger as he recounts negative experiences with bureaucratic regulators with no common sense, no business experience. However, Tester does not have a knee jerk reaction by wanting to get rid of regulations, he simply advocates for common sense enforcement of them.
He discusses his political campaigns with the same candor. In his first campaign, in 2006, he ran against the Washington DC establishment pick for the Democratic primary, continuing to run even after criticized for endangering the chances of Democrats picking up the seat. He continued to be at odds with the establishment even after winning the primary, he describes Charles Schumer calling him upset about Tester's debate where he supported repeal for the Patriot Act. Tester recalls telling Schumer that he knew Montana politics better than Schumer did(and for Tester, it was not just a political strategy, he explains why he believes that the Patriot Act was bad). As I read Tester's description of the exchange I realized that Tester didn't really care if Schumer reads the unflattering descriptions and how he would react.
Tester ends the book with advice on how Democrats can appeal to rural voters in red states. His advice is instructive, something that Democrats and Republicans alike could learn from.
Simply, a great book.
April 7, 2023
This is a very effective autobiography, and part of the reason it does so well is that it tells a genuine story of a man driven to do the right thing, not simply preparing a book in advance of a run for higher office. With the help of Aaron Murphy, Jon Tester tells the uniquely Montanan story of being a Democrat in rural America. Articulating the largely libertarian values of the state he hails from, Tester's central argument is that "Character and authenticity matter," and that Democrats need to put forward candidates that really resonate with Americans in these sparsely populated parts of our nation. Rather than the typical story of elected officials in rural states who went off to Ivy Leagues and came back after years of getting rich elsewhere, this is the story of a Senator who has spent his entire life in Montana, with the memories of he and his wife having a household income well below the national average and missing fingers from the butcher shop to prove it.
Tester's book depends on the idea that he is profoundly unique among the Senate Democrats. "I'm the only U.S. Senator who manages a full-time job outside the Senate, as a farmer," he writes. It is this same background that motivates him to be a fiscal conservative within the Democratic Party, openly discussing having major concerns about the national debt, while still musing about the perilous situation of the wealthy having so much money in politics. I may not agree with all of his positions, but Tester justifies and discusses each and every controversial vote from his tenure.
This is one of the most genuinely reflective autobiographies I have read. Tester reflects on years of mistakes, such as his prior opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, and displays this evolution in the same way he discusses his proudest achievements. It's a story of a man who genuinely came up from the grassroots. Anyone interested in politics, especially on how Democrats can win over Trump country, should give this book a look. And if you care about rural states staying blue, consider donating to Jon Tester's reelection campaign next year.
Tester's book depends on the idea that he is profoundly unique among the Senate Democrats. "I'm the only U.S. Senator who manages a full-time job outside the Senate, as a farmer," he writes. It is this same background that motivates him to be a fiscal conservative within the Democratic Party, openly discussing having major concerns about the national debt, while still musing about the perilous situation of the wealthy having so much money in politics. I may not agree with all of his positions, but Tester justifies and discusses each and every controversial vote from his tenure.
This is one of the most genuinely reflective autobiographies I have read. Tester reflects on years of mistakes, such as his prior opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, and displays this evolution in the same way he discusses his proudest achievements. It's a story of a man who genuinely came up from the grassroots. Anyone interested in politics, especially on how Democrats can win over Trump country, should give this book a look. And if you care about rural states staying blue, consider donating to Jon Tester's reelection campaign next year.
April 5, 2021
I needed something different to read and I was curious to know what Tester had to say. He might not be a "name" Senator in the US outside of Montana and that region of the country but you might remember hearing his name being specifically cited by Trump. For whatever reason, Tester was a target (perhaps thought he would be vulnerable in a state that went strongly for Trump) and yet still won despite the heavy campaign to flip his seat.
And while I've known and worked with Montanans and have visited the state, I didn't know much about him. If you're familiar with these types of books you'll be familiar with this. Part memoir, part commentary, part review of his political career, you'll come to learn more about Tester, his background, how he came to run for US Senate, etc.
I'll admit, I found a lot of this dull. While his background might be different from say Schumer of NY or whoever the book is not the most scintillating. If you're into Montana politics and its recent history, care about Tester's career and/or are into farming, though, this might be interesting for you.
I do think it was worth reading for his perspective about "rural America" (careful to note that he represents Montana, which isn't the same as Wyoming or the Dakotas or even rural parts of California or New York, etc.). And if you're into politics or have kept up with them (especially in recent years), much what he says to both parties (he has a section about this at the end) isn't going to be shocking, either.
Definitely somewhat curious if this book is meant to be something "more" such as perhaps a run for governor or a way for Tester to put out his perspective if he's stepping down sooner rather than later or if this was just to perhaps take advantage of the discussions and conversations about the rural parts of the United States, etc.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me. Might be a good purchase for the right person, though!
And while I've known and worked with Montanans and have visited the state, I didn't know much about him. If you're familiar with these types of books you'll be familiar with this. Part memoir, part commentary, part review of his political career, you'll come to learn more about Tester, his background, how he came to run for US Senate, etc.
I'll admit, I found a lot of this dull. While his background might be different from say Schumer of NY or whoever the book is not the most scintillating. If you're into Montana politics and its recent history, care about Tester's career and/or are into farming, though, this might be interesting for you.
I do think it was worth reading for his perspective about "rural America" (careful to note that he represents Montana, which isn't the same as Wyoming or the Dakotas or even rural parts of California or New York, etc.). And if you're into politics or have kept up with them (especially in recent years), much what he says to both parties (he has a section about this at the end) isn't going to be shocking, either.
Definitely somewhat curious if this book is meant to be something "more" such as perhaps a run for governor or a way for Tester to put out his perspective if he's stepping down sooner rather than later or if this was just to perhaps take advantage of the discussions and conversations about the rural parts of the United States, etc.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me. Might be a good purchase for the right person, though!
October 8, 2022
The story of how a democrat could go toe to toe with Trump in a state he won by 20 points but has retained a senate seat for 3 terms has to be compelling. Tester has won over Montana by being authentic. He is the only farmer in the senate and has lost 3 fingers in a childhood butchering accident. He found ways to work across the aisle and pass almost 20 bills under Trump in a bipartisan way. His focus is on eliminating regulation on family farms, small banks, improving rural VA access and improving services to Native Americans. Those kind of things are popular in a red state. He finds ways to promote land conservation and paint his opponents as outsiders and not truly Montanan.
However for all the positives I can say about finding a way to reach across the aisle, it is clear his view of Trump and republicans has become personal since Trump campaigned so hard against him. At times he is willing to recognize the trends that Trump was able to capitalize on. He puts on this air that he was willing to work with Trump that he was reasonable but he proceeds to vote against all his Supreme Court nominees, the Trump tax cuts and immigration proposals that were popular in his state. He is very proud of his opposition to Ronny Jackson as VA secretary and while that is justified he lumps in all of the rest of his opposition in the same category.
He says nothing to criticize Biden, Pelosi, Schumer or Obama who as political beings are deeply unpopular in his home state but has plenty of complaints for republicans besides Trump. His only real diss on democrats is for not being fiscally conservative with which I fully say amen. I was impressed with how he has been able to win in red state without being a purple democrat. He agrees with most hardcore left policy. However his bipartisan appeal is important to understand and both parties can learn from him. We can’t ignore rural Americans as flyover country.
However for all the positives I can say about finding a way to reach across the aisle, it is clear his view of Trump and republicans has become personal since Trump campaigned so hard against him. At times he is willing to recognize the trends that Trump was able to capitalize on. He puts on this air that he was willing to work with Trump that he was reasonable but he proceeds to vote against all his Supreme Court nominees, the Trump tax cuts and immigration proposals that were popular in his state. He is very proud of his opposition to Ronny Jackson as VA secretary and while that is justified he lumps in all of the rest of his opposition in the same category.
He says nothing to criticize Biden, Pelosi, Schumer or Obama who as political beings are deeply unpopular in his home state but has plenty of complaints for republicans besides Trump. His only real diss on democrats is for not being fiscally conservative with which I fully say amen. I was impressed with how he has been able to win in red state without being a purple democrat. He agrees with most hardcore left policy. However his bipartisan appeal is important to understand and both parties can learn from him. We can’t ignore rural Americans as flyover country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
In full disclosure, I read the title as it is presented here: “Grounded : A senator’s lessons on winning back rural America” - that would be a wonderful title for the epilogue. The book is really an autobiography of Jon Tester. Which is fine, just not what I thought it would be. I fully expect Sen. Tester to run for president now as this seems like one of those types of books. To read this book, you would think (as I now do) that Sen. Tester did virtually nothing during the Bush and Obama Administrations (the first 10 years of his tenure as a senator) and it really wasn’t until Trump became president that he started to engage legislatively. I don’t know if that’s true, but that’s the message I get from this book. The Bush Administration is encapsulated in two conversations, one with President Bush, one with Vice President Cheney - neither substantive. The Obama administration is encapsulated with two quotes from conversations with President Obama. Both forgettable. Trump makes up most of the senatorial substantive components of book. Which is weird because it only comprises 1/3 or so of his tenure in the Senate. The rest is bio/rehashing political contests with rivals.
July 18, 2021
There are a couple of reviews stating that they didn’t need the Montana history lesson, but they fail to realize our unique history in reining in corrupt political practices has caused us to have a unique view on politics. We have no tolerance for the decadent lifestyle many in Congress take for granted, because we have to work, and work hard to make ends meet. They also fail to realize that the stories he tells, and the history he shares, are the guide Democrats need to win back rural America.
What the Senator is trying to say to all those bigwigs in Washington is that rural America needs to hear that they’re going to crack down on the actual bad guys on Wall Street and leave the little guy alone. We don’t need people in suits to tell us that they know better than us when they’ve never even experienced a winter on the Hi-Line. Come and meet us face-to-face. Don’t write us off just because we don’t have the money to compete with corporate lobbyists.
I sincerely hope that Senator Tester will be able to serve us for as long as he is able and willing, because he’s one of the good ones.
What the Senator is trying to say to all those bigwigs in Washington is that rural America needs to hear that they’re going to crack down on the actual bad guys on Wall Street and leave the little guy alone. We don’t need people in suits to tell us that they know better than us when they’ve never even experienced a winter on the Hi-Line. Come and meet us face-to-face. Don’t write us off just because we don’t have the money to compete with corporate lobbyists.
I sincerely hope that Senator Tester will be able to serve us for as long as he is able and willing, because he’s one of the good ones.
April 1, 2024
I just finished reading "Grounded" by Jon Tester. It stands out as a poignant narrative, meriting a full 5-star endorsement for its candid exploration of a remarkable journey from the rural landscapes of Montana to the halls of the U.S. Senate. Tester's memoir goes beyond politics, providing a soulful glimpse into the life of a man who's as much a teacher and a farmer as he is a senator. It's a compelling invitation to open our eyes and hearts wider, to appreciate the diverse voices that shape our nation, irrespective of background or political leaning. The book exudes a raw, earthy authenticity, presenting Tester as someone who knows the value of listening intently before speaking—a rarity in today’s fast-paced discourse. For Montanans and all Americans alike, "Grounded" is more than a read; it's a reflection on the power of staying true to one's roots in the often turbulent world of politics. As we approach 2024, Tester's resilience and integrity shine as beacons for the type of leadership we seek to uphold the values and future viability of the United States. @🇺🇸 Senator Jon Tester Jon Tester For Senate Jon Tester
November 13, 2020
Having grown up in a remote rural county in California, dominated by alfalfa fields and cattle ranches, I'm always interested to see what other people suggest as solutions to the issues faced by rural Americans. This is one of the more genuine examinations that I've read, and is readable to boot! Mostly it's a memoir, but is set in context in a way that allows the reader to get a feel for rural values. It's a positive view which in some ways is problematic as then you wonder, "why did anyone vote for Trump?" Tester has some answers, but not many. Jon Tester is the unusual Democrat as he is pro-gun, yet also in favor of common-sense rules around gun ownership. If you're really interested in his bottom-line recommendations for winning rural votes, read the last two chapters of the book.
November 29, 2021
This is a rare political memoir that is interesting simply because of who Jon Tester is: a 7-fingered farmer from rural America representing one of the reddest states in the country as a Democratic US Senator. His missing three fingers come from a meat grinder accident when he was butchering beef as a child. Those of us from rural America will relate to his depictions of growing up and being around farmers and rural life. I found myself especially enjoying his description of a stray one-eared dog that wandered on to his farm and how he segues that story into a blistering critique of contemporary pet culture. That perspective is just one example of seeing values and thoughts articulated by a voice that is seldom heard in mainstream politics. His prose radiates humility and authenticity and mostly avoids cringeworthy rah-rah party writing that too often befalls works in this genre.
May 29, 2023
Jon Tester, U.S. Senator from the state of Montana, and his book provide a refreshing reminder that the politicians who represent us don't need to come in the same party packaging as they normally do.
I really appreciated this book for several reasons. Tester's explanation of his own beginning and rationale for why he has chosen the life he has was both insightful and entertaining. He is also open about how after further reflection, he's come to regret certain decisions earlier in his career--a sign of humility which I respect. Further, it's clear that his "chances" don't keep him from pursuing what he believes to be right... And he acts.
I really enjoyed this book and have greater appreciation that there are many impressive people working in politics who we often don't hear much about.
I really appreciated this book for several reasons. Tester's explanation of his own beginning and rationale for why he has chosen the life he has was both insightful and entertaining. He is also open about how after further reflection, he's come to regret certain decisions earlier in his career--a sign of humility which I respect. Further, it's clear that his "chances" don't keep him from pursuing what he believes to be right... And he acts.
I really enjoyed this book and have greater appreciation that there are many impressive people working in politics who we often don't hear much about.
October 28, 2020
I can picture a world where I could vote for a Jon Tester even as a Democrat, but it's a long shot. Yes, he's the only farmer in the Senate and that's a huge plus - I think he ought to drag a whole boot instep full of manure into that august chamber. But he does have views that are off my mark, he'd likely end up voting for a post-birth abortion bill, although he does hate abortion. He has had successes as a Senator in getting bills passed, mostly for the VA. He doesn't go into specifics, and I fully appreciate his love for farming, but I suspect he has also voted for every subsidy that benefits farmer, even those who clearly have no need.
November 15, 2020
It is probably rare to call a memoir a page-turner. For me, this book is! Partly, it is Jon's engaging and down-to-earth storytelling and partly it is because I see elements of my own life in his descriptions of rural issues. If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas-I recommend this book!
I loved reading the behind-the-scenes descriptions of political contests and recent events. I think it says a lot about his character that there are many times where he was pulled into developing drama, did not linger in it, and got back to work for our state and country.
This man's leadership in Washington is what rain is to soil - fresh, clean and energy-giving. Thank God.
I loved reading the behind-the-scenes descriptions of political contests and recent events. I think it says a lot about his character that there are many times where he was pulled into developing drama, did not linger in it, and got back to work for our state and country.
This man's leadership in Washington is what rain is to soil - fresh, clean and energy-giving. Thank God.
September 15, 2020
Wow, here’s a political book and its NOT about Trump. Tester, a Democratic senator from the conservative state of Montana. After reading this book, Tester’s down-to-earth style, I’d love to have him come to dinner and share more, although he can leave that story out about childhood encounter with a meat grinder in which he lost several fingers, doesn’t need to be retold. His former press secretary is the co-author and has made Tester voice come through clearly. Its not a long book, but shares so much about why this Montanan is a valued senator who understands the rural lifestyle.
December 27, 2020
I bought this book because I am intrigued by Tester’s success as a Dem in a rock solid red state. I’m troubled by the rural/urban divide. I was raised rural, but have been urban most of my adult life. I hoped for some insight into how we might heal the divide. The answer: it comes down to the values and integrity of the individuals themselves. But there are some things the parties can do, and Tester offers advice to both. Here’s hoping more like Jon go into politics, and that some of his advice is taken to heart, starting with reversal of Citizens United.
January 2, 2021
I read this book after hearing Jon talk on Al Franken’s podcast. I decided it was a different genre and and perspective to hear from a real farmer and person living in rural America. Glad I read it. Not sure I agree with 100% of his rural points but at least a high percentage of them. He is pragmatic, appreciative, and honest. Jon would be a person I’d like to hang out and have a casual conversation with.
Want to read
January 12, 20211/12/21 I first heard about him from this interview about the Jan 6, 2021 insurrection. He sounds really great and I bet he'd have interesting ideas about why rural America became so susceptible to Tumpisms lies. He certainly wouldn't characterize voters he'd like to win like that though, and I bet he covers a person's demeanor as a part of the book.
Montana Senator Jon Tester: It Was Absolutely a Coup Attempt | Amanpour and Company
Montana Senator Jon Tester: It Was Absolutely a Coup Attempt | Amanpour and Company
January 15, 2021
Sadly I had not heard of Jon Tester, but I saw the reviews and thought it could be an interesting book. I had read the story of other senators, and am now adding Jon from Montana. THis also gave me a little perspective on Montana politics. Jon advocates for veterans and made great strides in that area as a democrat under the Trump administration. It definetely sounded like he made his votes in the senate based on knowledge and not along party lines.
March 6, 2021
I loved this book. An easy read by a down to earth farmer/politician. I’m thankful I was introduced to Senator Tester by watching CSPAN and the committee hearings for Mayor Pete’s nomination as Secretary of Transportation. I caught a snippet of Sen. Tester praising, now Secretary Buttigieg, for his honesty and grasp of the issues. I said this is a Senator I need to find out more about. Along comes Grounded. I recommend this book to all my friends, Dems or Reps.
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