Blue State Blues

by David R. Slavitt

s/t: How a Cranky Conservative Launched a Campaign and Found Himself the Liberal Candidate (and Still Lost)
In this witty and sharply observant memoir, David R. Slavitt recounts his day-to-day life on the campaign trail, describing the often surreal experience of being a pro-choice, pro-gay-marriage GOP candidate running against a pro-life, anti-gay-marriage Democrat. When Slavitt decided to make a run for the Massachusetts State Legislature in 2004, he knew the odds were against him. Though a well-respected writer, he was a political novice and a moderate Republican in a district where defeating any Democrat was next to impossible. But in the grandest of American traditions, hoping for the best and wanting to do some good, he threw his hat into the ring--and the result was a circus he could never have anticipated. From fundraising and door-knocking to angling for good press and mixing with nationally known candidates and officials, Slavitt navigates the choppy waters of state politics, learning as he goes. This is a fast and funny read that shows that American politics still has a heart.

372 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2006

About the author

David Rytman Slavitt was an American writer, poet, and translator, the author of more than 100 books.
Slavitt has written a number of novels and numerous translations from Greek, Latin, and other languages. Slavitt wrote a number of popular novels under the pseudonym Henry Sutton, starting in the late 1960s. The Exhibitionist (1967) was a bestseller and sold over four million copies. He has also published popular novels under the names of David Benjamin, Lynn Meyer, and Henry Lazarus. His first work, a book of poems titled Suits for the Dead, was published in 1961. He worked as a writer and film critic for Newsweek from 1958 to 1965.
According to Henry S. Taylor, winner of the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, "David Slavitt is among the most accomplished living practitioners" of writing, "in both prose and verse; his poems give us a pleasurable, beautiful way of meditating on a bad time. We can't ask much more of literature, and usually we get far less." Novelist and poet James Dickey wrote, "Slavitt has such an easy, tolerant, believable relationship with the ancient world and its authors that making the change-over from that world to ours is less a leap than an enjoyable stroll. The reader feels a continual sense of gratitude."

Reviews

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this one soon after Jacinda Ardern's memoir of her political life and the two experiences could not have been more different. I got interested in reading Slavitt's account of his "fun" candidacy after reading his May 2025 obituary, and he was definitely a character - an erudite one, though with a talent for the sound bite, a talent others seem to ascribe to his vocation as a poet. But he was also a translator, and I believe that translating and writing poetry are the two most powerful ways to fully grasp one's native language. The events of the book take place in Massachusetts while Romney was governor and John Kerry was seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for President in 2004. So this backdrop was also interesting. Slavitt described himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. The US was mired in Iraq with Bush and Cheney; the revelations about Abu Ghraib were out, and during this time period the Republican party also was sliding into the evangelical radical form of today. So it's not too surprising that Slavitt's blue state voters were leery. He mentions Republicans who hang up on him because he's pro-choice, and a meeting with Huckabee, who has an "unhealthy" interest in Israel, and still another candidate in South Dakota "scary that people like him are in the Republican Party". There's an air of contempt for the ordinary voter that pollutes this story, an air completely lacking in Ardern. Indeed, a quote from Mencken opens the book about candidates needing to "bark with the pack". I wonder if the firm cap on campaign finance spending in New Zealand were a factor. The cap may have allowed Ardern to spend her time having serious discussions with potential voters and debating other candidates, while Slavitt, who entered the race wishing to debate, ended up buying flyswatters to get the attention of an intellectually slovenly public.

[Andrew Figueiredo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A campaign digest for a ridiculously uphill battle is a great idea in theory, but in concept this is about double as long as it should be. Rather tedious to get through and Slavitt’s constant barbs at his opponent’s faith are not necessary.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by the poet/author, David Slavitt is a comical look at an elderly gentleman, who, in retirement, decides to give politics a try. Slavitt, at 68, is convinced by his son (an active member of the Massauchussetts Republican party) to run for the State House seat in Cambridge as a fiscally conseravtive, socially liberal Republican. An excellent and comical writer, Slavitt walks the reader through the year that follows. He faces an uphill battle in what has long been a progressive strong hold, but Slavitt trudges patienetly forward.

This is a great look at state politics from an outsiders perspective. Included are many opinions and observations of then Governor Mitt Romney, before he went so right wing. I highly recommend this hidden gem.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband's favorite book, I think, so I read it to understand. Have to admit I was pleasantly surprise. I thought it would be very dry but the author is an excellent (and prolific, as he is wont to remind you) writer.