Backrooms and Bayous: My Life in Louisiana Politics

by Robert Mann

State history, behind-the-scenes stories, funny anecdotes, and life lessons come together to form Robert Mann's indelible memoir about his life and career alongside some of the most powerful lawmakers in the South. Offering an in-depth, personal perspective of working in government, Mann shares the lives of major politicians and how they affected his own beliefs, eventually shifting his ideological views. Mann has known every Louisiana governor--aside from Uncle Earl--since 1944. He has interviewed past presidents, senators, and aides as a journalist and served as press secretary to two of the most influential Louisiana legislators. He acted as press secretary to the 1990 US Senate reelection campaign of J. Bennett Johnston when he defeated former Klan leader David Duke. He helped elect Mary Landrieu to the US Senate, and his engaging stories range from Russell Long's struggle with his father's past to how Mann lost John Breaux's suitcase. Through it all, Mann writes with humor and empathy, casting politics and politicians in a refreshing, human light. His life story serves as both a cautionary tale for young people seeking a political career and an entertaining recitation of his decades of experience, offering a fresh look at Louisiana political history.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 9, 2021

Reviews

[Michael Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to read almost every political book I can get my hands on, and this is a great one - especially if you're interested in the Bayou state. Many political books focus on corruption and dirty deeds. In a state with a 'colorful' history like Louisiana this can be especially true. But as you follow the author's journey through almost 50 years of public service, you don't get the usual belly-full of corruption and vice. Instead, he focuses on the hard-working and good people who have labored to be true public servants for our citizens - from the perspective of one of those public servants. Bob looks for the best in everyone and it shines through in his writing. If you're interested in Louisiana politics, or any politics at all, you should read this book.

[Kensie Yeates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being one of Bob’s students at LSU for many of my political communication courses. He taught us how to build campaigns and write a searing op-ed, but he certainly held out on telling us the vast and vivid detail of his distinguished career in Louisiana politics. This book is an excellent read, especially for someone starting out in their career, and even more so, for someone who works closely with politics. His story is one that takes place in the thick of political trenches but is grounded in his learned wisdom that tells us our number one objective should be extend grace to our neighbors. Despite differences we may have, we are similar in that we are human. Full of interesting anecdotes, practical lessons, musings and confessions, opening this book was like going to Bob’s class in the Journalism building for a bonus round. Much like my last day of classes at LSU, I wasn’t quite ready for this story to end.

[Bart Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't take long to realize you're reading a book by a liberal author who has spent a great amount of his professional life in behind-the-scenes politics. One is able to determine that within thirty pages.
Mann worked more than two decades as a "spin-doctor" for his employers. His take of Governor Blanco's reaction to the Hurricane Katrina disaster and debacle is quite different from what I recall, while I was in Texas. Still, I think anyone with more than a passing interest in seeing the "human' side of politics and politicians will enjoy this read. If you live Louisiana during the 1980s- 1990s, it should be an even more rewarding read.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

My timing on this one was excellent. I didn't realize how much it would be about Katrina (although I should've guessed) and it gave me a new perspective on what happened-- from the state government, looking at New Orleans and battling the Bush Administration as they starved Louisiana of resources. It also gave me a new appreciation for what we lost when Louisiana's Senators all became Republicans.

For anyone who has ever worked on a political campaign or on a politician's staff, this is an essential memoir.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Mann is one of the deans of Louisiana political commentators, watching the Bayou State evolve from Republican Dixiecrats under John McKeithen to Democratic populism under four-term charmer Edwin Edwards to successive Republicans and now two-term Democrat John Bel Edwards. Good insight and explanations for the successes and failures of governors, lawmakers and others who rose or sank in public life. In my home state, Louisiana politics always offers entertainment and the author tells terrific stories.

[Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insider’s look at politics in Louisiana over the last 30 years. Mann is generally partisan when it comes to his candidates and the other side. It mostly positive spin, which makes sense from a former communications director for various Senators and Governors. I would have liked to learn more about the hazy line between journalism and politics. I wonder why Mann never thought to run in an election.

[Marti Leighty · Rating 5 out of 5]

an engaging retelling of a remarkable career serving the public.

Bob Mann is an excellent writer. His engaging prose mixed with delightful stories makes for enjoyable reading. His clarity of style brings the world of Louisiana politics to life in a manner that is readily understandable to all.

[Lafayette Public Library Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of Robert Mann's life in politics beginning with his time as a newspaper reporter to his career in national and state politics. The book offers quite a bit of an insider's view of how things work in politics, but I often found his defense of his employer's actions questionable.

[Adamdaigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very honest, reflective look on his own career in journalism and politics. Well done.

Side note: My first newspaper job was in Leesville. Gloria Owen was a thorn in my side as well.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, Bob!