Congress from the Inside: Observations from the Majority and the Minority

by Sherrod Brown

“While the larger story is well handled, it’s the details that make this so readable. Not for political junkies alone, but for anyone who enjoys good writing and a good story.”―Kirkus Reviews “With good humor and a light touch, Brown, at times, gently pokes fun at himself and his colleagues while still maintaining respect for our government as an institution. Brown is an unabashed partisan, but he also goes out of his way at times to provide the reader with what he believes are both sides of an issue. In an era in which sound bites and scandals dominate the news, Brown has provided readers with a very real and rare treat; a well written and reflective book from an insider’s vantage point.”―Northwest Ohio Quarterly Congress from the Inside has received high praise from the academic and political worlds for its intimate look at Washington politics. Ideal for both classroom and armchair reading, Brown’s book depicts the inner workings and deal-makings of Congress. He walks the reader through the crafting of legislation and tours the offices and meeting rooms where so much of the work of the legislature is done, introducing us to the names and faces of power. With incisive candor, Brown exposes the strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, diversity and elitism of the U. S. Congress. This third edition of Congress from the Inside is completely revised, updated, and expanded to include five new chapters. Now in his sixth term, Congressman Brown discusses the 2000 election, September 11, and redistricting. He also examines how Congress is influenced by the drug industry, the public health agenda, and the war in Iraq. Having served six terms as U.S. representative from Ohio’s 13th congressional district, Democrat Sherrod Brown was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006.

Genres: Politics

346 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Public Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, as far as political memoirs go. It doesn't hurt that my politics align somewhat with Sherrod Brown's. I was hoping for a much goopier glimpse at how the sausage is made, but there are still insights to be gleaned from this fairly orthodox view of how Congress works (or worked at one point in time). It was amusing to get an up-close view of Newt Gingrich's Republican Revolution from the other side of the aisle.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not having grown up in the USA and taken the classes in high school, I really never and still largely, don't understand the workings of the American political system. This book helped me understand a little how this works and how frustratingly rewarding the political arena can be. I came to understand that even the most well meaning and forward thinking politician can be side tracked and thwarted in his goal to achieve good governing for his party and constituents.
I will be re-reading this book many times to try to understand how this all works. I definitely have sympathy for ANY President of the USA.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading sections of this for research last year, I wanted to give this an honest read, and the now-Senator doesn't disappoint. Good to remember what things were like in the 90s, and how politics can and should work. They're not all deserving of the low approval ratings they get now. Many, including this guy, are in it for exactly the right reasons.

[Cathy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The material might be a bit dated now, but sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and treat yourself to some good reading. If you like politics, history, or studying the ways of those who are masters of their trade, then this one is for you!