Mississippi Politics: The Struggle for Power, 1976-2008

by Jere Nash, John Grisham (Foreword), Andy Taggart

Originally published in 2006, Mississippi Politics quickly became the definitive work on the state's recent political history, campaigns, legislative battles, and litigation, as well as how Mississippi shaped and was shaped by national and regional trends. A central theme of the 2006 edition was the state's gradual transition from a Democratic surety to a Republican stronghold. For this updated edition, authors Jere Nash and Andy Taggart examine the aftermath of the 2007 gubernatorial and 2008 presidential elections―and all the fireworks in between. This new edition adds a chapter covering the last two years and includes analyses of the 2007 and 2008 statewide, legislative, and federal elections; the resignations of Senator Trent Lott and Congressman Chip Pickering; the indictments of Richard Scruggs and other prominent lawyers; President Barack Obama's influence on the state's 2008 voting dynamics; and the election of House Speaker Billy McCoy.

Genres: Nonfiction

432 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2006

Reviews

[Brett Kenyon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Taggart is a man who regularly dressed in blackface, and his writing reflects a man who doesn’t understand why that’s problematic.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The more I think about this book, the angrier I get. Once again, Mississippi's history has been reduced to race, race, race, and race. To someone who doesn't understand the intricacies of rural Southern culture, that might seem right, but the reality is that Mississippi's political structure was built in a lot of different ways and on a lot of different kinds of foundations, and racial perspectives are only a PART of that. Thanks, Jere Nash and Andy Taggart, for giving the rest of the country one more reason to look down on Mississippi.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

After living outside of Mississippi for 5 years, I read this book upon moving back to the State. If you're interested in gaining a broad understanding of the issues and the players in Mississippi politics from 1976 to the present, this book will give you a great start. Not to mention that if you love (or just have a fascination with) the State of Mississippi or the Deep South, the stories told in this book will hold your attention very well. This was a very good read.

[Kenitta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful read.

[Lynn Shurden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful overview of Mississippi politics. I learned so much. You should read if you're NOT interested in politics.

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too bad the authors did not take off their blinders before tackling such a complex subject. They took the easy way out.

[Scott Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book but it makes you more and more angry as you read it.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and amazing read about all the shenanigans that go on in Mississippi politics.