Citizen McCain

by Elizabeth Drew

A portrait of the senator who has been on the forefront of political reform describes his efforts to restore the public's faith in politics, attempt to move the campaign-fiance reform bill through the Senate and House, and actions since September 11. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Biography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2002

Reviews

[David Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, which looks into McCain's work attempting to create campaign finance reform gave an in-depth look at how the political process works, especially in relation to a senator trying to get a single bill passed. The book seemed a little too biased toward McCain, but the internal workings of the Senate were fascinating.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

#90 of 120 books pledged to read during 2019

[Michelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the inner workings of our political system particularly in regard to campaign finance reform. It made me a bit sad that, in reality, so many are corruptible - what money will do. Not that I didn't already know this, but it's harsh to be continually reminded that no one is really immune.

On the other hand, this book painted McCain as almost inhumanly perfect. The author was supposedly unbiased - a political writer for the NY Times, maybe - so I thought a NY Times writer, writing about a Republican would be either overly critical or less biased. Maybe she was just really impressed with his handling of campaign finance reform and 9/11 so had a hard time finding any imperfections. Maybe she was just so happy that he was breaking with his party in so many regards. I'm not sure. Anyway, though I did enjoy the education of all the difficulties of passing a (what shouldn't be) controversial bill, I wasn't sure I was getting a very objective point of view.

That said, I am glad I read it. May not be too interesting if politics isn't your thing. It gets a bit detailed and possibly monotonous here and there, but as I am totally into the political thing, soaking up anything I can get my hands on, I would recommend it with qualifications.

[Brad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Completely nullified by Elizabeth Drew's later takedown of McCain during the 2008 presidential election. in Politico.

Drew's a fairly engaging writer, so it's an interesting book. Much like the rest of the political scene, it gets irrevocably changed by the events of September 11th.

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

No maliciousness intended; in fact I would say Senator McCain is admirable. I would fancy myself a policy wonk, but this book was a pain in the neck. Each page was filled with campaign finance shoptalk. If you are truly interested in what my experience reading this book was like, I'd suggest try running across a frozen pond in sodden socks. For optimal results, try it with a pair of scissors.

[Peter Nickeas · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a love fest.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Drew loves John McCain.

[Toesnorth's mom]

most boring I ever tried to read