Synopses & Reviews
New York Times Bestseller
“Ive often said Terrys energy could light up a city, and readers of his book will know why. Terrys excitement for politics—and life—is evident on every page.”
-Senator Hillary Clinton
“If youre in the market for a cautious, impartial, understated, pedantic—and boring!—look at American politics, put this book down right now. . .”
Terry McAuliffe has been at the epicenter of American politics for more than twenty-five years. Without question the most successful fundraiser in political history, his career started straight out of college with Jimmy Carters reelection campaign in 1980, where he quickly became one of its chief fundraisers. His friends, former mentors, and close associates are a veritable Whos Who of Washington, including legendary Democrats like Tip ONeill, Jimmy Carter, Dick Gephardt, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Al Gore among many others. Terry is a forceful spokesman for his party, and has always maintained a reputation as a colorful, fun-loving character, respected even by his Republican adversaries.
What a Party! is a fascinating, hilarious, and provocative look at the life of one of Washingtons legendary figures. From wrestling an alligator to running the Democratic National Committee to his friendship with President Clinton, Terry McAuliffes wonderful memoir covers it all!
Praise for What A Party!:
“I thought I knew Terry McAuliffe as well as anyone, but this time he surprised even me. Who knew Terry could sit still long enough to give us a book this good? What a Party! is a must-read for all of us who love politics, believe in public service, and know that laughter is often the best survival strategy.” —President Bill Clinton
“No one knows more about American politics than Terry McAuliffe. He gives us remarkable insights, and his accounts are both humorous and informative.” —President Jimmy Carter
“A rollicking ride through the world of celebrity, fundraising and politics that certainly entertains.” —The Washington Post
“Terry McAuliffe delights in this laugh-out-loud look at American politics.” —The Miami Herald
“McAuliffe is one of the most colorful and successful true believers in Democratic politics, and, as Bill Clinton can attest, hes a heck of a lot of fun.” —St. Petersburg Times (Florida)
Review
"I thought I knew Terry McAuliffe as well as anyone, but this time he surprised even me. Who knew Terry could sit still long enough to give us a book this good? What a Party! is a must-read for all of us who love politics, believe in public service, and know that laughter is often the best survival strategy." President Bill Clinton
Review
"I've often said Terry's energy could light up a city, and readers of this book will know why. Terry's excitement for politics and life is evident on every page." Senator Hillary Clinton
Synopsis
A political strategist for the Clinton administration shares insider information on how key democratic initiatives unfolded behind the scenes, from the Carter-Kennedy primary contest in 1980 to Clinton's health-care reform plan of 1993, in a volume complemented by the author's proposals for the 2008 elections. 200,000 first printing.
Synopsis
For more than twenty-five years, Terry McAuliffe has been at the epicenter of American politics. Just out of Catholic University in Washington, Terry took a position with the Carter-Mondale campaign and quickly became one of the campaign's chief fund-raisers and hasn't looked back since. The list of Terrys former mentors, friends, and close associates in the nation's capital reads like a who's who of legendary Democrats: Tip O'Neill. Jimmy Carter. Dick Gephardt. Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton. Al Gore. The list goes on and on. Terry has fought hard for the Democratic Party his entire life and, as Bill Clinton reveals here for the first time, he was the first one in the party to see opportunity in the Republican gains in the 1994 Congressional elections.
Without question the most successful fund-raiser in political history, Terry established himself as a heavyweight Democratic strategist and leader who was George W. Bushs most vocal and persistentcritic during the first four years of the Bush 43 presidency. He earned rave reviews even from former critics for his groundbreaking work as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, pulling the DNC out of debt for the first time in its history. Terry has served as a confidant and adviser to President Clinton and countless presidential candidates, a mediator among party leaders, the chairman of a national convention and presidential inaugural, and a forceful spokesman for the party all without losing his reputation as a colorful, fun-loving character liked and respected even by his Republican adversaries.
What a Party! is a fascinating, hilarious, and provocative look at the life of one of Washington's legendary figures. From wrestling an alligator to running the Democratic National Committee to his friendship with President Clinton, Terry McAuliffe's wonderful memoir covers it all and is, without doubt, the political book of the year.
About the Author
Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, legendary fund-raiser, and confidant of Presidents, lives in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Dorothy, and their five children. Steve Kettmann has written for publications including the New York Times, The New Republic, and Salon.com. The author of One Day at Fenway, Steve cowrote the #1 New York Times bestseller, Juiced, with Jose Canseco.