Synopses & Reviews
= This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification in order to build support and shape the political process. Featuring lively stories about Patrick Kennedy—covering both public life and private citizenship, this book provides an in-depth look at the Congressman's political emergence, the effect of the Kennedy family legacy—on him and the country, and the lessons of celebrity politics in general. For those fascinated by the decades of political, social, and economic clout of the Kennedy generations and phenomenon, and Americans interested in the celebrity influence on the country's political climate today.
Review
"One of the more intriguing aspects of American politics is the significant role played by political dynastiesfamilies that generation after generation have filled key leadership positions in the country. No dynastic family has left a greater imprint on recent American public than the Kennedys. In
Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power , an insightful and lively political biography of the current chairman of the Demoncratic Congressional Compaign Committee, Darrell West explores the intersection of traditional political dynasties with contemporary celebrity politics in the newest generation of Kennedy politicians. In so doing, he teaches us a great deal about old politics and newfrom "all politics is local" to "permanent campaign." His new book is an instructive and entertaining read."Thomas E. Mann, W. Averell Harriman Senior Fellow in American Governance, The Brookings Institution
"A fascinating account of the early political life of Congressman Patrick Kennedythoroughly researched and carefully written. Step by step from his nearby scholarly perch, Darrell West traces the jagged learning curve of an emerging national figure, as he navigates the entanglements of his celebrity birthrights as a Kennedy and his chosen career as a Rhode Island politician. It's a timely and uniquely informative biography of a now-and-future national political player."Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Kanan Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester
Review
"One of the more intriguing aspects of American politics is the significant role played by political dynastiesfamilies that generation after generation have filled key leadership positions in the country. No dynastic family has left a greater imprint on recent American public than the Kennedys. In Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power, an insightful and lively political biography of the current chairman of the Demoncratic Congressional Compaign Committee, Darrell West explores the intersection of traditional political dynasties with contemporary celebrity politics in the newest generation of Kennedy politicians. In so doing, he teaches us a great deal about old politics and newfrom "all politics is local" to "permanent campaign." His new book is an instructive and entertaining read."Thomas E. Mann, W. Averell Harriman Senior Fellow in American Governance, The Brookings Institution
"A fascinating account of the early political life of Congressman Patrick Kennedythoroughly researched and carefully written. Step by step from his nearby scholarly perch, Darrell West traces the jagged learning curve of an emerging national figure, as he navigates the entanglements of his celebrity birthrights as a Kennedy and his chosen career as a Rhode Island politician. It's a timely and uniquely informative biography of a now-and-future national political player."Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Kanan Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester
About the Author
DARRELL WEST is a professor of Political Science and Director of the John Hazen White, Sr., Public Opinion Laboratory at Brown University. He is a frequent commentator on media and elections and has served as an election consultant to local television stations in Providence since 1988.
Table of Contents
I. A STAR IS BORN. 1. A Sense of Fragility. 2. On the Brink.
3. Running for Convention Delegate.
II. LAUNCHING A CAREER. 4. Running for the Rhode Island General Assembly.
5. Learning the Ropes.
6. Dealing with the Catholic Church.
7. Challenging the Leadership.
8. Surviving Palm Beach.
9. Beating the Speaker.
III. MASTERING CAPITOL HILL. 10. Running for Congress.
11. The New Republican Majority.
12. A State Strategy.
13. The Risks of Fame.
14. The Fight for a Democratic Majority.
15. The Kennedy Phenomenon.
Notes.
Index.