DESCRIPTION

“Who else but Ed Rollins - the brilliant, bare-knuckled political consultant - would dare give us the inside story on how Washington really works? Famously outspoken, Rollins is a true maverick whose gift for winning campaigns is matched only by his talent for generating controversy. Now, in this astonishingly candid book, he delivers a no-holds-barred, hugely entertaining account of his thirty-year career in American politics.” “Rollins has worked for almost every major Republican politician of the past two decades, but he was never a member of the Washington aristocracy. Raised in the tough shipyard town of Vallejo, California, he fought as a championship amateur boxer and won over 160 bouts. His love of politics was kindled when he worked for Bobby Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1968, but after Kennedy’s assassination and a life-changing experience during a violent anti-war demonstration, he joined the Republican party. By 1981, he had worked his way up to a job in the Reagan White House; the following year, he became the president’s top political adviser. He has battled at the center of the political arena ever since, and he and his candidates have won far more often than they have lost.” “If Rollins loves anything more than a good fight, it’s a good story. Here is Richard Nixon complaining to him about the lack of a “nut-cutter” in the Reagan administration; Nancy Reagan berating him for his atrocious attire; Barbara Bush telling him he’s not welcome in the White House; Ross Perot wailing about how expensive campaign advertising is; Arianna Huffington hiring a private detective to investigate an unfriendly journalist. But Rollins has made some spectacular blunders of his own, and he tells stories on himself too - most particularly when he provides the first full account of his role in the scandal that followed Christine Todd Whitman’s election as governor of New Jersey.”—BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

My Summary

Main Ideas, Takeaways & Similarities

Questions

I. What is the problem?
A. How is this problem formulated?
B. Why is this problem important?
C. What is the history of this problem?
D. Which prominent personalities have been interested in this problem?

II. What solutions to the problem are there?
A. What are the conclusions reached?
B. By what argument(s) is the conclusion reached?
C. What facts or assumptions serve as premises?
D. When a prominent personality offers a solution, does he also argue for or against other prominent personalities? Does he raise objections to alternative solutions? Does he consider objections to his own solutions?

III. Evaluation
A. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative formulations to the problem?
B. Has the importance or history of the problem ever been misrepresented?
C. Are the solutions logically related to the premises?
D. Are the facts true? Are the assumptions acceptable? Are the objections answerable?

AI Summary

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“Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms: My Life in American Politics” is a memoir by Ed Rollins, a prominent figure in American politics who has worked with various political campaigns and administrations. In this book, he reflects on his experiences and provides insights into the world of political strategy and campaign management. Here’s a comprehensive summary in bullet points:

Title: Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms: My Life in American Politics

Content Overview:

1. Introduction:
   • Introduces Ed Rollins and his extensive career in American politics.
   • Sets the stage for his recounting of key moments and insights.
2. Early Career:
   • Describes Rollins’ beginnings in politics, including his work on local campaigns.
   • Highlights his early experiences that shaped his approach to politics.
3. Reagan’s Revolution:
   • Discusses Rollins’ pivotal role as the national campaign director for Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election campaign.
   • Explores the strategies and challenges faced during this historic campaign.
4. Campaigns and Candidates:
   • Provides an overview of Rollins’ involvement in various political campaigns, including those of prominent figures like Ross Perot and Christine Todd Whitman.
   • Offers insights into campaign management and political strategy.
5. Inside the White House:
   • Reflects on Rollins’ experience working as an advisor in the White House during the Reagan administration.
   • Discusses his interactions with Reagan and his role in shaping policy.
6. Political Observations:
   • Shares Rollins’ observations on the changing landscape of American politics.
   • Explores the role of money, media, and grassroots organizing in modern campaigns.
7. Behind the Scenes:
   • Offers a glimpse into the often unseen world of campaign strategy and decision-making.
   • Provides anecdotes and stories from Rollins’ time in the political arena.
8. Challenges and Controversies:
   • Addresses controversies and challenges faced during Rollins’ career, including legal issues and public scrutiny.
   • Reflects on the personal toll of political life.
9. Legacy and Lessons:
   • Discusses Rollins’ legacy in American politics and the impact of his work.
   • Shares valuable lessons and insights gained over the years.
10. Conclusion:
    • Summarizes Rollins’ journey through American politics.
    • Reflects on the enduring importance of political engagement and civic participation.

Legacy:

• “Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms” provides readers with a firsthand account of the inner workings of American political campaigns and the strategies employed to win elections.
• It offers insights into the personalities, challenges, and triumphs of key political figures of the time.
• The book remains a valuable resource for those interested in the world of political strategy and campaign management, as well as the broader landscape of American politics.