Two Parties and a Funeral--Plus Plenty of Valet Parking!--in America's Gilded Capital

I googled Mark Leibovich and realized that his article about Kurt Bardella was the same as one he wrote the NY Times. I then realized this article about Tom Coburn also seemed to be the same as another article.

There are some aspects of this book that are interesting (did you know Bob Kerrey was offered the MPAA job before it went to Chris Dodd?) But at the end of the day, make sure you know what you are getting into before you buy it.

Really enjoyed this book. The book is very well written - extremely witty - can be appreciated for the writing alone. Leibovich is non-partisan in his laceration of the media and the people they comment upon. In the past year, I have become increasingly dissatisfied with media coverage of Washington and what is going on there. This book puts into words why I feel that way. It's an incestuous town and the people in it are as cynical, greedy, and grasping as you might find anywhere. A very discouraging, but eminently reality-based revelation of why things are the way they are in Washington. Makes me believe House of Cards is non-fiction, after all.

Liebovich gives the best and most readable "I am in the room" reporting on raw politics and power since AJ Liebling wrote his similarly sized volume about Earl Long. (Richard Ben Cramer's "What it Takes" was great too, and I do not mind long books, but he could have used some more editing.) Terrific book, and great with the Audible recording too-- great narration. They let me read and listen seamlessly.

Interesting, I guess, but it's mostly gossip, although high-class gossip because it's about (mostly) people we know. But not much substance. Hardly a book I couldn't put down. When I'm not reading it, I forget about it, and then when I pick it up again, it's good, but only for about a half-hour, and them I'm tired of it and I put it down again.

If you're not the sort who wants to know everything about what "this town" is doing, it's a book you can skip.

I found this book pretty middle of the road - not special but not bad by any means. I originally saw the author being interviewed on Moyer and Company and bought the book based on that interview. I thought the book would be a little more hard edged and dig a little deeper, maybe come across more as an investigative journalistic endeavor, but instead I found the book to be kind of a light hearted look at the silly narcissism and shallowness of those in Washington. The book pointed out the obvious in regards to the coziness of those in power (regardless of their ideologic positions) and the revolving door that exists between the world of politics and big business. Nothing earth shattering, but nice to read before falling asleep in the evening.

This is a very interesting book about the way Washington insiders behave , operate and promote themselves. Big names big egos. There is a lot of money to be made by consultants and thats why they never leave also a fascinating view of the media insiders. Its really full of stories about self-important people and how the town runs. Not pretty but of interest to those of us who think Washing ton needs to be moved to Oregon but quietly in the middle of the night so none of these people will know until its too late.

This is an entertaining book - also a devastating portrait of what our nation's capital has become. It was written before Trump ran successfully for President, but makes Trump's win seem virtually inevitable and, in some ways, perhaps the best available option given the state DC has descended into. One gets the sense, unfortunately, that things will get considerably worse before they get better - a viable path out of this appalling mess isn't at all clear.

Would not waste your money on this book. The author writes well, has an entertaining if somewhat snarky sense of humor, and does a fair job of describing the unsavory, incestuous, and self-serving nature of what goes on in D.C. But after the first six or seven chapters the book drags on. Leibovich appears to be so swept up in the very echo chamber intrigue who's-who he is critiquing that he forgets about his reader who is getting bored. Also, the author's political preferences become so evident that they are an unpleasant distraction. Leibovich's awe of his surroundings and his obvious biases make this a book I would not recommend.

This is a great collection of anecdotes that paint a grim picture of our modern capital and its movers and shakers. It focuses primarily on the Obama administration from the 2008 election through the 2012 re-election, and describes the difficulties the Obama team faced in trying to avoid the DC machine, and eventually how they succumbed to it. I highly recommend it, it's a thoroughly entertaining read, and it's not a politically slanted book as it takes a dim view of both parties.

Karl Marx once said (paraphrasing), "history does repeat itself, first as tragedy, then as farce". If you have any misgivings about the future of this particular American epoch, you have to get thru this book. For those of us who are fascinated and repulsed simultaneously, Leibovich is an excellent chronicler of a massively vain, wasteful, and ultimately destructive era.

Take heed, this is probably as clear an indication as any you'll find [anywhere] of terrible times ahead.

This book substantiates Lawrence Kohlberg's contention that politicians almost never develop beyond conventional moral reasoning. Only when self-interest and public approval coincide with the national interest are the citizens well served. Those living and working for the public in our capitol tend to contract a chronic disease the symptoms of which are egocentrism and extreme wealth driven by a lust for power and public accolades. This book was disturbingly interesting - like a soap opera.

Leibovich comes across as someone who really dislikes himself, and its easy to agree with his assessment. He is part and parcel of the people he skewers, oftentimes ignoring his role in manufacturing the lighter than air "news" that obsesses the DC "Club", but he never really gets the point. He disparages the increasing greed and hypocrisy that characterize the length and breadth of everyone in the power elite, press, politicians, and hangers on alike, but never faces up to his own inability to step outside of the circle himself. He is what he writes about, and he hasn't the courage to be better. He and his colleagues are at least as responsible for the stink coming from Washington as are the present and former politicians who populate his pages. His book is little more than a feeble attempt to pretend otherwise.

A very funny book that Mark Leibovich wrote with tongue in cheek so he wouldn't appear to be so angry.
Everything you've ever read about the majority of our elected officials being venal and self-serving appears to be based
on fact. The only way anything will ever change and might salvage what is left of our country is to unelect everyone
standing for election in the coming years.

It's a fairly entertaining, loosely connected collection of stories about the behind the scenes mechanics of DC, or more specifically, the Federal government leviathan that resides within the beltway. It's well written, seemingly well researched, and unafraid of a bit of the occasional sarcasm, but it is not ground breaking by any means. If you're partisan in any way you will likely be offended by something in this book. In addition, if you think our government operates nobly as our fore fathers intended, or as depicted in The West Wing, then you will be disappointed. Similarly, our elected officials aren't the devious, super-villain, murderous sort a la House of Cards (if they were really that smart, do you think they would've allowed a book to be written about it?). The realists (aka cynics) among us probably won't be surprised, but if you have any interest in politics it should be an entertaining read nonetheless. Let's face it...politics is a game to these people, and regardless of whether they're up or down in the polls, as long as they get their faces on television and money is flowing into their bank accounts, they are most definitely winning.

I really enjoyed This Town, right from the start. The only problem lay in the fact that I didn't like it quite as much as time went by. As the book progressed, I found that, like too much chocolate, I was saturated with the same old stories of self-serving politicians who could care less about anything except their reelection and how many connections they can make for their careers in Washington following politics. The book was fun and enlightening, and could have effectively made its depressing point in about half of the pages that the author used.

Voinovich talks knowingly about a town full of big egos,including himself. Most of his comments were consistent with I thought when visiting. However, it was somewhat surprising to see how intertwined every one of note is with each other. You can't help but feel the hypocrisy of people who move from one position based on who they are working for. The battles on cable news appear to be all show.

Mr. Leibovich,author, is a very good writer.
I thoroughly enjoyed his book, and now I understand so much more why things are as they are.
He did an e xcellent job presenting his information without interjecting personal opinions like we see on television so-called "news shows" everyday!
Read it and weep!! And then start educating yourself about who is representing you in Congress!!

It was an interesting read and confirmed what we have always suspected. We have quit watching most cable news stations and confine our sources of news to PBS and Al Jazeera. The coziness of our media and the politicians became too apparent to us and this book confirms our suspicions. Sometimes I got lost but quickly found my way back. I enjoyed the bits of humor and asides that the author puts in his work.

Tim Russert's funeral is a microcosm of mankind in the jungle. Suck up or be sucked up. Most players enjoy the game, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud as the pushing and shoving is described in great detail. If you follow politics, you will enjoy this book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book though many times I felt sick to my stomach learning what is going on in DC. Thought Me Generation and Greed attitudes were passé but further from the truth. No wonder government is stalemate and most national news are the same without distinction. The rich gets richer and the poor the poorer. This Town is indeed the gold mines of today and media is part of the gold miners too.

This is an inside story on the perniciousness (causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed) of our congressmen/women, lobbyist and the media covering the political scene in DC. It's all about money, power and prestige--in their eyes. And they wonder why the general public rates them worse than most anything else. If we are to ever clean house, this will explain why.

The book is excellent; well written and paced. However, it reveals a narcissistic, self-indulgent do-loop of boneheads running and reporting on the political games ongoing inside the beltway. Government should exist to serve the people. This book will not make you think that's what our government does. It's self-serving, self-enriching BS 24/7. You'll love Mrk Leibovich's This Town...but you're gonna be pissed off and disgusted most of the time you're reading it.

I think this book would interest someone who has lived in Washington D.C., and is looking for a funny, off the record musings about the the Town. I found it hard to follow with a lot of run-on sentences but nothing clearly stated about anyone. Many of the topic are lightly discussed with 'pet names' for everyone. I was expecting a book with clearer statements.

Great inside-the-beltway read for anyone who wants to know how the aura of 'public service' turns can't hold up to personal gain.

The corruption of power is in-fact absolute. The in crowd is untouchable, bills are written to buy votes and the vortex of keeps the principles of democracy from functioning.

If you're thinking about voting for your own incumbent Representative or Senator - read the book.

It's fun.

A very fun read, with lots of Washington DC gossip that is not unexpected but still occasionally eye-widening. The love-fest between the "Media" establishment and the Washington establishment, as revealed here, is so incestuous that it can't possibly lead to neutral journalism or a disinterested stance. That's a big worry for Americans whose media outlets are entirely beholden to the moguls who are partying with the government hacks every night.

Mark Leibovich, will you marry me? You are hilarious! I laughed out loud at his tales of blowhards and below-the-belt a--holes . Wow, it's worse than you thought in our nation's capital, but it sure makes for fun reading. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know how This Town works. Like going to a big, star-studded party and eavesdropping on everyone who's "somebody."

I was looking forward to reading this especially after seeing how defensive Politico was about this book, but honestly, I haven't been able to being myself to finish it. It's one of those books that I imagine is hugely entertaining if you live inside the Washington DC beltway but only then.

This Town is a fascinating read. Unfortunately, it confirms all my suspicions that the "Inner Circle" of people who run "This Town" are only in it for themselves...and that nothing of substance will ever be accomplished in Washington until wholesale changes are made. The Media and both sides of the political aisle only see dollar signs and could not care less about the American people.

This was written just before or about the same time as house of cards. And both scare the crap out of me. Our voice, vote opinions mean nothing to the politicians and lobbyists with money and power. We are not part of the equation about what we want for our country. It's all about the deal and who knows who. Really scary!!!!!

Interesting look into the relationships among politicians, reporters, and lobbyists. Although humorous, it felt a bit repetitive and depressing at times. There's only so many times I can remain interested in who the author say/met at yet another DC party/fundraiser (is there a difference?). A quick read and worthwhile for anyone who lives in the area (where we hear these names all the time) or has an interest in national politics.

This book, if accurate, is a very frightening account of what goes on in DC. It portrays our leaders as self centered ego maniacs focusing solely on what is best for them in either a financial, power or social sense. They appear to be all form over substance. Their sole concern is enhancing their position and the rest of us be dammed. They are shrewd in their communication ability in order to try and come off as caring public servants. However, their principal goal is to build and preserve their power and wealth and are in reality, totally self centered. As humans, while successful in achieving their goals they are very shallow people. When looking at events in Washington through this prism, a lot of things become clear.

I didn't enjoy reading This Town, not because the writing was bad but because it made me sad and angry about how low our politicians, media, celebrities and the rest of the Washington crowd has sunk and how damaging it is to our democracy and country. It all about ego and money and there doesn't seem to be any way out of the hole we have dug for ourselves. I am sad.

I appreciated the informed insight of the writer about Washington politicians, lobbyists, and media personalites that I only hear about from various media sources. For example, hearing about Harry Reid's youth was enlightening and enhances my understanding of how he operates in supporting the values which he developed since his youth. I now have a better perspective of how Wahsington operates and gets things done or does not get things done. The book certainly heightend my awareness of the role that money plays in this regard. It begs the question about how ordinary citizens can counter balance the money from special inerest groups. I will continue to wrestle with that question.

Every taxpayer should read this book! Like many people, I was disgusted by the partisan politics in Washington, thinking no one could compromise and therefore, nothing ever was accomplished. Now I know that these quarreling do-nothings are actually tightly in bed with each other, at least when it comes to making themselves filthy rich. It is about time someone exposed the dirty truth. This is a hefty book-testimony to the extent of the corruption-but well worth the time and money. Read it and weep.

Mr. Leibovich reveals the true Washington, D.C. not with conjecture or hearsay, but with a lifetime of firsthand observation. His book is thought provoking and powerful. He creatively captures the essence of American politics and gives insight to specific politicians and journalists, using a blend of humor and raw fact, often with shocking revelation. This work is a clarion call to every American who desires meaningful change through the power of voting -- to force "This Town" to clean up its act. Leibovich gives irrefutable proof that it is time for Americans to force change, for the good of the entire nation and the World. Voters should be striving to inspire Mr. Leibovich to some day pen a sequel entitled, "This Wonderful New Town"!

I thought I would learn something new and exciting. Instead I read a lot of stories about the shallowness of the Washington DC "visiting community". By that term I mean those who worked in gov't positions there and stayed on afterwards. It also applies to press members who act as if they are "part of the crowd". The book was good but not exciting.

First the good news: Leibovich is a clever writer. Not good, but certainly not bad--clever. He has many ways, some of them amusing, to make fun of the self-impressed, a breed of which DC has an apparently endless supply. And for those, such as I, who never believed that a politician from Chicago was going to clean up the Capitol scene, he provides a plethora of anecdotes about the staff with whom Barack surrounded himself, and their effortless co-option by the inhabitants of This Town. .

Now the bad news. Except for the political junkie, its hard to think of anyone with so much free time that it would made sense to wade through this endless catalog of "social" events at which the same people are apparently always present. IIncluding, we are left to infer from the author's detailed recitations of all the publicity seekers who are there, and the comestibles on offer, Mr. Leibovich himself.

The roll-call of social gatherings is leavened by occasional bits of political wisdom, such as the observation that the press is resolutely left-liberal; and that most politicians, and their staffs, are obsessed with the need to curry favor with the rich and powerful and their lobbyists, so that they can find gainful work after they leave the public trough. This can't come as a surprise to anyone who thinks this book might be of interest.

The essential problem of this book is that it trivializes a critical question--what solutions are there to the amassing of power by the federal government? The status quo seems only to prove that democracies contain within themselves the seeds of their own destruction. We need solutions, not occasionally amusing vignettes of the absurdities of those who momentarily hold the reins. I have concluded that the only hope is an ancient one: Sortition--the selection of political leaders by lot. It's hard to believe we could do worse than the current incumbents. As"This Town" makes clear, were further proof needed.

There are all manner of men and women in Washington, many of whom arrive with the noblest of intentions; but few of whom are able to sustain these intentions. It didn't take this long a book to make that point. What is needed is solid thinking on how, or whether, things can be improved. Of that there is nothing here,.

.

While reading this tome, I made sure to highlight parts that remind me of the politics of my own industry and workplace. It really was sad to learn, but not entirely unsurprising that this type of behavior is seen at the highest echelon of the political game. I think this book is a great learning tool of how the game is played by the greatest of players. You can look at this book in two ways: 1. A step by step procedure on how to successfully use politics in your workplace to bolster your brand, to ultimately outshine your competition and do as little real work as possible or 2. Recognize that politics, bureaucracy, and rankism is the greatest threat to the American government and your particular workplace.

This book was interesting if you cared about how many "stars" in the media world the author knew. Since I am not familiar with all the media world players, this stories were only mildly interesting. I thought the book would focus on inside political events, explaining political decisions. However the stories about the political figures were mostly funny gossip, and already old news.

Hello are you a living, breathing American citizen? If so this book is for you. A Democracy does not exist without engaged citizens who understand and care about the health of their government. Want to help solve some problems? You could do worse than to begin here. Understanding must precede solutions to what paralyzes and thwarts effective government.

Very predictable-too many punches pulled. Not very hard-hitting revelations. Actually pretty tepid since you've asked me. The media hype fore this book when it came out was way over the top as compared to the actual content. Ho-hum, sorry Liebovich, would have loved to give you an A+ but you only deserve a C-.

As a political junkie, I really looked forward to this "insider's" look at the people who report on power. Curiously, this book which slammed the "branding" of all things in Washington spent a good bit of time "branding" itself. It seems like every other page contained the words "this town" to the point where it became downright annoying.

I did enjoy the little glimpses into the every day lives of politicians, their flunkies and the people who report on them, but often it came across as gratuitously mean-spirited rather than informative, and I just don't find that appealing. It seems the entire town is parasitic and I frequently had to put it down in search of something that would place me on a little bit higher moral ground.

Still, I trudged onward and finished it not feeling very good about our leaders, their aides, OR the people who are supposedly reporting on them objectively. I found myself longing for a new "hub" of reportage in an unknown town in America to pop up and reform the sickness that appears to pervade Washington and all who come in contact with it.

If you want an understand of the corruption that riddles Washington DC this book is a must read. With millions of dollars available to politicians and staff that monetize their positions it is a wonder anything helpful gets done. The saddest statement is how much the media is in bed with this corruption. To the media it's all about ratings. So read Mark Leibovich book and you'll want to throw all the bums out.

Sad commentary on the revolving door of elected officials "monetizing" their public service by becoming lobbyists. At times funny in a depressing sort of way. The inbred association of public officials, corporate lobbyists and the "news" media comprise an insulated elite completely out of touch with the people they are supposed to serve.

This was an awesome book that gave a great insight in to the goings-on in Washington, DC. It was actually disgusting on several levels (the data presented....not the book) and I view the whole of politics differently now. It's a great read and I would recommend it-especially in the coming election year.

A well written book produced by an insider, He know all the impottant people and what they are up to. A book filled with gossip that will tickle your fancy. Worth reading for the entertainment and the inside story on many issues.

George Richard Thomas, Author of
Sons of Arthur
The life story of King Arthur and his two sons who figure into his battles

Mark Leibovich is a very gifted (not to mention brave) writer, and I imagine that "This Town" would be an enjoyable read even for those who have never lived in Washington or interacted with any of these people. Presumably, however, Leibovich isn't getting invited to too many parties these days!

It gives you the feeling that all those people in Washington are so much like the folks next door! After reading this book, you get the feeling that you had better start paying attention to your local leaders. You are not going to be able to count on Washington for any smart answers to our problems!

I've been reading Mark Leibovich for years and have always found him to deliver the perfect combination of insight and acidic humor. The book is written in his trademark conversational tone and does a great job of helping outsiders become familiar with the inner workings of our nation's capital and the people who make it run (or make it stop, as the case may be). This is a must read for anyone interested in politics, and unlike many other works described that way the experience seems to fly by.

This book is a transparent look at what Washington has become. It's more than interesting and entertaining. It is the proof of the real reason for so many of our nations problems. That Town is like professional wrestling, with caricature good guys and bad guys, story lines and pretend winners and losers. Like the WWF it is all a show and the only winners, in the end, are the players getting paid to perform. I am so glad that this bold, engaging, well written book was written. Finally we can admit that the emperors have no clothes.

Entertaining, with examples of hand-in-glove lifestyle of Congress, the White House, the media, lobbyists and nonregistered lobbyists. Snarky writing keeps the reader engaged in example after example of how The Club functions. Well written, but with a somewhat sensationalist style.

The writing style was casual, the insider info enlightening, and the revelations about players I took at face value as they opined on television and in print were sometimes shocking but, and this is a big but, the content of this book was so disheartening for a person as naive as I was about what goes on in Washington, caused me to have to put the book down for a few hour every twenty pages or so so I could catch my breath, or re-group, or whatever it is that did to stop that sickening feeling that "This Town" can't help but evoke. So, be prepared; this isn't a book you can breeze through on a lazy weekend. Not if you care about democracy anyway.

While sometimes amusing if not enlightening, this book is mostly a testament to the kind of cynicism that makes journalism of this sort so cringeworthy. Please, spare me all the self-righteous hypocrisy Leibovich displays as he savages the self-serving mores of Washington even as he indulges in the same sort of self-reverential nonsense that he deplores. And, hey, I hope he some day gets an invite to Aspen and Davos so he can rub shoulders with the rich and powerful people that he pretends to loathe.

Overall, a somehwhat entertaining book. He seemed objective. Unfortunately it leaves you feeling dirty and disgusted that D.C. operates like this..I don't think I was that "naive" before...this just reconfirms my belief in term limits, but will likely never happen...but, I enjoyed his humor...

For people like me who are political junkies and watch as much of the Sunday morning talk shows, then this book is a must. You learn about personalities you only imagined how they would be.

If you aren't one if these folks, then you'll learn nothing from this book nor will you care. It is vacuous because the people described and mentioned mostly are exactly that.