I'm glad I read DO NOT ASK WHAT GOOD WE DO, mostly because it helped put the recent partisan bickering in context. The author takes a middle road, for the most part, as he examines recounts his year with the Congress. Out of a vast number of interviews, he focus on a handful of men and women, many who are new to the House of Representatives. Most have come to Washington with a grassroots desire for a balanced budget and reduced deficit -- determined to reduce the size and scope of the US government. They also have state pork barrel projects that motivate the folks back home. The author follows the cast of characters and attends their meetings with one another and party leaders, taking note of the motives behind both actions of Democratic and Republican. He's not absolutely objective, but he doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve, and the book doesn't disintegrate into agitprop. He writes glowing things about Democrat John Dingle, for example, as a study in contrast to the young novices. Yet, even this venerable old warhorse is shown to be looking out for number 1, and his own pet project. The Tea Parties leading players are featured with all their strengths and weaknesses. There are many interesting character studies, male and female, black and white, right and left. One of the saddest portraits is of Anthony Weiner, the former Dem. from NY, vituperative and abusive to his staff, ambitious, brilliant and generally, really messed up.