Herding Cats: A Life in Politics

by Trent Lott

Mastering the game and weathering the storms -- a riveting and candid memoir from one of washington's true insiders For more than thirty years, Trent Lott of Mississippi has been one of the dominant figures in American political life. From the moment he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1972, he has been a leader in the conservative movement that has changed the course of the nation. From his years in Congress to his ascent to majority leader of the Senate -- and his decision to leave that post in the heat of controversy -- Herding Cats is the frank and revealing chronicle of a unique political life. Lott's story bridges an extraordinary time in American history. As a fraternity leader during the integration of the University of Mississippi, he helped contain the violence that accompanied James Meredith's enrollment as the university's first African American student. As a congressman during Watergate, he mounted a fierce defense of Richard Nixon -- until Gerald Ford quietly counseled him to think twice. A passionate advocate of smaller government, Lott describes his painful choice to support Gerald Ford over his challenger Ronald Reagan in the 1976 election -- and his delight in helping lead the revolution that followed Reagan's win in 1980. Yet it was in his dramatic engagements with the Clinton administration that Lott found his greatest victories -- and challenges. Working in secret through political adviser Dick Morris, Lott reveals, he persuaded Clinton to accept health insurance and welfare reform laws, along with spending cuts that balanced the national budget. But he was aghast when years of work on a tobacco settlement were scuttled by the White House in 1997 -- possibly because of Al Gore's desire to exploit tobacco as a political issue. With surprising candor, Lott portrays his fruitful working partnership with Democratic leader Tom Daschle during the Clinton impeachment, and again in the hours after the attacks of September 11, 2001. And he describes in painful detail his decision to resign as majority leader after his remarks at Senator Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday party -- a move he made when it became clear that the Bush White House had circled the wagons against him. Marked by the same straight-talking style and good humor he has shown throughout his career in public service, Trent Lott's Herding Cats is the memoir of a true master of American political life.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Memoir, American History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 23, 2005

Reviews

[Jerrod Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one-sided political memoirs are interesting, but being pretty confident I'm not getting the whole story of any recounted events, I wonder if they're worth the time. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read to see how things are connected together in our political system and a bit of the horse trading that goes on to get legislation either passed or blocked.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. Typical, republican insider. Don't waste your time or money.

[Mary Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent Lott frankly recounts the challenges he faced growing up in a poor, dysfunctional family in rural Mississippi. The dark irony of this is the peacemaking/dealmaking between his acrimonious parents he was often pressed into doing may have contributed later on to his strengths as a congressman and senator. He also shares his experiences at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), including being caught in the midst of a riot on campus.

Trent's narrative style really enhances the historical context of the book as well, making it a juicy play-by-play of decades worth of congressional intrigue rather than a dry, encyclopedic rehash of vote counts. And yes, he even delves into the Strom Thurmond controversy that led to his hasty demise as Senate Majority leader nearly seven years ago. Though his description of the fallout is painful, it's no pity party.

All in all, I found Trent's memoir engaging and insightful. It was a pleasure getting to know more about a man I still do not agree with.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is partly a standard senatorial autobiography (description of personal background, name-checks of famous colleagues, run-through of events from the period), but it also contains an unusual proportion of interesting insights. Lott was a savvy legislative strategist and skilled political innovator (senate party whipping and amendment tree-filling among others). This book gives glimpses of his talents, a sophisticated perspective on Senate politics, and a good defense of his place within Republican politics. It's a shame that, after all the standard autobiographical landmarks, there isn't a more extensive discussion of the political strategizing and legislative gamesmanship.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, with insight into the majority or minority leader / party whip day to day challenges. Also bought out the situation with Senator Lott having to resign his party leadership position, and the back door politics that contributed to making the controversy what it was. Good book, overall.

[Jeff Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The art of government...involved equal parts patience, persistence, and persuasion. In short, it was just like herding cats." - Trent Lott

[Tara Baldwin]

Good glimpse inside bipartisanship lines and shared the career of a strong political leader.