Herding Cats: A Life in Politics

by Trent Lott

Over the last half century, few figures have played the game of American politics with the skill and zest of Trent Lott. As one of the chief architects of the modern conservative movement, he has been on the front lines of the Republican Party for more than thirty years, playing a key role in its ascension during the turbulent post-Watergate era.

In this candid and compelling memoir, Lott recounts the formative events of his youth and the stories from his political life that have made him one of the most influential and respected lawmakers in the country. From his difficult decision to support Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan in the 1976 Republican primary to his fruitful working partnership with Democratic leader Tom Daschle during the Clinton impeachment and September 11, Lott traces the inner workings of congressional life, detailing the vital role that he has played in guiding the Republican Party and American forward. With clear-eyed candor, Lott also discusses his last days as Senate majority leader, describing his remarks at Strom Thurmond's hundredth birthday party and the chaotic events that followed, which ended his tenure as the Senate's most powerful Republican.

At once riveting and poignant, Herding Cats is the story of political life unlike any other—a life marked by the rise of an individual and the triumph of a party.

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

320 pages, Paperback

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.