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City of Rivals: Restoring the Glorious Mess of American Democracy
Forty years ago the Watergate scandal deeply wounded Americans’ faith in government. Since then, good-government reformers and big-government opponents have been on a shared mission to make everything transparent. The problem is that too much light is scaring Congressmen away from making the tough choices necessary to govern in the national interest. It’s no secret that the backrooms are where things get done and where politicians can collaborate without reprisal. In City of Rivals, Grumet boldly argues that the answer lies in harnessing partisanship, not spinning in its mud.
America is once again gripped by fear that we are falling behind and fast. Unlike the Soviet threat that shook our nation a half century ago, the menace today is homegrown. On issues of national importance, the two parties in Congress appear incapable of working together. Whether the threat is competition from China, crumbling infrastructure, or rising debt, Washington’s legitimacy to govern and capacity to solve problems are in doubt.
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s president, Jason Grumet, tackles this issue head-on by challenging the conventional diagnosis of the current gridlock. Rather than lamenting our differences, Grumet offers practical steps to govern a polarized nation, and he explores the unintended consequences of past reform movements. It’sa must-read for all who care about our country’s future.
America is once again gripped by fear that we are falling behind and fast. Unlike the Soviet threat that shook our nation a half century ago, the menace today is homegrown. On issues of national importance, the two parties in Congress appear incapable of working together. Whether the threat is competition from China, crumbling infrastructure, or rising debt, Washington’s legitimacy to govern and capacity to solve problems are in doubt.
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s president, Jason Grumet, tackles this issue head-on by challenging the conventional diagnosis of the current gridlock. Rather than lamenting our differences, Grumet offers practical steps to govern a polarized nation, and he explores the unintended consequences of past reform movements. It’sa must-read for all who care about our country’s future.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Jason Grumet
2 books1 followerJason Grumet is president of the Bipartisan Policy Center, which promotes practical solutions to the country’s public policy challenges. He previously directed the National Commission on Energy Policy and is respected on both sides of the aisle for his innovative approach to improving government effectiveness. He has a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from Harvard University.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 26, 2014
Jason Grumet's book is well worth the reading by anybody who is interested in politics or the political situation. The thesis appears to be that politicians of widely different views can still come together to enact laws that are good for the country even if neither of them are fully happy with these laws.
He states that many years ago the politicians because of a variety of factors got to know each other and began to respect each other even though they differed and it is the respect which allowed them to work together.
He says that we can do this again and gives some ideas about how this wide and non-working differences of today can be overcome.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
He states that many years ago the politicians because of a variety of factors got to know each other and began to respect each other even though they differed and it is the respect which allowed them to work together.
He says that we can do this again and gives some ideas about how this wide and non-working differences of today can be overcome.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
February 16, 2015
A good book for those who question bipartisian actions of Congress. Our country was built on the principle of being able to state our differing ideas and opinions. Too bad that what most of what the public sees is the petti arguing and not the actual discussions going on. Shame on politicians for acting like spoiled children instead of being the respected delegates we voted in on our behalf.
February 17, 2015
An intelligent effort to address the basis for the dysfunction in our govt. If only our leaders would make the effort to leave their public personas at the door and negotiate as individuals. Npt ich chance, I fear.
January 19, 2015
I did not find this book interesting and quickly lost interest.
October 6, 2014
Grumet gives a very in depth analysis comparing the party ideals and the resulting deep public rivalry that has resulted from it. He gives with the help of both contributions and examples, a further understanding of what can happen further based on results past.
Very detailed account of how this affects policy making and law passing these days; definitely not a quick sit down read or one that many people can understand simply by skimming through much of it. Thankfully comes with much references to help further comprehend what is being conveyed here.
Very detailed account of how this affects policy making and law passing these days; definitely not a quick sit down read or one that many people can understand simply by skimming through much of it. Thankfully comes with much references to help further comprehend what is being conveyed here.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews