Corruption of American Politics: What Went Wrong and Why

by Elizabeth Drew

Examining twenty-five years of American politics since the Watergate scandal, the former New Yorker Washington correspondent concludes that big money and vicious politics have eroded American faith in the political system and bred a generation of substandard leaders. Reprint.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

278 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ended up really despising this book. Boring. At first I thought it may be fun to read a book from a political era that I don't know that much about--as a historian I have a general idea of political eras prior to 1980, but know little about what was going on when I was growing up. However, this book provided nothing of substance. The title and the content of the book seem not to mesh. Drew mistakes random anecdotes and quotes for an argument and her writing style is pretty terrible. Her strong disdain for Clinton, that he ruined the presidency, is rather comical as well, particularly knowing what came after him. The only real highlight was an entertaining quote about Santorum that I'll add to the quotes section later. Anyways, I recommend skipping this one.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good read; not very objective (the author's bias definitely comes through), but it at least lays out the events of campaign finance reform in the 1990s. Her style is also a bit meandering but it reads relatively quickly.

Following up on the issue in the last 10 years proved interesting as there was movement forward and then two steps back as of this year.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

... as if it can be summarized in one book.

[Woodbury Public Library]

A book club member says: So out-of-date since Citizens United court decision. Very critical of Clinton.