Wheeling and Dealing: Confessions of a Capitol Hill Operator

by Bobby Baker, Larry L. King

“What historians may perhaps find most useful in [Baker’s] book is his characterization of the two men he served most intimately―Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kerr. The portrait of Mr. Johnson is pungent, complete with a plausible reconstruction of the great Texan’s earthy table talk.” ―Arthur Schlesinger, New York Times Book Review Bobby Baker was a small-town southern boy when he arrived in Washington in 1943, but he had a sure sense of political clout. He soon knew which senator wanted what done―almost before the senator knew himself. Senator Robert Kerr was the first instrument of Bobby Baker’s rise. He found an even more powerful sponsor in Lyndon Johnson, and he rose with Johnson until no doors were closed to him. He tells here a unique insider’s story of the always fascinating ways of power in the Congress of the United States.

Genres: Biography, Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this mainly for the tidbits of information related to Mr. Baker's dealing in Ocean City, MD, but found it quite intriguing regarding LBJ and how Washington politics worked back in the 1950's and 60's.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insightful look into a DC insider who gets caught up in the spoils of power. His observations on our highest levels of government are told with great honesty and reflection. The authors recollections of LBJ are fascinating and make this book a must read.

[Boris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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