In the Arena: A Memoir of Love, War, and Politics

by Chuck Robb, Bill Clinton (Foreword)

In December 1967, Chuck Robb was catapulted onto the national scene when he married Lynda Bird Johnson, the daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, in a nationally broadcast White House wedding. Shortly thereafter, Robb, a U.S. Marine, deployed to Vietnam, where he commanded India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, and was awarded the Bronze Star. These two experiences―seemingly polar opposites―illustrate much about the eventual Virginia governor and U.S. senator, who combined a commitment to family with an ingrained sense of civic duty on the national stage. In the Arena offers the first political memoir of the noted statesman’s extraordinary life, tracing his path from early days as an anonymous Marine to his fairytale wedding, from night movements in Vietnam to engaging in the height of Democratic politics in the Virginia state capitol and U.S. Senate, and from experiencing personal highs and lows to becoming a principled fighter and exemplar of today’s moderate Democrat. Despite representing a conservative state, he stood up for a woman’s right to choose, the Equal Rights Amendment, the constitutionality of flag burning, gay rights, and gun control. As governor, Robb raised the education budget by over $1 billion and appointed a record number of women and minorities to state positions, including the first African American to the Virginia Supreme Court. In 1996, in his second term in the Senate, he was the only southern senator to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act, the legislation banning gay marriage, calling the movement to end this discrimination a "fight for civil and human rights." Progressive on social issues, he was fiscally conservative and pro–national security, going on to co-chair the 2004 WMD Commission under George W. Bush. Looking back from our deeply partisan era, Robb’s independent approach now seems remarkable, as well as instructive. Full of honest reflections, In the Arena pulls back the curtain on one of America's proven political leaders and reveals the surprisingly colorful story of his career, marriage, and life.

Genres: Biography

392 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Rob McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked for nine Virginia governors (but not this one) I was interested in getting his life and political perspective firsthand. As Chuck Robb readily admits, writing is not his strongest suit, as he is more of a "just the facts" kind of writer. Nevertheless, it was fairly thorough, and he was often quite candid about his political views on key matters. His style is very deliberative, and cautious, using commas a great deal to insert qualifying clauses. His insights about LBJ were very interesting; I suspect a companion book from Lynda Robb about her stories of the White House would be fascinating reading. She clearly comes off as a strong woman and vital supporting partner to Chuck Robb throughout his career. It is interesting and odd to me that he continues to keep a secret as to where they had their honeymoon. Robb's political impact on Virginia was huge, ushering in a long period of statewide Democratic electoral wins via a socially progressive, fiscally conservative, and strong defense posture. Both of today's political parties could benefit from these stances. An enjoyable read from a consequential player in the Virginia and national political scene.

[Mshelton50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Robb's memoir, In the Arena, is an interesting look back from a type that seems all too rare today, the principled politician. During his time as Governor of Virginia and then as one of its two U.S. Senators, Robb was willing to take unpopular decisions if he believed they were correct (e.g., see his stands on the flag burning amendment and the Defense of Marriage Act). I also found his description of his time commanding a company of U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War to be very enlightening. Will be of interest to anyone with an interest in Virginia history, the Johnson administration, and the post 9/11 era.

[Kay's Pallet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it 3 stars because it was very well written and parts of it were quite interesting. Here's why I took off 2 stars:

I didn't know who Chuck Robb was before reading this and some things just felt...off. He seems to be painting this rose colored version of himself. Like's he's too good and too open minded for it to be genuine given the time period and his status. Like how convenient that this book comes out showing that he's not a racist and is pro LGBT (at least the L and G part) and pro gun control, right when these social topics are being heavily fought for. But maybe I'm reading too much into this and he truly is a great guy.

Then there's the scandal that he was so insistent was all lies. He seems almost defensive from the beginning of the chapter on it. I looked up the scandal and he supposedly didn't deny anything until 6 years later, when he was called out on it, even though he admits to some of it. Again, I could be reading too far into it, but something about the persona he's creating seems fake.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I published a review here:
https://bluevirginia.us/2021/05/book-...

[Harris N. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck Robb has been a pivotal figure in Virginia politics as the old, racist Byrd Machine that controlled the Commonwealth’s politics for decades was transitioned to a positive, future oriented Democratic Party with respect for all. He showed great leadership as Governor, taking over during a major financial downturn but making the right choices to keep the state moving forward. He served with distinction in the US Senate for two terms and has Chaired numerous important bodies since leaving that body. But at heart, he is a Marine, and constantly returns to his experience and training therein as a bedrock for all his subsequent successes.