The Fighting Soul: On the Road with Bernie Sanders

by Ari Rabin-Havt

Bernie Sanders inspires fervent love and, even among his enemies, a measure of grudging respect—yet, curiously, we know little about who the man really is, with Sanders deliberately keeping the focus on his policies.


Now, with The Fighting Soul, Ari Rabin-Havt takes us where no profiles or televised interviews have been able to go. As a close advisor and deputy campaign manager on Sanders’s most recent—and likely last—presidential campaign, the tireless Rabin-Havt spent more hours between 2017 and 2020 with the Vermont senator than anyone else. Traveling the country for rallies and to support striking workers, the two visited thirty-six states, drove tens of thousands of miles, and ate in countless chain restaurants. One result was a meteoric and galvanizing presidential campaign. Another is The Fighting Soul, an unforgettable chronicle of life on the road with Sanders and the first in-depth portrait of this fiercely independent, and famously private, left-wing firebrand.


Sanders’s second bid for the presidency began in Rabin-Havt’s apartment in Washington DC in January 2018. From there, Rabin-Havt offers a behind-the-scenes account of Sanders’s run, including his heart attack in Las Vegas, his notorious debate encounter with fellow-progressive Elizabeth Warren, and a momentous conversation between Sanders and Barack Obama that has never been reported before. At every step, Rabin-Havt shows us Bernie Sanders when the cameras turn off: his dry sense of humor; his views of his young supporters; the pivotal role his wife, Jane, plays in every decision he makes; and more. Delving into Sanders’s life and career, with moving glimpses of his childhood in Brooklyn and first forays into politics in Burlington, Rabin-Havt discloses that Sanders is shocked by his ascent: “Ari, my parents would tell me I was crazy if I told them I would become a senator, much less could become president of the United States.”


Though his campaign ended in abrupt and unexpected defeat, Sanders has pushed the Democratic Party to the left and helped remake American politics—as Rabin-Havt suggests, he has done more to shape our history than anyone else who has not reached the White House. Revelatory and heartfelt, The Fighting Soul depicts the rare politician motivated by principle, not power.

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much because it gave me so many more reasons to adore Bernie Sanders. It also made me bemoan the fact that Biden and the democratic party pushed him out of the race for president. What is especially wonderful about this book is that it gives you the context for why Bernie does what he does - stories from his past, reasons for his motivation, and how he gets things done as well. He's such an inspiring figure and, unfortunately, one of a kind in American politics.

[Keith LaFountaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any and every Vermonter has some down-to-Earth story about Bernie Sanders. How they ran into him while wandering around Church Street. How he walked into their mom-and-pops shop and bought socks. How they saw him eating breakfast at Henry's Diner, or how he was spotted just strolling along with Jane, enjoying the Christmas lights downtown.

When I was a kid, I sent his office a letter about how I wanted to make a feature film. I was just a kid, and, in retrospect, the tactic of sending this letter to my senator of all people doesn't make much sense. Still, a few months later I got a handwritten letter in the mail from Bernie, giving me some advice (one piece of which was to contact a good lawyer; a hilarious prospect for a kid barely entering adolescence).

So many people know Bernie because of his presidential runs and his politics. As this book reveals, he likes it that way -- he is more driven by issues than any other modern politician I can think of. But he's much more than just the guy who touts Medicare for All.

This book, better even than Bernie's Our Revolution, shows who he is as a person, warts and all. From trips to Outback Steakhouse (apparently Bernie is a fan) to long car rides, to political rallies, to the height of his 2020 campaign, to his heart attack, Ari Rabin-Havt does an incredible job showing who Bernie Sanders is as a person.

It's a book I can't recommend more, regardless of whether you agree with Bernie's politics or not.

[Ryan O'Malley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think we appreciate Bernie as much as we should. The ideas he has put forth have been a mini revolution within American politics. This book gives an in-depth account of the different events within the 2020 presidential campaign including the heart attack he suffered, the AOC endorsement, and the effect Bernie had on pushing the Democratic Party to the left on many issues. Overall insightful and light read. I would highly recommend if you’re interested in learning more about Bernie or the 2020 election.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads, Ari Rabin-Havt, and Liveright Publishing for my copy of "The Fighting Soul: On the Road with Bernie Sanders." As a Bernie supporter is beyond ecstatic to have won this book! It is a well written books that tells the ups and downs of Bernie's life and political career with a lot of focus on more recent events. It was really interesting to get some behind-the-scenes tidbits! Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Griff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read - a truly unique look at a presidential campaign that's near and dear to my heart. Thorough, well-written, and even better than expected.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernie Sanders is a phenomenon in contemporary politics. Since his 20's he has championed the common person, the workers, the mothers, the students, the disenfranchised of this nation. He governed in Vermont for decades, but he only reached national recognition- and reached it in a big way- when he ran for President in 2016, and again in 2020.

In this book, his campaign director, who is closest to him besides his wife Jane, takes on his journey. His journey around the country, campaigning. His journey from local to state to national politics. HIs journey sustaining momentum in a climate that has mostly discouraged his platform.

There are many personal, behind-the-scenes moments, and in those moments we learn more about Sanders as a man, and how he is driven to make his visions and plans real in the face of so much rejection.

Highly recommended, for those interested in the specifics of day-to-day life on the campaign road, and certainly for Bernie Sanders' supporters, who will learn more about him than they knew before regarding what really makes him tick.

Many thanks to Edelweiss Plus for the eARC.

[Roger O · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars cause i'm mentioned lol

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari, the author, lived on my residence hall at Brandeis when I was an RA. My experiences with him match former Senator Majority Harry Reed’s, who Ari writes about in this memoir about leading Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. “Ari, you’re weird, that’s why you’re one of my favorites,” Reed told him during a private meeting in Las Vegas. “You see the world differently. I think it’s because you had some struggles growing up. My struggles were different. But now we understand that being a little weird is a bit of an advantage.”

This is a beautiful and detailed tribute to Sanders, which makes me somewhat regret not supporting him in 2020 and for my political beliefs sitting further to the center than they should have been. Ari deeply respects Bernie and this book makes me as well, most because of how her interacts with people. “(He) does not want to talk to local potentates who, in his words, ‘think they are important because they sit on some committee, but don’t do any actual work for people’ Manual laborers? Young people? Maids in hotels? He has all the time in the world for these groups.” Writing about his lack of a DC social life, Ari writes, “The one group of people he genuinely seems to enjoy are cabdrivers. Taxi drivers in Washington, DC, most often African immigrants, invariably cheer him on or stop for a conversation.”

The small moments documented in the book are endearing like Bernie not knowing celebrating chef Tom Colicchio or media mogul Jeff Katzenberg. Another is the tireless constituent work done by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and her staff driving a car too small to comfortably seat Bernie’s staff, and her having a Bernie staffer ride on her lap.

At the end, I’m most compelled by Bernie’s approach to engagement. “Bernie believes in the persuasive potential of conversation. For a politician with a reputation for avoiding glad-handing, Bernie has an abiding faith in the goodness, decency, and intelligence of ordinary people, regardless of party. Go out. Speak to people. Make your case directly. And you can change minds.”

[Mason Wyss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernie winning the first three primaries was the most hopeful moment of this century so far. Maybe in 40 years we’ll view this as our last best chance to avoid climate disaster. But that’s who this book is for, people in the future, not the people who lived it and while Bernie has nothing much left to do besides pass the torch.

There’s plenty of private details that I was unaware of, but the major arc I already knew. After all, it’s the story of Bernie 2020 and I was a participant in that as a donor, volunteer, and spectator. But Bernie is right that that’s all gossip. The issues matter much more than the man.

One thing I will take away from this book is that Bernie was exposed to organized socialists when he came across the Eugene V Debs club at Brooklyn college during his freshman orientation. So, YDSA kids, table like every day you could recruit the next Bernie because you literally could.

I owe a lot to Bernie. His run in 2016 made me curious about socialism in a way I likely wouldn’t have been otherwise. I hope his fighting soul has rubbed off on many others too.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5.

This book is an intimate look at not just the 2020 presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders but if the man himself. I wonder what Bernie thinks of this book as it's clear he's not one to want to share his private life details. For anyone who is interested in primary elections and modern politics this is a must read whether you like Bernie or not.

Thank you to Goodreads and and Liveright publishing for an ARC

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75. Excellent narrative plot structure; compelling read. Just wish the structural implications & analysis, reflective conclusions & recommendations, could have been taken a bit further; but that’s another author’s task, I realize, rather than a campaigner’s role.

[Janani · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably the most engaging politico type book i’ve read that doesn’t include any personal life info. doesn’t have that generic ghostwriter feel that many political books do (if he did use a ghostwriter, they must have been a good one). almost made me want to work on a campaign again

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depressing and inspiring at the same time. I loved how thorough this was; such a fascinating look at a fascinating primary election. I'll always be a Bernie Bro at heart.

[Andrew Epperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book about a man considered by many to be the most important American progressive political figure in the modern era. Though the reader must understand going into it that it isn’t gospel, as anybody associated that closely with a campaign is likely to shed most negative portrayals, it’s easy to see why Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) has developed a reputation for being genuine and respected. These descriptors go beyond party lines. The senator has proven throughout his career than the parties themselves mean very little to his sense of political direction.
Although I considered myself active in keeping up with the 2020 political season, this book reminded me of some key moments I’d forgotten in the myriad of seemingly world-altering happenings since that time. It was nice to be refreshed. On a lighter note, I enjoyed reading stories of Sanders meeting a celebrity only to not know who he or she was. The epilogue featured a story from 2018 when former President Barack Obama referred to Sanders as an “Old Testament prophet” and seemed to dismiss the idea that the senator could achieve the presidency without fundamentally shifting his own political beatitudes. As Americans have seen since that time, the Sanders-inspired progressivist movement has gained more traction in some circles, while the senator stayed true to himself. This cost Sanders the White House, but the author suggested this was ultimately fine in the end.

[Ilana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less a biography of Bernie and more an extended resume for the author, Ari Rabin-Havt, this book rehashes the 2020 election buildup through Ari’s eyes with little insight into Bernie as a man or politician beyond his penchant for working class restaurants and unwillingness to bend to financial pressure. This book is extremely frustrating in its excessive use of the past tense (giving the bizarre impression that Bernie is dead?!) and clearly shoddy editorial work as Ari repeats himself often from one paragraph to the next. His willing repainting of Bernie’s convictions as points on Ari’s own career, interjected with irrelevant and strange points like Ari’s prowess at poker make the book inaccessible and alienating. I hoped to read this book to see Bernie as a man. I instead saw Ari as political animal working his way to his next big gig.

[Shane Lantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what we could’ve had.

[Diya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a legend.

[David Montano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can anyone really critically look over a book they agree with? I'll try to be fair but as another reviewer repeats over and over again: "Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?"

The absolute one universal benefit from this memoir is you aren't going to get a more crystal-clear depiction of Bernie Sanders anywhere else at this moment. Ari Rabin-Havt exceeds in this "warts and all" approach to the Senator, he doesn't conceal the goods or the bads and it substantially improves the connection the reader has with the subject. It's surprising because I didn't expect this book to confirm reasons why certain people dislike Bernie, but it certainly does! This is not to say Rabin-Havt produces a completely objective portrait of the Senator, there is still enough fawning and image management that shines through, satisfying or frustrating any potential reader, depending on their preconceived attraction to Bernie himself.

Honestly, I haven't really read many of these types of books, but I don't think this type of brand loyalty (so to speak) is abnormal, so it isn’t something I disagree with or dislike. Rabin-Havt himself has said this account was in reaction to other accounts of the 2020 election misunderstanding who Bernie Sanders is as a person so no one should let this be a reason to stay away. Another big draw for potential readers is the hilarious anecdotes that are sprinkled in across the book, as well as dramatic accounts from different high-stress situations encountered by Bernie's 2020 campaign (Health emergencies, strategy sessions and a betrayal come to mind). All these components are attractive in their own right and are more than enough to keep a reader interested.

Now, do I have problems with the synthesis of all these components? Yeah a little. If all of what I mentioned before sounds good or if you are a giga-nerd for politics: read the book. But The Fighting Soul does suffers in its presentation. The prose uhh... reads like a diary? Which isn't terrible or unspeakable, but I'll be honest when I say my brain felt way more soothed after reading one page of Tove Ditlevsen's Copenhengan Triology. Is that a fair comparison? Absolutely not. But the repeated structure of "We did this" + "We went here" + "Bernie did this" without any sort of interesting variation became very grating. Another nit-picky critique is how these chapters are laid out, sometimes they make sense and flow into each other but other times we start from a completely different vantage point materially and temporally. This makes the reading experience slightly more awkward than it should be.

The awkwardness extends into the aims of Fighting Soul, where at times digresses into describing several other components of American politics slightly unrelated to Bernie. I don't think this is a bad thing, but the confines of the book necessitates itself to pull back from creating a rich portrait of the Beltway status-quo. I think Ari Rabin-Havt should've used a chapter dedicated to his own experience working within the political machine and how it differed from Bernie's approach so that it is better repersented all in one place rather than the random pot-shots he incldues across the book. All in all however, it was a delightful read and would recommend to anyone curious enough.

Rating: 3/5 as close to a 3.5 as you can get

[Zach Koenig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I consider Bernie Sanders to be one of the most aspirational political figures of the past decade (if not quite a bit longer). Every previous book I've read about him speaks to his character and how he absolutely will not compromise his beliefs. It is more of the same from Ari Rabin-Havt (a Sanders campaign manager) in "The Fighting Soul"--essentially a behind-the-scenes look at key moments of Bernie's 2020 Presidential campaign. Yet, it may not be the most compelling reading for all audiences.

Time after time, Rabin-Havt gives readers an inside glimpse of Bernie Sanders from roughly 2017-2020. The common thread from each story or recollection is how Bernie simply would not be drawn into the media circus of politics or stray from what he believed to be "the issues". Such convictions actually hurt the Sanders campaign, in the mind of the author, as Sanders would agonize over every penny spent (believing it a waste) and take an enormous amount of time to ponder a decision before "giving it a go". Everything I read here basically confirmed my notions of Sanders the genuine idealist.

So, why the middling three-star rating? Well, mainly because I wasn't a huge fan of this tome's structure--specifically the way it jumped around in time and often had me a bit confused as to whether this was a "context story" or a "focus on the 2020 campaign" chronology. I would have much preferred a more straight-ahead approach. Also, Rabin-Havt recounts a lot of the logistics of a presidential campaign, which may be interesting to some but also might bog down general audiences (it certainly did with me--I was reading for Bernie insights, not travel/rally/debate logistics). As such, I sometimes felt like I was struggling to finish "The Fighting Soul" even as I enjoyed certain parts immensely.

I'd probably give this 2.5 stars if able, but I'll round up because there were enough "Bernie nuggets" I hadn't heard that nominally kept my interest. But there were many somewhat tedious and confusing (time-wise) segments that it was a bit of a march to the finish at times.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read that follows a current politician, and I was well aware of the biases that would be included in this book. I personally don't believe you should hero-worship any politician, but I will say at least I do admire and respect Bernie Sanders. This book is definitely on the fluffy side of things but I still enjoyed reading about him from the perspective of one of his closest aides after losing the 2020 Democratic Primary. Sanders is really private about his personal life, but the glimpses I was able to see in the book humanized him a lot to me. If you are a Bernie fan you will most likely enjoy this book, if you are a moderate Dem you probably will too. I would like to think those on the working class right would at least respect him too, and potentially agree with a lot of Bernie's points. It's worth a read but it is biased politically by nature.
And this review is biased because I will admit that Sanders is the politician whose ideals and policies match up most closely to mine.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and close drive along with Vermont's historic senator.

The book provides an amazing insight into Sanders' 2020 campaign; you can experience the ups and downs: the heart attack, the rise in late 2019 before Iowa, the win in Nevada, and the inevitable fall on Super Tuesday.

But most interestingly, it also offers a great view into Bernie himself. It was surprising to see how he acts in private (he really likes saying the f-word, apparently) and to realize he is both like he is in public and nothing like it. The book delves into his hobbies and interests, how he sees the world, and how his upbringing and significant events—like the death of his parents—have shaped him and his political views. For instance, I don't think it's a coincidence that the champion of Medicare for All's mother died after not getting the care she needed.

Overall, this is a great and unique book that opens a window into one of the most intriguing figures in modern politics. It's almost addictive, and I really enjoyed it.

[Randolph Breschini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bernie 🙏🏻. So passionate…such a fighter for the working family…so incredibly direct…same position on issues for decades…so incredibly gifted🙏🏻

This is a great story from behind the scenes of Bernie’s campaign, basically from 2016 onwards 👏🏻

I truly and sincerely believe that Bernie is just ahead of his time. Many of his proposals in 2016 have now become mainstream like the $15/hour minimum wage👏🏻👏🏻

Could Bernie have won in 2020…I don’t think so🤷

Could Bernie have won in 2016…I think so😉

Incredibly, most of the democratic establishment turned on Bernie in 2020, became it felt a more moderate candidate was needed…and they were right🤷

But WHY didn’t the same thing happen in 2016🤷. Unfortunately for us all, Hillary although supremely qualified, just wasn’t electable😉

In a meeting with Barrack Obama in 2019, before Bernie decided to run, Obama dispensed some advice. “Bernie, you are an Old Testament prophet—a moral voice for our party giving us guidance. Here is the thing, though. Prophets don’t get to be king. Kings have to make choices prophets don’t. Are you willing to make those choices?”

10/10

[Angelica Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would be more interesting than it actually was. I think I fell asleep at least twice reading it. I realized I don’t care as much about political campaigns as I thought I did. 😂

But I love Bernie and felt like I got to know him better. He is very determined and has a cute personality. I agree with all of his political agendas mentioned in this biography, so those parts were interesting.

My favorite part of the book was Bernie’s quotes. He genuinely cares about people and you can just tell by the way he speaks. I also liked the photos at the end of the book. It’s so cool seeing him in the community doing good work.

[Jay Molette · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has never personally been a Bernie Bro despite my first election being 2016, I found that this book has challenged some of my own misconceptions about the man. He is perhaps less curmudgeony and more strategic than I have given him credit for. Given the passionate idealism of most of the Bernie supporters I have encountered, I anticipated this book would be highly ingratiating, but for the most part, the book was a pretty sober political memoir. I appreciate Bernie's contributions to American politics and policy despite the fact I never voted for him. The Fighting Soul is a good read, an insightful read, and the anecdotes about Senator Sanders often made me laugh. Five Stars.

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book I went through a rollercoaster of emotions. I remembered my joy when Bernie announced his run, and the pain on Super Tuesday. I also remembered that when Bernie was at his lowest I never walked away because I believed in his message and his actions. While Bernie may never get to the White House I will never forget what he has done to improve the lives of so many. There is still much to be done, the fight goes on, and I am glad that Bernie Sanders is a part of this struggle for a new world.

[Luigi Alcaneses · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book chronicles Bernie's authenticity as a politician: that he is difficult, annoying, and frustrating to work for because of his adamant and stubborn commitment to his principles, and at the same time, inspiring to follow because of his impassioned belief that we can do better for our people. While, at times, Ari Rabin can be repetitive (in the same spirit that Bernie is characteristically "repetitive" in his insistence on a political revolution), this is a unique retelling of Bernie's tireless advocacy through some of his vulnerabilities and behind-the-scene interactions too.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative, fascinating, and well-written deep look into the writer's experience campaigning for Bernie Sanders. While as a rule I do not trust or like politicians, I'm a big fan of Bernie Sanders anyway, and this book really captured the heart of his ethos and personality in a way that made me like and respect him even more. Beyond his endearing old grumpy Jewish man persona, Sanders is the rare politician whose values have remained more or less unchanged throughout his entire career and whose policies have reflected those values from day one. This book is a highly enjoyable read.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many, I have been an admirer of Bernie's for the past two election cycles, but was concerned that his brand of politics would be too hard a sell. My mind hasn't changed about that, but my admiration has grown. He is as authentic as they come. This nation, if it survives, will owe a great debt of gratitude to Bernie as he has nudged us toward a brand of politics and policy that is as inclusive as it is progressive. A very enjoyable read.

[Janecope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating and personal telling of the 2020 Presidential Campaign. It told the story of Bernie Sanders' campaign and ideals from a believer's and insider's standpoint without the strident tone of many such books.

Sanders comes across as perhaps more human than news accounts portray him. In some ways, he may seem to idolized by Rabin-Havt, but not by much. If you're looking to understand the whole Bernie phenomenon, this is a good place to start.

[Hasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the one hand, this book is an interesting insider's account of the Bernie 2020 campaign. It provides for funny anecdotes and at times frank realities and limitations of the candidate. On the other hand, as somebody who followed the 2020 race fairly closely, I didn't learn as much as I thought I would. The author's story is a little constrained by the candidate who was inflexible and immovable to his political detriment.