Congress from the Inside: Observations from the Majority and the Minority

by Sherrod Brown

Four decades of Democratic control of Congress abruptly came to an end with the 1994 elections, which propelled the Republican party to an unfamiliar role as the majority party in both houses of Congress. In his second term as a congressman from Ohio, Sherrod Brown was thrust into the frenetic, very partisan first 100 days of the Republicans Contract with America. This account of the transition from political majority status to minority status discloses the trauma felt by one party and the exhilaration experienced by the other as one era ended and a new one began.

Genres: Politics

248 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Public Scott]

Not bad, as far as political memoirs go. It doesn't hurt that my politics align somewhat with Sherrod Brown's. I was hoping for a much goopier glimpse at how the sausage is made, but there are still insights to be gleaned from this fairly orthodox view of how Congress works (or worked at one point in time). It was amusing to get an up-close view of Newt Gingrich's Republican Revolution from the other side of the aisle.

[Lynnette]

Not having grown up in the USA and taken the classes in high school, I really never and still largely, don't understand the workings of the American political system. This book helped me understand a little how this works and how frustratingly rewarding the political arena can be. I came to understand that even the most well meaning and forward thinking politician can be side tracked and thwarted in his goal to achieve good governing for his party and constituents.
I will be re-reading this book many times to try to understand how this all works. I definitely have sympathy for ANY President of the USA.

[Ryan]

After reading sections of this for research last year, I wanted to give this an honest read, and the now-Senator doesn't disappoint. Good to remember what things were like in the 90s, and how politics can and should work. They're not all deserving of the low approval ratings they get now. Many, including this guy, are in it for exactly the right reasons.

[Cathy Allen]

The material might be a bit dated now, but sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and treat yourself to some good reading. If you like politics, history, or studying the ways of those who are masters of their trade, then this one is for you!