The Opposition…

This Town: Two Parties and a Funeral — plus plenty of valet parking! — in America's Gilded Capital

Mark Leibovich

Discussion: 2013-Jul-Aug-Sep

Why we're reading this: July 29, 2013
[close] July 29, 2013

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 3 topics — 3 comments total

2013-Jul-Aug-Sep

This topic has been closed to new comments.

* September 2013
By Tiffany , WristStrong · 1 post · 32 views

last updated Oct 01, 2013 03:57PM

* August 2013
By Tiffany , WristStrong · 1 post · 26 views

last updated Aug 20, 2013 06:06PM

What Members Thought

Jan 14, 2014 Jack rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, politics

I'm a cynical bastard about politics and politicians. I like some more than others, but I'm rarely surprised when "my" guys get stupid. And just when one side is having a grand time in making fun of the other side for stupidity, THAT'S when it all comes back around. Beyond that, I'm also cynical about their intelligence: most politicos are quite savvy and smart, and they use their skills and intellect for a lot more personal enrichment than we often care to recognize. And beyond even that, despi ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 05, 2014 judy rated it it was ok

Shelves: non-fiction

The title with sub-title is more than 5 stars. Without it, this book would barely rate a half star. I gave it 2 because the last fourth of the book does contain some interesting and amusing stories. That leaves me with 3/4 of the book to tell you where, sadly, the author went wrong. There's "The Club"--a large group of politicians, lobbyists and media biggies who socialize ostensibly for a good cause or to honor someone. In reality, they show up to promote themselves and network. Should an elect The title with sub-title is more than 5 stars. Without it, this book would barely rate a half star. I gave it 2 because the last fourth of the book does contain some interesting and amusing stories. That leaves me with 3/4 of the book to tell you where, sadly, the author went wrong. There's "The Club"--a large group of politicians, lobbyists and media biggies who socialize ostensibly for a good cause or to honor someone. In reality, they show up to promote themselves and network. Should an election go wrong or should you lose your job for any reason other than serial murder you can stay in D.C. for the rest of your life. You need no worthy personal attributes or intelligence. You only need connections. Almost no one leaves Washington except in a box. So what does this mean? Leibovich, a self-confessed member of The Club gives us a few hints but nothing that sends us running in horror (except to the bathroom where you will be sick). That's what is missing. We learn that people and organizations start rumors so they can comment later. Not exactly a surprise. We know that Darryl Issa is a publicity hound--you can see it in every revolting newsclip. He has a mini-me with an interesting but too long story. If you follow these things, you know that the late Richard Holbrooke tended to be larger than life earning enormous admiration from some and annoyance from others. Back in the day The Club, which pre-dated Watergate by decades,was much smaller (as DC was)and tasteful rather that ostentatious, actually did some good. It brought together opposites so they could get to know each other and solve some of the nation's problems over cocktails and excellent food. My issue with Leibovich is that he doesn't tell us much we don't know. Now that the town is filled with self-important climbers who are out for themselves, how does this harm the rest of us? Examples please. With or without funerals, parties and valet parking, lobbyists gonna lobby. I'm not sure these events are needed to sell us down the river. How does The Club figure in when so many members of Congress go home every weekend to fund raise or have Bible Study in the C Street House? For years we feared the military-industrial complex that hired retired top brass as consultants(lobbyists)in droves. Since these firms ring the Beltway, the common term was Beltway Bandits. Do they not have huge influence and power anymore? After all, war is beginning to look like a hobby. I think Leibovich probably does have much of the information I seek. As a member of The Club and, more importantly, as chief national correspondent for the NYT magazine he's too smart to cut his own throat. The Club Members have a short memory for transgressions. They know the game. No doubt they love this book. I'd rather see him pull a Truman Capote but he has a family and who knows what will happen even to the mighty NYT in the future? ...more

Like · see review

Sep 02, 2022 Linda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, audio, 2022, politics, government

Slightly dated, but, I think, still appropriate. The book endeared itself to me immediately because it opened with the death and funeral of Tim Russert expounding on the many Washingtonians who attended.
Interesting behind the scenes of our capital. Many of the names were very recognizable to me.
This book has been on my TBR for a long time. After reading the author's most recent book, I decided it was time to read this one. ...more

1 like · Like · see review