Citizens of the Green Room

October 15, 2014
Amusing and perceptive tales of the political animals in the zoo that is Washington, D.C. New York Times Magazine chief national correspondent Leibovich (This Town: Two Parties and a Funeral-Plus, Plenty of Valet Parking!-in America's Gilded Capital, 2013, etc.) presents a collection of previously published profiles of the camera-ready and well-rehearsed "public actors" who populate the modern American political sphere (and "carry themselves with a jumpy expectation that they are being studied at all times"), recounting "the whole unnatural experience that these subjects endure on their daily high wires." These essays and profiles are uniformly witty, and some are a bit long, befitting the (self-) importance of his subjects. Indeed, Leibovich writes that if vanity and self-celebration were crimes, "the Capitol would be empty." The author bemoans politicians' rejection of candor and reliance on media strategists; as an example, he tells of being summoned by Ted Kennedy Jr. to create a "foundational story" to serve as his announcement of running for office. Throughout the book, Leibovich delivers full-dimensional portraits of these eccentric D.C. denizens, and he expertly puts his finger on a vague sense readers might have about a politician-for instance, how Mitt Romney "emits a kind of pre-traumatic gaffe anxiety at all times." The author also unmasks the insecurity behind the enormous egotism of bombastic talk show host Chris Matthews, whose profile isn't so much eviscerating as sharp and perceptive-and, yes, unrelenting. Leibovich provides a pithy assessment of the 2012 presidential campaign, but he admits to feeling depressed by the campaign due to the government's inertia and the realization that the lack of civility between the political parties wouldn't change, no matter which candidate won. He also laments living and raising a family in "the most disappointing city in America." Humorous, incisive and very droll.

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November 15, 2014

This collection from Leibovich (chief national correspondent, New York Times Magazine; This Town) features interviews and observations with notable political and media figures. The short, easy-to-read pieces spanning from 2002 to 2013 stem from the author's time as a political reporter for the Washington Post. Both familiar "citizens" (Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Glenn Beck) as well as the less familiar (current Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe, former U.S. Representative James Traficant of Ohio) are featured. The original publication date is listed with each entry and helps explain and give context to why the vignettes are included. The book is lively and detailed, though at times the lack of context among the articles makes transitioning from one profile to another a challenge. Leibovich frequently delves into specific details, such as how much money California Congressman George Miller charged in rent for his Capitol Hill townhome in 2007 (and how his then-tenants paid him, whether by direct deposit or bimonthly checks). VERDICT Fans of Leibovich's This Town as well as media or political observers will appreciate this work.--Leigh Mihlrad, FDIC Lib., Washington, DC

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