The Speechwriter

April 20, 2015
Swaim, a writer for the Wall Street Journal and Times Literary Supplement, cut his political teeth as speechwriter for former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. The reflections here follow Swain’s work from 2007 to June 2009, when Sanford, who is today a state congressman, notoriously went AWOL with his Argentine girlfriend. This event became a media sensation and shortly led to widespread censure. Much of the book is an entertaining inside look at state politics and how the wheels of executive office grind. The book’s best passages explore the appeal of charismatic, earnest, and morally challenged souls like Sanford, who invariably devastate their true-believing but self-interested, in-on-the-game handlers and operatives through disastrous public exposure. Demonstrating empathy mixed with appropriate caution, Swaim reflects on how politicians can be corrupted by “the praise, the fawning, the seriousness with which people take their remarks, the gaze of audiences, the way a crowded room falls silent when they enter.” His report on his experiences as a governor’s idea man is a fine, sometimes brilliant foray into the nature of contemporary politics, the charismatic narcissists who seek high elected office, and the enablers who allow them to dance in the spotlight.

June 15, 2015

The subtitle alludes to the author's three years (2007-10) as a speechwriter and communications officer for South Carolina's controversial Governor Mark Sanford. Although Swaim's education was brief, it was memorable, leaving him embittered about Sanford and politicians in general. The governor was popular with voters, having been reelected in a landslide victory, but his staff and most of the state legislators loathed him. Swaim shares stories that will leave readers shaking their heads about Sanford's bullying and arrogance. Some of these tales are funny, but the humor is more gallows than knee-slapping. To his credit, Swaim lauds his former boss for being able to relate to his constituents, and for his principled stand against President Barack Obama's stimulus package. Sanford's second term ended under threats of impeachment for his extramarital affair, which became a national media event and a disgrace for the governor and staffers such as Swaim who believed in him. Currently, Sanford represents South Carolina in the House of Representatives and Swaim is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal and the Weekly Standard. VERDICT The brisk narrative will grip readers who enjoy insider accounts and offers an unvarnished view of pressure-cooker politics. See Horace Busby's The Thirty-First of March and William F. Gavin's Speechwright for fascinating takes on presidential speechwriters.--Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA

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