Politicians, Partisans and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News FROM THE PUBLISHER
Every weeknight, millions of Americans tune in to see Tucker Carlson anchor the right side of the aisle on CNN's Crossfire. Named by New York magazine as the journalist most likely to succeed in the Years of Bush, he has roused conservatives and charmed liberals with his singular brand of acerbic wit and razor-sharp insight. Now he loosens his signature bow tie and cracks keen and wise like never before, as he exposes -- and defends... Tossed by fate (and the O.J. Simpson murder trial) into the trenches of electronic journalism, Carlson learned early that "television brings out the crazy in people." Naturally, he started taking notes. The result is a hilarious and brilliantly revealing look at the most powerful and weirdest medium there is. Carlson has not only seen television from the inside, but dares to describe it. In this book, he takes you behind the curtain of the political talk show. From the heroic to the disgraced, to Monica Lewinsky's sex therapist, Carlson has interviewed them all. The hosts. The guests. The stalkers. Not always edifying, but "definitely more fun than playing Scrabble with the shut-ins," it's a portrait you won't soon forget.
From the goings-on behind the scenes at Crossfire to high jinks at the wet bar on Senator John McCain's campaign bus; from fencing with Al Sharpton to a near wrestling match with Prisoner #31213-060, nee James A. Traficant; from the nerve center of Jerry Falwell's media empire to the scene of Dick Morris's fall from grace, Carlson takes us on a riotous tour through the days and nights of a cable newsman. Long beloved for his wit and insight by political junkies on both sides of the aisle, Tucker Carlson's long-awaited debut book is the work of a uniquely talented voice that is sure to be with us for a very long time.
SYNOPSIS
The co-host of CNN's Crossfire reveals his trials and tribulations there and earlier with The Spin Room. The memoir has no index or bibliography. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
In his first book, the genial cohost ("from the right") of CNN's popular Crossfire details his adventures in the political business and in television, from the enlightening to the downright hilarious. Given Carlson's conservative label, some readers may be wary. That would be a mistake. Politicians is not about bashing liberals (indeed, Carlson admits that his Ober-liberal cohost James Carville is "one of my favorite people"), but about the colorful and at times irreverent people who make politics so interesting-and entertaining. The author reserves his criticism for stuffy politicians who take themselves too seriously, and he lavishes praise on those who make good on-air guests. Among these is the convicted former Ohio congressman, James Traficant, "because he was willing to appear on television drunk." Carlson's montage is packed with golden political nuggets ("if you're going to be shallow, I've always thought you'd better be amusing") as well as the secret to his success (just let people talk and they will tell you everything you need to know) and funny glimpses behind the scenes at live TV, including the producer from hell, the "seven forbidden words" on television and "easy turns," the "publicity hounds" without whom, he says, talk shows could not exist. At times, it's difficult to tell if Carlson is being serious or pulling your leg, but that is part of his charm. Anyone with a sense of humor will find this chronicle thoroughly enjoyable, and political junkies will likely laugh out loud more than once. Agent, Amanda Urban. (Sept. 15) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
A print journalist and genial cable-TV pundit, spins the story of his public career so far—and gives the once-over to the green-room regulars, the C-list guests, the spin doctors, and the true believers. Carlsonﾽs got some views on zealots of all stripes, from the language police to the tobacco vigilantes. Deadly appraisals cover Jerry Falwell, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Alan Dershowitz, Bill Bradley, Dick Morris, and several TV producers. Heﾽs not impressed with their mendacity. At least thatﾽs the way it looks from his perch on the right. Gary Condit wasnﾽt so bad, as Carlson sees it, and John McCain fares quite well. Though George W. Bush pretty much gets a free pass, the list of absolute flakes, creepy candidates, political mountebanks, and mendacious legislators provides some good clean fun. Itﾽs easy, entertaining stuff, even as Carlson explains those false rape charges or why he thinks Canadians are just "a shade off." He neglects to reveal if his signature bow tie is a clip-on. Agent: Amanda Urban/ICM
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