Fire-Breathing Liberal: How I Learned to Survive (and Thrive) in the Contact Sport of Congress

[RamboLiberal]

by Robert Wexler.

Description from Amazon.com

Review

"Wexler, a six-term Democratic congressman, opens his memoir-cum-civics lesson by saying, “I want to proclaim on every page of this book that I am a liberal Democrat and proud of it.” Fortunately for the reader, he is able to weave his proclamations into entertaining vignettes from the campaign trail to the halls of Congress in blow-by-blows of his involvement in defining moments of recent history: defending President Clinton from impeachment and challenging the Gore v. Bush decision. There is a fair amount of stumping in the book as the congressman lauds his district, defends his actions and criticizes his foes. But he shines when describing the absurdities of his political career, particularly the pitfalls of his early campaigns -- a manager with a weak bladder and running over a dog in his Wexler-emblazoned campaign car -- and his controversial appearance on the Colbert Report. While the prose is occasionally clunky, it does not detract from the pleasures of this fascinating and humorous insider account of the House of Representatives."
--Publishers Weekly

“With enthusiasm and candor, a passionate Democratic congressman gives readers an inside look at the House of Representatives during a period of declining government accountability . . . Wexler’s Southern Florida district was the center of the “butterfly ballot” controversy during the 2000 election, and he angrily recounts the zeal and heartbreak he saw in his elderly constituents, hundreds of whom mistakenly cast votes for Pat Buchanan that were never properly recounted. A staunch supporter of Israel and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he endured a tense meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad because he saw it as an opportunity to learn more about a powerful figure in Middle Eastern relations. When Assad asked, “Is George Bush crazy?” Wexler’s description of the thought process behind his carefully phrased answer offers a mini-lesson in diplomacy. His clarity and humanity in no way dampen his zest for picking fights. His list of Republican misdeeds includes strong-arming for votes, using fear to galvanize public support, misleading Congress into war and illegally wiretapping citizens . . . After loudly decrying the Clinton impeachment on the grounds that the president did not betray his country, he now declares that a worthy candidate for impeachment currently sits in the White House. Yet Wexler never loses humor or optimism. His wife, children and belief in democracy keep him grounded and working hard for civility and the ideals on which the nation was founded . . . Wexler’s approachable, eye-opening political autobiography overflows with intriguing detail and insight.”
--Kirkus Reviews

“ remarkably open and honest book for a politician to have put into the light of day. If you want to know how Washington works, read this book.”
--AfterDowningStreet.org

“This is a very good book . . . Wexler, elected to congress in 1996, is a man who is passionate but practical, liberal but realistic, at times bombastic but often humble . . . it is worth reading.”
--Palm Beach Post

“Over the course of twelve years, Robert Wexler has fought for his constituents and his ideals, refusing to let the status quo in Washington dictate what is best for this country. His book is a testament to that fight.”
--Senator Barack Obama

“As this inspiring book makes clear, Robert Wexler fights skillfully and passionately for progressive causes, and we’re closer to our goals because of him.”
--Senator Edward Kennedy

“I enjoyed Congressman Wexler’s book even more than I enjoy cocaine and prostitutes.”
--Stephen Colbert

“Thank God for Robert Wexler -- the man who will always be my Congressman. This book proves he’s the only guy in politics who may have a brain and mouth bigger than mine!”
--Randi Rhodes


Product Description

There’s a reason The Nation, America’s leading progressive magazine, named Robert Wexler the country’s “Most Valuable Congressman.” It's the same reason right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh refers to him as “disgusting.” It's because for the last twelve years Wexler has been Congress’s most outspoken liberal -- taking on George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Alberto Gonzales, General David Petraeus, and, when necessary, even his own party.

In Fire-Breathing Liberal, Wexler brings readers onto the floor of the House and puts them at the center of some of the last decade’s biggest controversies. He passionately describes how he defended Bill Clinton from impeachment and how he stood up against the Bush brothers when the “butterfly” ballots in his Florida district wrongly decided the 2000 presidential election. He also offers an honest and brutal assessment of the Iraq war and explains why he has become a leader in the movement to impeach Vice President Cheney. And, with warmth and wit, Wexler shares some of the funniest stories from the corridors of Congress, including how he became The Colbert Report’s most talked-about guest.

This is a remarkably candid first-person account of recent political history that shows government as it has rarely been seen -- by a Democrat in the middle of the storms.

[LSparkle]

1. He ought to be on the short list for VP (IMHO)

1. He's an ATTACK DOG big time.
2. Jewish (and observant!).
3. From FLORIDA (hellloooo ... )
4. Big Obama supporter early on.
5. At forefront of election issues.
6. I think he's on the House Intelligence Committee (or Armed Forces maybe?).

[RamboLiberal]

2. After watching him at the rules meeting - I agree

He takes no shit from the Repukes or even some in the Democratic party.

[JBoris]

3. Wexler! One of the few things to be proud of here in FL's 19th! Please everyone buy his book..

and/or donate to his campaign!