Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics Book

I agree with the frequent remarks about this book. it's written in an easily read style for the general public. it's a detailed look at various changes in how Democrats did business, starting with Howard Dean and moving through the 2008 election and the rise of Obama and Organizing for America.

The appeal to me is the degree of detail and insight about the ground game, or what happens behind all the media attention on candidates, events and endless spin by poobahs and pundits. My personal interest was sparked by my own history as an organizer in the 1970s and '80s when I worked for unions in the labor movement.

I'm being a lazy reviewer here and I admit it. I've been interested though in how much media attention is given over to candidates, parties and policies when so few journalists have spent time going behind the scenes to view campaigns from the inside. This book does a credible job of filling in some of that information, at least for Democrats.

I haven't made any bold statements yet but here's one I can offer. Until you understand the ground game and what drives it, you don't understand a significant aspect of politics. And with that said I hope there's a follow up to Herding Donkeys that takes us through the 2012 campaign. There are stories to be told, many interesting and varied stories from every corner of every state. You may be surprised to find out what actually went on in your state.