As if We Were Grownups: A Collection of Suicidal Political Speeches that Aren't Book

What if our political leaders started talking to us as if we were grownups?

That depends on who you ask. America's top political consultants tell their candidates that honest, realistic talk- talk that sidesteps the good old smiley-faced cliches, that reflects some of the complexities of today's issues, that holds voters accountable for their own actions and decisions instead of automatically praising them- will buy them nothing but heartburn on the campaign trail and a one-way ticket back to private life. In this collection of provocative speeches that high-priced consultants would call politically suicidal, Jeff Golden challenges that "realistic" cynicism head on. We are more than ready for leadership that treats us like responsible adults, he says. We are hungering for it.

And that's not tossed out as an idle hope. Drawing on 25 years experience in politics and the media, Golden has crafted a collection of powerfully entertaining speeches on the very issues that keep campaign consultants awake at night. As if We Were Grownups shows exactly how authentic political leaders can connect with the very people their advisers scorn and fear: you and everyone else who votes in America. This compelling new candor could break through the deadly downward spiral that has us expecting less and less of our political leaders while they're thinking less and less of us. Then who knows what happens? We might actually create an American politics and a civic life that truly serves us. All of us.

This book is for anyone growing exasperated with politics to the point of despair. It's also a pleasure to read.