Reviews for Philosophic Whigs

The average rating for Philosophic Whigs based on 2 reviews is 2 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-06-25 00:00:00 David Pittman This is a "biography" that was really more of a current issues book - so, it might have been a much better read a few years ago. Still, there were valuable insights about the former senator and the book did keep my interest. The author jumped around quite a bit, not really pulling various chapters together. For example, there are vague references to comments made by Trent Lott, and unexpected circumstances that led to Mr. Frist's rise to senate majority leader. I have some memory of those times, but more detail and analysis of the events as well as how Mr. Frist was selected would have been of interest. As it is, it appeared from the book that the senator just woke up one day and there he was in this new position . . . What interested me the most was the concept of a citizen-legislator vs. a career politician. I do think the author did a good job of showing how men and women who have had a successful career prior to going to Washington can be more effective than a career politician. Mr. Frist's talents were much called upon when medical issues were debated, and especially when the anthrax threat occurred shortly after 9-11. Every American citizen can be grateful that Mr. Frist was on hand to help the nation through that crisis. Wouldn't it be a good thing for our nation if we had many more experts in different fields serving in the senate? I never understood the debate over term limits, but this book and the career of Mr. Frist certainly has shed light on that subject. Term limits are now something I am strongly in favor of! (Although, editorializing once again, it is not likely the self-serving legislature would ever pass such a law).

Review # 2 was written on 2011-04-16 00:00:00 Nicolas Dawson Its always good to read about him BUT this biography isn't special. I find him fascinating because he strikes be as a true public servant in a way that is different from others in the national spotlight because he was such an established professional before going into politics. Because of the dedication and commitment involved in running a campaign and then maintaining a re-electable profile, it is very rare to have a national leader who simultaneously is one of the most established people in his or her profession, (at least outside of the legal field). He was a rare breed in D.C. to say the least. It is mostly a typical biography but I have revisited the beginning and ending several times since the first time I read it, for reference and entertainment. It begins with the story of Senator Trent Lott's remarks at former Senator Strom Thurmond's birthday party and the subsequent process of nominating and appoint Senator Frist to take his place. It is a rather dramatic narrative, but then again, under the circumstances of Sen. Lott's remarks, it was a dramatic time for the Republican Party. At the end of the book, the author shares Sen. Frist's remarks on several key issues facing the nation. While many of those opinions are common knowledge now, in 2004, they shed light on his real opinions and beliefs in a way that is otherwise difficult to relay.