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What a Party!: My Life among Democrats: Presidents, Candidates, Donors, Activists, Alligators, and Other Wild Animals Audiobook
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(3.12) - 120 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
For a generation of Democrats, Terry McAuliffe has been the ultimate political insider: strategist and spokesperson for the party, confidant for the candidates, mediator among party leaders, and without question the most successful fundraiser in political history. Now, McAuliffe’s energetic memoir provides readers with a fly-on-the-wall view, from the front lines to the back rooms where deals are made, strategies are conceived, initiatives launched, and elections are won—or sometimes, lost.
With revealing anecdotes that take you from the Carter-Kennedy primary contest in 1980, through the Clinton years, to the near victories and crushing losses of the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, this is a fascinating, hilarious, and in-your-face look at Congress and Washington, DC, behind the scenes.
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"Terry McAulliffe's book is somewhat self-serving, which is something he even admits to in the book. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and insightful book. I particularly liked McAuliffe's insights on the Clintons, failures of the Kerry presidential campaign, and modernizing the DNC. "
— Dominic (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“What a Party! is a must-read for all of us who love politics, believe in public service, and know that laughter is often the best survival strategy.”
— President Bill Clinton -
“No one knows more about American politics than Terry McAuliffe. He gives us some remarkable insights and knows how to make his accounts both humorous and informative.”
— President Jimmy Carter -
“I’ve often said Terry’s energy could light up a city, and readers of this book will know why. Terry’s excitement for politics—and life—is evident on every page.”
— Senator Hillary Clinton -
“[An] interesting description of the highs and lows of his life…McAuliffe narrates his own life story, which lends authenticity.”
— AudioFile
What a Party! Listener Reviews
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" Very light reading. Too little of the book talked about his time as Chairman of the DNC, though probably because despite his best efforts, 2000-2004 was not the best time for the party. It's nonetheless a pretty good read for a political junkie like say, me or Suzanne Globetti. "
— Ryan, 11/23/2013 -
" I lean more towards R than D, but this is a fun book filled with insider anecdotes about the life of a Democratic fundraiser. His rise to fortune is also an inspiration, as well as educational. Terry sounds like a really good person to know and watch. "
— Johan, 3/13/2013 -
" Terry McAulliffe's book is somewhat self-serving, which is something he even admits to in the book. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and insightful book. I particularly liked McAuliffe's insights on the Clintons, failures of the Kerry presidential campaign, and modernizing the DNC. "
— Dominic, 2/4/2013 -
" Didn't finish reading it. I got the point early on about how important Terry McAuliffe is. "
— Colin, 1/6/2013 -
" The book reads like a history lesson so you not only learn about McAuliffe's life growing up with a political father but also how campaignes are run and won. "
— Mary, 9/6/2012 -
" a easy read and interesting look at a Clinton insider. "
— Ian, 5/1/2012 -
" Kind of a "kiss & tell" for the political set. Lots of name-dropping of world leaders (which is kind of interesting). Offers great insights into the wild world of political fundraising. If you're not a Dem, don't bother. "
— Amy, 1/21/2012 -
" Great audiobook. As always with political books, entirely partisan but in a fun & interesting way "
— G, 3/16/2010 -
" It showed an inside look at the White House with no fluff. "
— Ben, 2/28/2010 -
" I've always thought this guy was hilarious, and it definitely came across in the tone of the book. A good read for someone who wants to be a political operative/fund raiser. "
— Paola, 2/23/2010 -
" Pure fun for any Democrat looking for the inside scoop from the former head of the DNC - lots of stories and remembrances and silly stuff. You aren't going to find anything heavy or controversial here - just lots of info about the exploits of consummate Democratic insider and friend of the Clintons. "
— Karen, 1/21/2010 -
" A book of anecdotes from fundraising guru to the Dems. "
— Irene, 10/7/2009 -
" Hopefully, I too can someday write a book that consists entirely of namedropping and ways in which I singlehandedly saved the Democratic party. "
— Alex, 5/3/2009 -
" a easy read and interesting look at a Clinton insider. "
— Ian, 11/21/2008 -
" It showed an inside look at the White House with no fluff. "
— Ben, 7/3/2008 -
" Didn't finish reading it. I got the point early on about how important Terry McAuliffe is. "
— Colin, 1/5/2008 -
" I've always thought this guy was hilarious, and it definitely came across in the tone of the book. A good read for someone who wants to be a political operative/fund raiser. "
— Paola, 10/23/2007 -
" The book reads like a history lesson so you not only learn about McAuliffe's life growing up with a political father but also how campaignes are run and won. "
— Mary, 9/5/2007 -
" Very light reading. Too little of the book talked about his time as Chairman of the DNC, though probably because despite his best efforts, 2000-2004 was not the best time for the party. It's nonetheless a pretty good read for a political junkie like say, me or Suzanne Globetti. "
— Ryan, 5/29/2007 -
" Kind of a "kiss & tell" for the political set. Lots of name-dropping of world leaders (which is kind of interesting). Offers great insights into the wild world of political fundraising. If you're not a Dem, don't bother. "
— Amy, 5/22/2007 -
" A book of anecdotes from fundraising guru to the Dems. "
— Irene, 3/13/2007
About Terry McAuliffe
Terry McAuliffe served as governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018 and as chair of the National Governors Association from 2016 to 2017. He served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005. His first book, What A Party! made the New York Times and Washington Post bestsellers list.