Rating: 
Summary: Sharp-eyed snapshots from 40 years on the campaign trail ...
Review: At a time when the term "liberal" has come to be a dirty word, and mass media punditry is dominated by corporate suits pushing a Big Business agenda, it is refreshing to see a blue-collar journalist dissect politics from the perspective of the old school of newspaper reporting.Drawing on his 40 years of experience covering everything from local mayoral races to national presidential campaigns, Jack W. Germond has written "Fat Man In A Middle Seat" as both a memoir of his encounters with some of the past generation's most interesting political personalities and an analysis of the news coverage the public gets of those candidates. In each case, Germond's observations are astute and fascinating, but ultimately discouraging for what they reveal about the men who hold or seek power, as well as how they are portrayed to the voters. Culminating in the farcical non-election results of 2000, and the atrocious reporting of the outcome, Germond reaches his inevitable conclusion that he no longer expects the system to ever "get it right" and produce real executive leadership or accurate press accounts of current events. Now semi-retired in West Virginia, he makes it depressingly clear that the failure of broadcast and print news to adequately explain what was at stake for the direction of the country (both during and after the 2000 presidential race) represented a new low in American journalism and politics. Maybe worst of all, Germond notes, too many modern journalists apparently never even tried to pierce the market-tested, micromanaged images that the Bush and Gore campaigns spoon-fed them. This did not serve the public interest and, Germond argues, it led directly to the situation in which we saw the travesty of a Supreme Court case determining control of the federal government. Without exaggerating, he says, the future of democracy itself may be at stake if this trend in superficial reporting continues. Surprisingly, however, Germond reserves his most scathing comments for former president Bill Clinton. Coming from the left, this savage indictment of the Big Creep's pathologically selfish character is more devastating and effective than anything the Republican attack dogs ever produced. Other descriptions of John and Robert Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Sr., and many presidential wannabes are equally crisp and vivid. Perhaps the best thing about this work is Germond's impressive candor and modesty about his own accomplishments and mistakes. He is honest about his personal and professional errors in judgment, and does not seem to have an ax to grind against his ideological opponents. That alone sets "Fat Man In A Middle Seat" apart from the self-bronzing, unctuous autobiographies of most fourth estate superstars. Read this book if you want a breath of fresh air in the dry desert of what passes for media criticism and political commentary these days. With grace and grit, Germond makes his life ring true.
Rating: 
Summary: Too much petty bitterness; not enough meat
Review: I hated myself for loving this book--perhaps for the same reason that someone might hate one's self for listening to juicy gossip; Germond pulls few punches, goes heavy on the personalities and light on the policies (at least when he takes time to tell the reader why he dislikes Richard Nixon so much). On the other hand, Germond makes it amply clear why he dislikes George Bush--he says Bush had no idea what he wanted to do with the office once he had it; he was the "quintessential empty suit." In 12 years, this is the first time I've heard anyone dare to point that out. I was vastly amused by his McLaughlin Group chapter (I wonder what *McLaughlin* thought of it). And Germond's own attitude about the show and his place on it is refreshing. All in all, it's an insightful, valuable and entertaining memoir by one of the most thoughtful, least affected pundits in the arena.
Rating:
Summary: Basically My Concept of a Journalist
Review: I liked this book. JG is basically my concept of a political reporter. He was intimately involved in the lives of Robert Kennedy and Jimmy Carter, one could argue. So being a journalist means looking deeply into the psyche (soul?) of a politician, without being too close or personally involved. This became a problem with Jimmy Carter. Maybe this is why there are few, if any, Germonds out there.
Germond's comments on Reagan are pretty amazing, to me. The same for Clinton. I guess he's getting more bitter. I have the new book, but I picked this one up used on Amazon, and I'm pretty sure it is the more significant book.
I never quite knew what the deal was with Germond on McG Group. Now I do. That's where I really grew attached to the guy. Sorry it was such a bum experience. Dr. M does not come off well, yet he basically seems to have spawned Chris Matthews, another rather wildly pretentious churno-journo.
I really didn't find any hatchet jobs in the reviews. I'd like to thing Germond commands this kind of respect. I guess I'm not giving the book 5 stars because this man has had a life that was terribly special. I think he needs to offer a little more perspective, be a little more grandly philosophical, at this point. You know, without being pretentious.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting recollections
Review: If you have seen Jack Germond on the McLaughlin Group or Inside Washington, then you know that he is curmudgeonly. That personality trait is also amply apparent in this book. It gives the entire book a "tell it like it is" feeling to it that can be very disarming. Having said that, I still found it enjoyable. Just as Germond dishes out his disdain, he also tells of people, both fellow reporters and politicians, who he admires. It's not that Germond is unable to give praise, it's that he won't give it to just anyone, even because they are, for example, President of the US. He feels respect must be earned, and if you haven't earned his, he'll mention it. If you have earned it, he'll also mention it. Like another reviewer, I found the second half of the book more interesting than the first. I especially enjoyed the chapter on the McLaughlin book, both for the info into the program that I used to love, and now loathe, and also how he shows the differences between electronic and print media, and how money can be so powerful an influence. Furthermore, I found the chapter where he analyzes the Bush Sr. and Clinton presidencies, to be fabulous. He holds both of these presidents in low esteem, but the reasons why are interesting, if not particularly profound. Still, I was suprised that someone so unabashedly liberal as Germond would be so disgusted with Clinton. Regardless of what you feel about Clinton's presidencies and escapades, the honesty of Germond's feelings was refreshing. He also goes into length about various political reporters and other non-president politicians that he admired. It's very interesting, especially the anecdote about Howard Baker, and the medias role in curtailing his career, and Germond's analysis of it. Additionally, I liked that Germond left his personal life out of this book. He knows we aren't here to read about it, and he left it at home where it belonged. That's refreshing.
Rating: 
Summary: Mencken, Germond, and the Baltimore Sun
Review: It's as if lightning struck twice. HLM the ultimate conservative curmudgeon, JWG much more the right, but not quite, and not consistently so. HLM the scholar, dealing with the big picture, JWG with personalities, up close and personal. A great book: no need to wonder what Jack really thinks about Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton. Jack was the only reason we watched The McLaughlin Report. He nails the pompous (call me Doctor) McLaughlin and candidly informs us how much he and the other participants were paid. It's also refreshing to read that he thought the Herald Trib under James Bellows was a much more entertaining and interesting paper than the Times. This is not a book for middle-of-the-roaders, and that's exactly why it's so refreshing to read it. You're one in a million, Jack.
Rating:
Summary: What you'd expect from this pragmatic curmudgeon
Review: Jack Germond is not a contrived media persona; he is the man you see on Inside Washington and used to see on The McLaughlin Group -- a down-to-earth, suffers-no-fool-gladly, old school reporter. I disagree with reviews that say there is no insight to be found here. The first half of the book is definitely more anecdotal than analytic, and would be of interest primarily to those who want to know about the great reporters, editors and newspapers of the last few decades. The book becomes more interesting, in my opinion, in the second half. Here Mr. Germond does relate his opinions and experiences with a variety of political figures to good effect. I do feel I know more about the people he discusses and the way Washington works.
Rating:
Summary: Candid, Readable, Moving
Review: Jack Germond writes with the same gentlemanly charm that he once brought to the otherwise tawdry McLaughlin Group. Perhaps his most valuable insights concern the personalities and egos of various politicians - few journalists realize, as does Germond how important such characteristics are in politics and governing. I particularly liked his insights on Nixon, Carter, the first (and clearly elected) Bush, and Clinton, not to mention such would-be leaders as Rockefeller and Averill Harriman. Germond dislikes pretensions, nor does he kowtow to the high and mighty. Some readers may occasionally disagree with his views, but all should respect this man's intelligence and sense of fair play. Germond also discusses his Louisiana upbringing, race relations, horse playing, the insides of newsrooms, and his daughter's tragic illness.
Germond gained fame from television, but he's far more captivating on radio. His book contains much similar charm, with readable prose, excellent insights, and unfortunately, too few pages.
Rating:
Summary: Candid, Readable, Moving
Review: Jack Germond writes with the same gentlemanly charm that he once brought to the otherwise tawdry McLaughlin Group. Perhaps his most valuable insights concern the personalities and egos of various politicians - few journalists realize, as does Germond how important such characteristics are in politics and governing. I particularly liked his insights on Nixon, Carter, the first (and clearly elected) Bush, and Clinton, not to mention such would-be leaders as Rockefeller and Averill Harriman. Germond dislikes pretensions, nor does he kowtow to the high and mighty. Some readers may occasionally disagree with his views, but all should respect this man's intelligence and sense of fair play. Germond also discusses his Louisiana upbringing, race relations, horse playing, the insides of newsrooms, and his daughter's tragic illness.
Germond gained fame from television, but he's far more captivating on radio. His book contains much similar charm, with readable prose, excellent insights, and unfortunately, too few pages.
Rating:
Summary: John, Eleanor, Mor-ton, Pat, and Jack discuss "Fat Man..."
Review: Jack Germond's book, "Fat Man in a Middle Seat," is a refreshing book filled with fascinating anecdotes which will keep political junkies everywhere entertained. In fact, this book is so good that instead of reviewing it myself, I'll let the members of "The McLaughlin Group" discuss it in their inimitable style. John McLaughlin: Issue one, "Fat Man in a Middle Seat." Eleanor: Now wait a minute John, that's not fair! John: Now, now, El-a-nor, I didn't even say anything bad about it yet! Eleanor: Really John, you don't think I KNOW that you're going to trash Jack's book? John: Actually, I was going to give it the fair, impartial treatment that I give to every other issue that comes before me on this show. Eleanor: THAT'S what we're afraid of, John! Jack Germond: Uh, umm, well, uh, how about letting people just read the book and draw their own conclusions?Mor-ton: Yeah! John: Now, wait a minute, Mor-ton, are you saying that you AGREE with Jack's book that this show is trash and that I'm just an egomaniac, loud-mouthed buffoon!?! Pat Buchanan: Before I leave this silly show to go off and run for President for whatever political party is dumb enough to nominate me, I just want to say, good job, Jack! Jack Germond; Uh, umm, well, uh, thank you all for your support. John: OK, exit question! On a scale of 0 to 10, where ZERO is the absolute worst book ever published and 10 is the metaphysical "War and Peace" of our time, where do you rate "Fat Man in a Middle Seat?" Mor-ton! Mor-ton: Well, you know, I really had several things to say on the Middle East situation, and I also had some neat predictions to make this week about the current budget negotiations, but I guess since Jack's book seems to be the main topic of discussion this week, I'll just hold off for now and give it an 8. John: Eleanor!! Eleanor: This book is great! Jack Germond has more knowledge of politics in his right pinky than you have in your entire body, John!!! And his comments on this show are right on..I'd give it a 9 and a half.
John: Pat! Pat Buchanan: As a lifelong professional politician, who has never held a real job, I've got to say that I think Jack's book is very insightful. I mean, this guy obviously LOVES politics and politicians, conservative and liberal alike, and it's great fun to read about YOU, John!. Anyway, I guess if Jack weren't an atheist, I'd give his book a 10, but since he doesn't believe in God and also engages in all kinds of drinking, womanizing, and cursing, it saddens me to say that I'll have to give it a lower rating, probably a 5 for his moral relativism. John: Jack, why don't you rate your own book?Jack: Well, uh, umm, John, do you think I'm an idiot or something? Of course I'm going to give my own book a 10! Anyway, it's going to make me enough money so that I can tell you to take a hike!! John: OK, now that we've gotten all the incorrect answers out of the way, let me give you the correct answer. If you forget about his comments about me and my show, Jack's book is a 10. But since I am obviously the center of the universe, the book is a big ZERO! Eleanor: You see John, I knew you couldn't be unbiased! Mor-ton: Can we talk about the budget negotiations now? Pat: I'm off to run for President. Jack: Let me out of this loony bin!!!
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed reading this as much as Jack enjoyed writing it.
Review: The few occasions where I tuned into the McLaughlin Group I found Jack to be "odd man out." I found his comments thoughtful and insightful, never loud and boorish. I never could figure out what he was doing on the show; now I see that it was a mistake on his part. This is an enjoyable book, more anecdote than analysis. I'm a political junkie and knew about most of the subjects he covered and it was fun to read his take on them. From reading the book I got the impression that a Journalism 101 student sat with him, turned on a tape recorder, and said: "Tell me about your life in journalism, Mr. Germond." It was puzzling at times that he alluded to aspects of his personal life but didn't go into detail (his daughter's death, the breakup of his first marriage, etc.). He certainly doesn't owe anyone and explanation, but I'm not sure I would have mentioned them at all. But the book was well worth the investment and it was a good read.
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