In Praise of Public Life: The Honor And Purpose Of Political Science

Rating:
Summary: The Positive Side of Public Life
Review: I am a young student of politics, and I am thinking about a career in public life. But at times I have wondered did that include the possibility of elected office, and if so did I really want to do it. Especially, since our public officials are viewed with a great deal of skepticism. But as I read this book, I found out that public life is still an honorable profession. Senator Lieberman, in many ways reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in politics. In the book, Senator Lieberman points out a lot of the problems that we have in Washington D.C., namely to much partisan bickering. He also offers the solution to this problem, which is that members of the House and the Senate, must put aside this partisanship and work together in a bipartisan way to do the work of the people. I highly recommend this book to all of those people who are interested in public life. But I would also recommend it to those who have little interest in politics, simply because, Senator Lieberman points out that many people who go into politics, do it not for their own benefit, but as Senator McCain put it "To serve a cause greater than oneself." Which is what Senator Lieberman is saying in a different way. I felt that by including examples from his own political career, will help to show to people that public life can be the noble profession that it truely is. I am a young Republican, and I like the fact that Senator Lieberman has crossed Partisan lines to get things done in Washington D.C.

Rating:
Summary: Devoted American
Review: I met Senator Lieberman once when I was at a synagogue with him in the Catskills. The man is not only a brilliant speaker, the man is devoted to his profession.

When we think of the term "career politician," what comes to mind? Lying, falsehood, accepting bribes. Generally, honesty, religious devotion, family life, and patriotism are not our first thoughts.

Lieberman's parents were immigrants, and that helped him build a strong character, a strong patriotic feeling in his heart, one that is the American Dream, a man transformed from son of immigrants to vice-presidential candidate.

Rating:
Summary: An intricate portrait of a complex man
Review: I would give this book a C +, but out of respect for a man who should be our vice president right now, will grant it a b-. Its positive points were: being informative for potential public servants, and brownie points for its lofty tone and positivattityd. I took off points, however, for at times what seemed a prim and righteous tone. It was also not substantive enough about his accomplishments, thereby leaving us still unconvinced he was ever the 'right man for the job.'

I read this book during the [S]elections of December - January 2000, in hopes of getting to know this man better, which is precisely the function it served in being published at that time. This was a book written so that voters can get to know this man, who seemed a complete stranger to most, although by all accounts 'a good man.' Across the country, plebian voters were asking themselves, "Who is Senator Joe Lieberman, anyway?" Most folks had never even heard of this guy until he became the Democratic Party nominee for Vice President. Therefore he might be considered an 'insider' since most outsiders like me did not even notice his career on the rise within the Democratic Party in the first place. I read at the time in newspapers that this choice for Gore's running mate was met with much enthusiasm by most Democrats: for one, he was Jewish, the first Jewish candidate for Vice President. This meant the monied folks in New Yawk would vote for Gore; and, as Michael Tomasky points out in the book "Hillary's Turn," the choice of a Connecticut senator solidified the East Coast Democratic vote with the Democrat's strong candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton running for the New York Senate race. It made New York a done deal in the Selections.

Lieberman was also touted as a respectable nominee for being anti-Clinton, for standing up against "immoral conduct" during the Monica Thing, and thereby emphasizing his own squeaky clean background. This seems counter-productive, because why would you want a candidate whose selection was primarily an anti-Clinton stance? Is this the only thing that catapulted him to power? Realistically, the political atmosphere was such that it was seen as a politically righteous move to distance oneself from the now public conduct of President Clinton. The American public, in its dual porno/puritan preoccupations and phobias, wanted someone who was happily married, but not too happily so. When Gore kissed Tipper on national television it underscored this, but characteristically for the Democratic party, was a shot in the foot.

Lieberman, like Gore, did everything he could to distance himself as a morally superior candidate; he speaks of his marriage and romantic life in appropriately chaste terms; he speaks often with fondness of both of his wives, and that is a respectful and civil thing. He emphasizes the importance of his faith, thereby making most Americans feel right at home. My criticism of this tactic is, being religious is not necessarily a sign of sound political judgment; nor is it arguably a good political strategy to jump on a bandwagon of moral persecution. This is mainly a criticism of the DNC as a whole; they let Repubes frame the elections in a context of shame, of being on the defensive from the onset. They were blind to the fact that Clinton was, and remains, an immensely popular president; his policies and actions were already missed before he ever left office. The Democraps never capitolized on this at all.

If the Democratic Party wanted to distance themselves from Clinton, while nominating a progressive Jewish candidate, they should have more seriously considered someone like Senator Dianne Feinstein, or Senator Barbara Boxer. Not only would this have appealed to the more numerous female voters (who comprise more than 50% of the voting population compared to circa 1 percent of Jewish voters), but these women candidates are more mainstream, better-known and better legislators than Senator Lieberman. If Dems wished to distance themselves from Clintonesque sexual behaviour, what better way to do it than to nominate a woman candidate, since women are perceived as being more ethical politicians? Furthermore, nominating a California Senator for Vice President would have brought on a larger, more powerful western lobby, balancing the heavy southern influence in the 2000 Selections (Texas, Texas and Tenessee--- booooring). In fact, this preponderance may have been a factor in polarizing the urban/suburban vote. A California influence could have lent that much-needed big-time, environmental, pro-choice kick to the entire presidential campaign. Now, as it is, we have to put up with the indignity of ten gallon hats and ostrich-skin boots on the Hill.

The book is filled with chatty, informative anecdotes about Lieberman's political resume in public service; from his first election in high school, to his public election in 1970 for Connecticut State Senate, from Law School at Yale to fundraising for his own campaigns. Lieberman shares somewhat prayer-like and lofty, positive-spirited ponderings on the nature of public service, clearly influenced by "the ideals of John F. Kennedy ("Ask not what your country can do, ask what you can do for your country.") He sees political office as "tikkun alam," which in Hebrew is "to improve/repair the world," or more boldly, he writes, "to complete the Creation which God began." He defends the idea of being a career politician, of learning by experience, and so on. The book was very informative, like talking shop breezily with a politician about becoming a politician. He makes a conscious effort to point out his close call with 'dishonest graft,' to erroneous rumours of his having an affair, vigourously offering examples that show him to be a morally upstanding citizen, all the while seeming to say, "Vote for me, I'm a really decent guy. A good man, I tell you! A GOOD MAN. I'm an *honest* politician, unlike Bill Clinton. I am straight and honest, and chaste. I have never stolen a kiss from one of my interns; heck, I've never even stolen someone else's pen, that is how honest I am. You will get used to my earnest, hangdog gaze in time, and learn to love my fastidious adherence to maintaining a prim air. Vote for me. I'm yo man. I liked rock n' roll in high school."

Lieberman saw this book as being *interviewed* by the American pubic and mass media -- obviously not an easy task in such a carnage-filled political atmosphere. The cleancut background lent a prim glow to the presidential ticket; but failed to focus on more substantive matters: how are you going to make life better for the American people? And if necessary, the show us how will we will bitterly regret allowing a Putsch Administration come to power, how this was far worse than even a lukewarm Gore-Lieberman ticket? If you wanted a worthy politician in office, with real integrity, and a genuine dedication to passing progressive legislation... you'd vote for Nader!

A political insider friend told me at the time about the sense of entitlement of both Republican and Democratic candidates. Both Bore and Gush felt they *deserved* the presidency; this makes Lieberman or Cheney for that fact, little more than someone who is trying to get into the executive on the coatstrings of a spoiled frat boy. More importantly, a Vice Presidential candidate who stands up primarily for moral righteousness is prematurely conceding the election to a Bush Administration. The entire Democratic party was adhering to what they thought as a centrist position; to others they copped out by acting like narrow-visioned Republicans. They lost much support, for their fence-straddling on many issues important to voters: environmental policy, corporal punishment, reproductive choice for women among many of them. It was only a matter of time, perhaps, when Democrats, disgusted with the lack of choice between any of the smug candidates, threw up their hands and voted "Nader," who was really the only presidential candidate who had proven himself by passing more progressive legislation than both both the tools in the Democrap/Repubican parties put together.

The candidates should have concentrated more on hell being four long hard years' struggle against the evils of a Resident Bush Administration. Instead, the Democrats launched into a blamefest against the Green Party, mounting a media offensive against Nader, when they should have been launching a legal investigation against their Repubican opponent, whose dubious record as Governor of Tejas was ALWAYS far more worthy of intense public scrutiny. The combined effect of political infighting of Gore and Lieberman distancing themselves from Clinton and panic about a growing interest in the dark-horse Ralph Nader, a renowned consumer advocate and environmentalist, cancelled out what should have been a safe win for an incumbent Vice President. The Dems blamed the Greens for sabotaging their chances, before they even tried to prove their own numerous strong points, thus making themselves look like [fools] -- pardon the pun. The Dems sold out fo

Rating:
Summary: A Different Spin on Politics
Review: In the opening prologue of Senator Lieberman and co-author Michael D'Orso's book "In Praise of Public Life," Lieberman tells about a lunch that he had with his interns and how his interns described how disenchanted many of their classmates and cohorts are with public officials and public life. Lieberman further describes how this conversation motivated him to write this book, in defense of politics and public life. From this opening prologue I expected to read about the "success" stories of Lieberman and others in passing legislation, helping a constituent, or making sweeping changes that would motivate people into running for office.

Yet, this book is much more realistic, it provides the 'real' spin on public life. Lieberman's style of writing draws upon many of his own experiences to aid in the understanding of what it takes to be a public official. From these examples Lieberman hopes that the reader will understand the sacrifices, long hours, partisanship, sacrifices of family and personal freedom required to live a life in public office. Lieberman further hopes that this book will motivate people to take a part in public life in varying degrees- from voting, contacting elected officers, or perhaps running for office. In all, this slim book is a decent read and very interesting in understanding a different side of politics.

Rating:
Summary: A True Public Servant
Review: Joe Lieberman is a unique politician who sets out his vision in this well-written text. The tone of the book is easy to read blending his personal story with the background to the direction and policies that he is promoting.

The integrity of Joe Lieberman is unique and this book demonstrates why he is held in such high regard on both sides of the political debate.

Reading this book makes me know why Joe runs and inspires me to reach for higher public service. The highest praise for "In Praise"!

Rating:
Summary: A Great Look at the Senate and Government Life
Review: Joseph Lieberman, in what came to be known as his campaign book in 2000, eloquently pleads his case, albeit somewhat subliminally, for a prominent political role in the Democratic party and the presidential election of 2000. He may have written it before he was selected to be the vice-presidential nominee but that does not remove the background purpose of this work. Each time Lieberman contends that he knows what the people want and what would serve them better than what they had previously, he seemingly points to himself and proclaims "I'm the man you want." That being said, Lieberman's purpose is justified as his Senate and Connecticut public service record will attest. He is, and continues to be, as we have seen in the 2004 presidential race, a qualified candidate with a unique outlook on issues as well as a set of perspectives and ideas on how to repair issues needed most.

He proclaims, controversially, that he is a religious man yet religion does not interfere with his function as a Senator. We have seen throughout the course of history that this is an arduous task and history will keep Lieberman in its footnotes as evidence of a separation as well as a closeness, however awkward it may seem, of church and state. Lieberman insightfully chronicles his journey from political nobody to Connecticut Attorney General then United States Senator. His observations and career path will provide insight and assistance to any person contemplating a run at political office, regardless of location or desired governmental office. Any reader who seeks a better understanding of Lieberman should find this book helpful as will any readers seeking information the nature and role a Senator can play in the goings on in America.

Rating:
Summary: Gracious and Moderate in Tone and Spirit
Review: Sen. Lieberman's book was published before theVice-Presidential selection process got under way. That is why I read it. Campaign books, whether or not ghost-written, are typically boilerplate designed to wow the faithful. Looking at the earlier writings of a public figure can provide real insight into who they really are. In Lieberman's case, the work under discussion is a good read, and is as free of partisan animosity as can be hoped for - perhaps even more so. The lament of the writer is a common one - the general lack of public-spiritedness in America, especially among the young. In fixing the blame, Lieberman scored points with me by being even-handed in pointing out the scandals that have rocked both major parties. (I start books by politicians by checking the index for references to opposition politicians. If they are generally negative, and those of his own party positive, the bias is fairly obvious.) Lieberman names the usual litany - Vietnam, Watergate, Iran-Contra, the Borking of public figures, the '96 campaign finance scandal, and Monica - as having alienated the citizen from government. The book begins with a look at public life as a calling discusses how public service, like teaching, ought to be about 'making a difference,' not about making money. The author recites his own life history to demonstrate how idealism drew him into politics, with praise not just for JFK, but also for Ike and Prescott Bush, among others, as examples of public figures in his youth who inspired respect and suggested emulation. Whan discussing religion, morality and politics, Lieberman notes that his own party lurched too far to the Left in trying to disestablish religion wherever it might be found. The Democratic Leadership Council, of which he was an early supporter, formed to correct this situation. He states that the Religous Right, "seems to me in hindsight to have been more right than not in its expressed concern about the decline of community morality and the decay of our public culture (p. 150)." He criticizes the Gingrich-leg Republican Congress for having swung the pendulum as far Right as the pre-DLC Democrats had to the Left, and praises Clinton-Gore for recentering his party. While I do disagree with some of his views (I am a Republican), and while I view his criticism of Clinton over certain scandals with less admiration that would have been the case if concience had led him to vote in favor of impeachment (Lieberman voted against confirming Clarence Thomas), I likewise admire a Democrat who would be forthright enough to describe George W. Bush's 'Compassionate Conservatism' as a centerist attempt to moderate the GOP, writing as he did in the midst of the primary season. Sen. Lieberman is also virtually the only Democrat whom I am aware of who has had a good thing to say about Ronald Reagan (pp. 72-73). Lieberman calls for more civility, the relegitimization of religion and morality as points of reference in public life, and for viewing public service as a noble calling. As a citizen and a public servant, I thank him for that. -Lloyd Conway

Rating:
Summary: Must-read book for anyone thinking about political office
Review: Senator Joe Lieberman's IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC LIFE is a must-read for anyone considering a run for political office. Lieberman laments the lack of interest among young people considering public life and offers reasons why such a life should be one good people pursue.

Written before he was considered for the 2000 ticket, the book became his "campaign book," but is much more than the typical tome in that cheesy genre. Lieberman's IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC LIFE is one portion autobiography, one part civics lesson, a lot of motivational inspiration to seek political office, and just a dash of theology. It is all woven together in a volume that is fast paced and easy to read.

This a great book for those giving even slight thought to a run for public office. Political junkies will love the Senator's detailed description of his political campaigns and his insider look at the U.S. senate. It is what it says - a book in praise of public life, and whether you agree or disagree with Senator Lieberman's positions on the issues, you will most likely end up admiring this man who has given so much to the public square.

Rating:
Summary: Bringing positive Jewish values to politics
Review: This book was written before Senator Lieberman's nomination for Vice President, and it remains a valuable read now that Election 2000 is over. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, third party member, independent or undecided, this book has a great deal to recommend it. It should be required reading for anyone considering a career in politics, and for citizens who want an accessible account of what the life of a modern politican is like.

Senator Lieberman begins by explaining that "career politician" -- a term so often seen as negative -- does not have to mean someone who is entrenched in graft and dishonesty. Just as professionals in other fields have a responsibility to uphold the very best standards of their professions, so do politicians. Lieberman considers politics to be his chosen career, the same as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional. He strives to do his job with a strong sense of moral responsibility, fully aware that public life is, well, public. He writes: "I assume that everything I do in my life -- EVERYTHING -- could possibly become public and therefore I should not do anything privately that I could not justify publicly." (p. 51)

The Senator's arguments in favor of politics as a bona fide career also changed my own stance on term limits. Before reading this book, I thought term limits were a good idea, as a way to prevent bad politicians from becoming entrenched. But, as Senator Lieberman eloquently points out, running a country is a big responsibility that takes years of experience. Having a large portion of the Senate turn over every few years would be inefficent, because everybody would be relatively new to the job. Besides, Lieberman points out, we already have ways to remove bad politicians. They're called elections.

As a religious Jew, I also appreciated the Senator's openness about the role that religion plays in his life. There have been other Jewish politicians in high offices, but none, so far as I know, have been as open as Lieberman about their beliefs. All too often, American Jews are reluctant to discuss religion in public, giving the false impression that we don't believe in anything. Senator Lieberman brings some balance to this issue, while educating the public about Judaism in the process. When, for example, he was asked by the press, "How do you relax?" his answer was, "The Sabbath." This book he gives a good picture of how he balances Sabbath observance with carrying out his public duties. During national emergencies such as the Persian Gulf War, he votes on the Sabbath, under the principle of temporarily setting aside the Sabbath prohibitions in order to save lives. (For the benefit of Lieberman critics who ask "How can he be revere life and support abortion rights," let me point out that Jewish law permits and even requires abortion under certain circumstances, and these differ from the Roman Catholic stance. Those who are interested in further details should read David M. Feldman's book, "Marital Relations, Birth Control, and Abortion in Jewish Law," which I have reviewed here on Amazon.)

In conclusion: I heard Senator Lieberman speak at a rally in Duluth during the Presidential campaign, and was very impressed with him, both as an eloquent speaker and a mentsch -- that wonderful Yiddish word that his campaign added to our national vocabulary, meaning "a fine human being". Our government could use a lot more politicians like him -- whatever their party affiliations. This book really deserves ten stars!

Rating:
Summary: Bringing positive Jewish values to politics
Review: This book was written before Senator Lieberman's nomination for Vice President, and it remains a valuable read now that Election 2000 is over. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, third party member, independent or undecided, this book has a great deal to recommend it. It should be required reading for anyone considering a career in politics, and for citizens who want an accessible account of what the life of a modern politican is like.

Senator Lieberman begins by explaining that "career politician" -- a term so often seen as negative -- does not have to mean someone who is entrenched in graft and dishonesty. Just as professionals in other fields have a responsibility to uphold the very best standards of their professions, so do politicians. Lieberman considers politics to be his chosen career, the same as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional. He strives to do his job with a strong sense of moral responsibility, fully aware that public life is, well, public. He writes: "I assume that everything I do in my life -- EVERYTHING -- could possibly become public and therefore I should not do anything privately that I could not justify publicly." (p. 51)

The Senator's arguments in favor of politics as a bona fide career also changed my own stance on term limits. Before reading this book, I thought term limits were a good idea, as a way to prevent bad politicians from becoming entrenched. But, as Senator Lieberman eloquently points out, running a country is a big responsibility that takes years of experience. Having a large portion of the Senate turn over every few years would be inefficent, because everybody would be relatively new to the job. Besides, Lieberman points out, we already have ways to remove bad politicians. They're called elections.

As a religious Jew, I also appreciated the Senator's openness about the role that religion plays in his life. There have been other Jewish politicians in high offices, but none, so far as I know, have been as open as Lieberman about their beliefs. All too often, American Jews are reluctant to discuss religion in public, giving the false impression that we don't believe in anything. Senator Lieberman brings some balance to this issue, while educating the public about Judaism in the process. When, for example, he was asked by the press, "How do you relax?" his answer was, "The Sabbath." This book he gives a good picture of how he balances Sabbath observance with carrying out his public duties. During national emergencies such as the Persian Gulf War, he votes on the Sabbath, under the principle of temporarily setting aside the Sabbath prohibitions in order to save lives. (For the benefit of Lieberman critics who ask "How can he be revere life and support abortion rights," let me point out that Jewish law permits and even requires abortion under certain circumstances, and these differ from the Roman Catholic stance. Those who are interested in further details should read David M. Feldman's book, "Marital Relations, Birth Control, and Abortion in Jewish Law," which I have reviewed here on Amazon.)

In conclusion: I heard Senator Lieberman speak at a rally in Duluth during the Presidential campaign, and was very impressed with him, both as an eloquent speaker and a mentsch -- that wonderful Yiddish word that his campaign added to our national vocabulary, meaning "a fine human being". Our government could use a lot more politicians like him -- whatever their party affiliations. This book really deserves ten stars!