Buck Up, Suck Up...and Come Back When You Foul Up

My wife gave this to me for Christmas. I loved it! It's not perfect, but some of the chapters are gems: strategy vs. tactics, how to communicate, and frame the debate. Those chapters alone are worth the price of admission! They're not very precise or technical, but that's the beauty of this book. They've honed it down to the simplicty on the OTHER side of complexity. That takes genius. It also helps that my politics happen to line up nicely with theirs.

The dynamic duo of James Carville and Paul Begala have teamed up to compose a manifest of the strategies essential for the ever famous "War Room" operations. The tweleve winning secrets, as Carville and Begala deem to be, are: 1.) don't quit, 2.) kick [butt], 3.) kiss [butt], 4.) frame the debate, 5.) understand the difference between strategy and tatic, 6.) be open, 7.) know how to communicate, 8.) work your [butt] off, 9.) turn weakness into strength, 10.) be nimble, jack, 11.) know how to recover when you really screw up, and 12.) know what to do when you win. The book gives the lesson of each secret along with stories and examples which exemplify how the secret proved to be successful in their experiences within the War Room. It is always fascinating to read the real life applications of such strategies and to be inspired by such action.As usual, Carville and Begala write with such flair and style that it is nearly impossible for a reader not to laugh and love the book! My being a loyal follower of Carville and his work, this book certainly is recommended with the highest regard.

At the conclusion of his lament on life, Ecclesiastes says to work hard, and honour god. Carville and Begala come to the same conclusions by a more indirect route. Beneath the jokes and the outright political bias, are two very clear minds giving very sound advice. The book is worth purchasing for their chapter on hard work alone. It advises no short cuts or get rich schemes. Success requires focus and commitment. The only thing that the authors skate over is a moral purpose. They clearly forgive Clinton for lapses, but they do not forgive politicians - of any side - for abandoning their moral beliefs. Hence I would have liked one more chapter on ethics, but I cannot deny the immense value and wisdom of this book.

Once again, Carville and Begala have proven how their success is a direct result of some of the many mistakes they've made. Equally as critical and complimentary to Democrats and Republicans, they provide entertaining insight to the political process and great lessons learned that can be applied to everyday life.A quick and humorous read, I found it to be motivating. Follow their advice, learn from their mistakes and you're sure to be a success in anything you do.

Look these guys won and they keep winning. If you are on a mission, if your life or your business means something then you will find this book helpful. You will find that Begala and Carville are your biggest cheerleaders. After you've picked the fight that you plan to win, the authors help keep you focused on tactics that speak to your message, keep you open and rally the troops. Perhaps the title suggests that the book is about apologies and recent political history. It's not. It's not history rehashed. This book is for doers, people moving ahead and how they get the rest of us to travel with them. 5 stars and plan to take notes.