Homo Politicus: The Strange and Scary Tribes That Run Our Government

I know Dana Milbank mostly from his tv commentary, so it was a great treat to read his new book, "Homo Politicus". His tongue-in-cheek, but always dead on characterizations of those in Washington who purport to represent us and otherwise carry out the nation's business, are most welcome at a time when the president's and Congress's favorable ratings are at an all time low. The nation's capitol has never been short of those seeking self-aggrandizement and Milbank, always with a fine-tuned eye and ear, gives us "the goods" on so many of them. It's a wonder anything ever gets done down there. Applying ancient and modern tribal behavior to the the men and women who serve in Washington and those attached to them is one of the aspects that make "Homo Politicus" so enjoyable. Milbank's flair as a writer is to tweak and he does so with aplomb. While generally more critical of the GOP, not surprisingly, the author reminds the reader that both sides can play the holier than thou game. If you follow politics, Milbank has an array of devils from which to choose in "Potomac Land". He features not only the well-known rogues in Congress but adds flavor when he cites certain bars and restaurants that cater only to Republicans or only to Democrats. The fact that the Bush twins could have so much influence on the night life in D.C. is remarkable...and funny. The chapter about the after hours party life is also as comical as it might be unbelievable, to an outsider. It's hard to pick a chapter that stands out more than another (because they're all good) but when the author gets going about the sexual peccadillos of the men and women in "Potomac Land"...well....then we get into some real comedy. But there is a serious side to all of this, too. The hypocrisy is all too evident, especially, for instance, when members of Congress vote anti-gay legislation and then go out and practice it, themselves. Dana Milbank has done a terrific job in presenting "Homo Politicus" and I highly recommend it. He's been around long enough to get a great view of the wackiest of towns in America and through so many different angles lets us know about it. C-SPAN gives us one side of Washington....happily, Dana Milbank gives us the other.

I laughed right out loud as I read this book on an airplane. Loud enough for stares. I loved the creative approach of using an anthropological lens to look at the workings of Washington's government and its hangers-on. Creative. I'm not sure what the negative reviewers were expecting. Just reflecting our up-tight cultural world, I guess. If you want a funny, insightful analysis of the DC power relations that rings all to true, this is it. Relax. Enjoy. Come away enlightened. (Caveat: I am an anthropologist.)

Dana Milbank's latest book is written from the perspective of a social anthropologist studying the strange culture and customs of "Potomac Land," and its people, the "Homo politicus" or "Potomac Man" - really Washington, D.C., and its denizens. Milbank adopts, indeed, the tone of a Victorian anthropologist, writing about the strange practices of the "natives" with the Victorian outsider's typical conceit of presumed cultural superiority, comparing "Potomac man" to other non-Western cultures. Such a parody might have been hilarious in 1928. It might have been funny still in 1958. But in 2008, it really does not work. Not in my opinion, at least. If twenty-first century readers miss the parody of Victorian style, as I fear most will, Milbank's comparisons of Washington, D.C. politics and beltway society to non-Western cultures and aboriginal societies are apt to come off as culturally insensitive - to say the least. What's more, the affectation produces a stilted style that greatly detracts from the book's readability. That Milbank's sharp wit nonetheless manages to redeem the book, is testimony to what a good writer he is. He ably covers the scandals of the last few years, slinging mud at the Democrats with as much glee as he does at the Republicans. In fact, I'd advise against wearing white when you read this book. You might get splattered!. Eric Alan Isaacson

Politics is the art of the ego, with Congressional egos like an exercise in finger painting by kiddies run amok in the absence of grownups. Every politician knows at least one thing: "I was elected by a majority." (Some know more than one thing.) One fact that never goes away is their "majority" vindication, proof enough of their superiority to all. Their ultimate answer to every argument is, "I was elected, you weren't." In Washington, as in London, Ottawa, Berlin and any place where democracy has taken root, politics is the chaos of hundreds of self-righteous steroid-enhanced egos. Sorry folks, it's a fact. Normally, reporters cover only the results of such mayhem; this book is a rare first-hand insight into the messy process. Milbank is a gem, exposing the folly of egos without restraint or common sense. (Trust me. I've been there. He might have been at least mildly amused, if not somewhat delighted, in some examples of what I wrote, said or did. At least, I hope so.) The first advice in covering politics is, "Don't foul your own nest." In other words, don't write about follies that embarass our esteemed elected representatives of the people. Write about results. Politicians thrive on stories about bills passed (or blocked), provided such stories have some of their wise or witty "cleaned up" quotes. The bulk of "political reporting" is duly sanitized to explain results, instead of the uncleaned mess. Think of potty-training or 'TidyBowl' at work, and you get the idea. It's Prince Otto von Bismarck's "sausage" example; people don't want to know the greasy details of making sausage (or laws), they want to know only if it tastes good and is safe (or if the law won't hurt them too much). It's always been like this; it's rarely exposed as skilfully as in this book. This book comes at an unusual time; public confidence in the presidency and Congress is at depressing lows. Thoughtful Americans are looking for reasons. It makes this intelligent and thus devastating look at the "greasy details" of politics very appropriate for 2008. As for egos in politics, they'll never disappear. However, this book may persuade at least some politicians to think a little before they speak a lot. This beautiful insight into politics could only be improved by a new compilation every two years to ask voters, "Do you really intend to vote for this egomaniac again?" A beautiful book.