Right in the Old Gazoo: What I Learned In A Lifetime Of Meeting The Press - Hardcover

Simpson, Alan K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688113583 ISBN 13: 9780688113582

Publisher: William Morrow, 1997

Synopsis

A former United States senator expounds upon the press and its relationship to government and includes tales of his encounters with Gulf War reporter Peter Arnett, NPR's Nina Totenberg during the Clarence Thomas hearings, and the Robert Bork hearings. Tour.

About this title

Review:

Retiring Republican Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming is an opinionated and cagey fellow gifted with a folksy sense of humor. He leaves the Senate with a respected record, distinguished by his farsighted work for social security reform. But Simpson can't leave without a few parting jabs at the press, and his book Right in the Old Gazoo is both a reflection upon the role the press has played in Simpson's political life and a thoughtful outline of how the media could better serve the democratic process. In the beginning of his Senate career, Simpson curried favor with the press corps, chumming up with the media at swank soirees and earning favorable coverage for his down-to-earth character. But later, particularly during the Gulf War and the debates over the Supreme Court nomination of Clarence Thomas, Simpson was vociferous in his condemnation of the press, and the press returned fire with unfavorable profiles that turned Simpson's homespun image into that of a cantankerous and stooped crank. With his natural wit and his recently acquired perspective, Simpson distills the lessons he has learned into this intelligent memoir, which may serve as more than just another poke in the eye of the press if it fosters a saner relationship between those in public life and the media that covers them.

From the Publisher:

With his distinctive, pull-no-punches style, Alan Simpson has never hesitated in calling reporters out when he thinks they've overstepped their bounds. Now, Simpson recounts his clashes with the press, detailing their wrongs (and rights), always showing us that irresponsibility by the media poses a threat to the freedoms Americans hold dear.

Simpson gives his side of dust-ups with Gulf War reporter veteran Peter Arnett, with National Public Radio's Nina Totenberg during the Clarence Thomas hearings, and recalls his outspokenness during the Bork nomination. These are just three of numerous anecdotes Simpson recalls with colorful humor and meaningful insights that will bring new understanding to the often shaky and sometimes suspicious relationship between politicians and the media.

Right in the Old Gazoo is published to coincide with Simpson's retirement from the U.S. Senate, where he has served the state of Wyoming since 1978.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0688113583
• ISBN 13: 9780688113582
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288