The Ambition and the Power: The Fall of Jim Wright: A True Story of Washington

Profiles the man whose thirty-five-year congressional career ended ignominiously in the spring of 1989

Barry, a Washington-based freelancer, was granted the kind of access political journalists dream about: Speaker of the House James Claude Wright allowed him to attend virtually every meeting in which he participated, with nothing off the record.i think this is a well-known phrase, in web 3rd./lk The result is a uniquely intimate look at the way the Washington power-game works. It is also a detailed account of the rise and fall of Wright. Barry reveals how Wright expanded the Speaker's role and attempted to change the institutional balance between Congress and the White House. Resentment over his tactics led to a relentless anti-Wright campaign by Georgia Congressmanuc?lc?gs/uc,lk (unless he's the only congressman, and then it could be an appositive, but uc to play it safe) Newt Gingrich which resulted in multiple charges of impropriety and the Speaker'suc?lc?/uc per chicago, lk resignation on June 29, 1989. Barry describes Wright's considerable accomplishments during the session of the 100th Congress, but suggests how a mixture of hubris and poor judgment was his undoing. Students of the Washington scene should not miss this highly readable study of "vilification politics." 50,000 first printing; first serial to Esquire; Literary Guild alternate.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Barry, a freelance writer who had access to Speaker of the House Jim Wright (D.-Tex.) and his intimates as well as other Congressional insiders, provides a graphic , detailed, and fairly sympathetic account of Wright's recent fall from power and ultimate resignation. Barry argues that Wright's misconduct was inflated and was not atypical of Congressional behavior. It was, however, a means used by Wright's foes to curb his power, which he used to push his own often unpopular policy agendas. Many House members also felt Wright mishandled the proposed Congressional pay increase. In addition, Barry says, Wright's personality--a somewhat aloof loner--also diminished his base of support. In recounting Wright's story, Barry has managed to capture a considerable amount of the flavor of life on the Hill. Recommended. First serial rights to Esquire ; Literary Guild alternate.
- Dale Vinyard, Wayne State Univ., Detroit
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.