All Politics Is Local: And Other Rules of the Game

The former Speaker of the House provides insight into how the world of politics really works and how to run a successful political campaign

Clich‚d counsel from retired Speaker of the House O'Neill, whose short-take effusions here attest that brevity isn't necessarily the soul of wit--or wisdom. Drawing on experiences gained in an elective career spanning more than half a century (and on the editorial assistance of his former press secretary), O'Neill offers what he characterizes as a primer on politics. Actually, his text encompasses a scattershot collection of bipartisan precepts coupled with putatively illustrative yarns. Grouped under seven main headings (``Campaigning,'' ``Serving Constituents,'' ``Using Clout,'' etc.), the author's, as it were, tips for aspiring officeholders will strike most readers as elementary if not downright obvious. Cases in point include bland reminders that would-be lawmakers should be willing to compromise; know any audience they're addressing; remember their roots; and take care of the voters who elect them. Nor does O'Neill shy from supporting items on his own agenda--e.g., by deprecating term limits and lauding the two- party system. There are also some general-interest advisories here, including guidance on how to lobby congressmen. Far less charming than O'Neill's first (Man of the House, 1987). The wispy anecdotal dicta here will do little to enhance the author's status as either a savvy pol or as an elder statesman worth heeding. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.