Overview
= This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification in order to build support and shape the political process. Featuring lively stories about Patrick Kennedy—covering both public life and private citizenship, this book provides an in-depth look at the Congressman's political emergence, the effect of the Kennedy family legacy—on him and the country, and the lessons of celebrity politics in general. For those fascinated by the decades of political, social, and economic clout of the Kennedy generations and phenomenon, and Americans interested in the celebrity influence on the country's political climate today.
Synopsis
= This case study of Congressman Patrick Kennedy's rise to political prominence illustrates new issues of celebrity that have emerged in America over the last four decades. It explores a number of contemporary topics, along with how famous people use money, media, and name identification in order to build support and shape the political process.
Featuring lively stories about Patrick Kennedy—covering both public life and private citizenship, this book provides an in-depth look at the Congressman's political emergence, the effect of the Kennedy family legacy—on him and the country, and the lessons of celebrity politics in general.
For those fascinated by the decades of political, social, and economic clout of the Kennedy generations and phenomenon, and Americans interested in the celebrity influence on the country's political climate today.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"One of the more intriguing aspects of American politics is the significant role played by political dynasties—families that generation after generation have filled key leadership positions in the country. No dynastic family has left a greater imprint on recent American public than the Kennedys. In Patrick Kennedy: The Rise to Power , an insightful and lively political biography of the current chairman of the Demoncratic Congressional Compaign Committee, Darrell West explores the intersection of traditional political dynasties with contemporary celebrity politics in the newest generation of Kennedy politicians. In so doing, he teaches us a great deal about old politics and new—from "all politics is local" to "permanent campaign." His new book is an instructive and entertaining read."—Thomas E. Mann, W. Averell Harriman Senior Fellow in American Governance, The Brookings Institution
"A fascinating account of the early political life of Congressman Patrick Kennedy—thoroughly researched and carefully written. Step by step from his nearby scholarly perch, Darrell West traces the jagged learning curve of an emerging national figure, as he navigates the entanglements of his celebrity birthrights as a Kennedy and his chosen career as a Rhode Island politician. It's a timely and uniquely informative biography of a now-and-future national political player."—Richard F. Fenno, Jr., Kanan Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester