The Power Game

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Smith takes the reader inside the political process in Washington, discusses changes over the past decade and the present network, then explains how the parts fit together. Having enjoyed ``a fifty-yard-line seat at the power game'' for a quarter century as a New York Times correspondent and bureau chief, he is well placed to report on the new congressional assertiveness against the presidency, the explosion of special-interest politics, the massive growth in staff power, the burgeoning of video politicsas well as such long-established goings-on as the partnership between the military services, defense contractors and members of Congress. The book is not only a survey and analysis of major dimension, it is a probing documentary: in discussing how political coalitions are arranged or how congressional mavericks play ``porcupine politics,'' for instance, Smith often presents the action itself in scenes with dialogue. Many of the anecdotes and quotes found in these pages will become part of the national folklore. A sure-fire bestseller. BOMC featured selection. (March)

Library Journal

To succeed at politics, one must realize that power comes to those who are smart and quick enough to grab it. Smith ( The Russians , LJ 9/15/76) relies primarily on anecdotes and case studies from the Reagan era to illustrate how the use of power determines the effectiveness of government. He brilliantly relates how structural changes in the political environment have created a new breed of largely unaccountable video politician. His Washington is a ``city of cocker spaniels'' whose government officials need constant approval and membership in ever-changing alliances to flourish. Potentially the political book of the year; highly recommended. Karl Helicher, Wolfsohn Memorial Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.