Buck Up, Suck Up . . . and Come Back When You Foul Up: 12 Winning Secrets from the War Room Paperback – December 5, 2003

I have to admit, I'm usually snobbish when it comes to books purporting to advise me on Better Living. Unless from well-respected holy folks (and even then still), I tend to find these books cheesy--as I often find those people who don't have the sense to at least hide their copy of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.But after reading their book, I really felt that I learned from their experiences. This all happened without being talked-down to, or without them resorting to spacey warm and fuzzy motivational speaker drivel. I felt like I was getting face-time with the bosses, and they were giving me valuable advice--not just shouting down wornout platitudes. And while some people from the Right might be instantly repulsed by the sight of them, they should know that Carville & Begala go out of their way to be balanced, and that the lessons they offer can (and should) be embraced by all.For those of you considering buying this book, I'd say do it. It's both a down-to-earth and entertaining read.

James Carville and Paul Beglia have written a book that is short on originality, but definitely long on practicality. While the lessons they preach are not new, they are presented in a straightforward manner that clearly elucidates the authors' points. Mix in some wry humor, appropriate anecdotes, and some good old fashioned gossip, and the reader has an entertaining book whose lessons are applicable to fields beyond politics. While one may not agree with the political slant of the authors, one has to conclude that Buck Up, Suck Up, And Come Back When You Foul Up contains enough good advice to make it worth reading.

Paul Begala and James Carville are synonymous with the Clinton administrations--but no matter what your political orientation, you'd be nuts not to take their advice seriously.Their anecdotal approach to the "Buck Up" section of the book is inspiring--and funny.They explain why you have to "Suck Up," why so many folks don't or won't, and the consequences of failing to do so. It's really not so awful, they contend--and besides, you're not as special as you think you are.Politicians, businesspeople, those climbing the corporate ladder--anyone who has a goal s/he'd like to achieve--every one of us "Fouls Up" on the way.That is when you "Buck Up" and start over.This book is as passionate as Carville and as unflappable as Begala. It makes you laugh and it makes you think.The authors do not pretend to be non-partisan in their personal views, but their aim here is not to advance that partisanship.Their aim in this book is to provide practical advice, based on personal experience, to anyone who has a goal. Anyone with a dream to achieve.They know what works and what doesn't, and they reveal their insights with humor, much of it self-deprecating.

At the conclusion of his lament on life, Ecclesiastes says to work hard, and honour god. Carville and Begala come to the same conclusions by a more indirect route. Beneath the jokes and the outright political bias, are two very clear minds giving very sound advice. The book is worth purchasing for their chapter on hard work alone. It advises no short cuts or get rich schemes. Success requires focus and commitment. The only thing that the authors skate over is a moral purpose. They clearly forgive Clinton for lapses, but they do not forgive politicians - of any side - for abandoning their moral beliefs. Hence I would have liked one more chapter on ethics, but I cannot deny the immense value and wisdom of this book.

Caution: This book features lots of coarse language. If that sort of thing offends you, skip this book.The two Democratic strategists combine to describe the key elements of how they feel that political candidates (whether Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals) can win elections, and successfully pursue their agendas in office.The general advice is to take the offense, and stay on it, even when on defense.Let me paraphrase the key points into a shorter list to make the concepts more understandable:1. If you keep trying your hardest to get elected, someday you will succeed. Abraham Lincoln is the prime example.2. Honestly seek out allies when you need them to get elected. John F. Kennedy taking on Lyndon Johnson as his vice presidential candidate is the main example.3. Attack your strongest candidate in the general election constantly above the belt. Attack first, attack hardest, and counter-attack first. The first Clinton presidential campaign is the main example.4. Pick the issue where the strongest general election opponent is most vulnerable, and don't let go! "It's the economy, stupid!"5. Tell your story unceasingly in a brief, emotional, unique, and relevant way. "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"6. Be quick to lead with your mistakes, weaknesses, and flaws by realizing that people want to hear it from you first. They will find out anyway, and you can gain credibility and trust this way.7. Once you are in office, use your political capital wisely where it will make a difference. Build on success!I suspect that most of these points are not new to you. Why read the book, then? Actually, it's main appeal is in the self-deprecating humor the authors use in describing how determined people on both side of the political spectrum verbally wrestle for power. If you are a Republican or a conservative, you probably won't enjoy the book because there's lots of positive things said about the Democratic candidates the authors have assisted. The book also refers to Republicans, especially President Reagan, but much less intensively.As examples of the humor, Mr. Carville tells how his mother used to sell encyclopedias to help support the family by looking for men with lots of kids and a bass boat, the book has chicken salad and French toast recipes, and the authors tell about their own personal awkward moments in campaigns.Will you read about the political issues surrounding the most famous White House intern? Oh, yes. Perhaps more than you want to.Why should you want to be in office? I suggest that you have a pretty good reason . . . or you won't want to live like this.The authors leave it up to you as to whether the book applies to other fields. The section on Rule 7: Know How to Communicate was the only section that I thought provided any insights that you might not know already. But that section is quite well done, with vivid examples.If you are like me, your biggest take-away from this book is how effective open, self-deprecating humor is.Help others in all the ways you can!

One of the better business and strategy books I've read. The read feels dated because so many pop culture references are seriously passé, but the info on leading teams and campaigns, and on strategy vs. tactics is timeless and extremely valuable. One of the few books I will read again.

Campidoctors demócratas con una pose macabra.

This book is a classic. Well written, interesting, funny and - most importantly - contains pertinent wisdom about political campaigning.

Aside from being extremely useful and empowering, there is a level of southern humor that it typical of Carville and Begala which makes this book a blast to read.

Item as described, No problems. Would buy from this vendor again.

Half these things I didn't order.