Product Description

Every weeknight, millions of Americans tune in to see Tucker Carlson anchor the right side of the aisle on CNN's Crossfire. Named by New York magazine as the journalist most likely to succeed in the Years of Bush, he has charmed liberals and roused conservatives with his singular brand of acerbic wit and razor-sharp insight. Tossed by fate (and the O.J. Simpson murder trial) into the trenches of electronic journalism, Carlson learned early that "television brings out the crazy in people." Naturally, he started taking notes. The result is a hilarious and brilliantly revealing look at the most powerful and weirdest medium there is. Carlson has not only seen television from the inside, but dares to describe it. In this book, he takes you behind the curtain of a political talk show: The hosts. The guests. The stalkers. From the heroic to the imprisoned to Monica Lewinsky's sex therapist, Carlson has interviewed them all. Not always edifying, but "definitely more fun than playing Scrabble with the shut-ins," it's a portrait you won't forget.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2011514 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-28
• Released on: 2006-03-28
• Formats: Audiobook, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Binding: Audio Cassette

From Publishers Weekly
In his first book, the genial cohost ("from the right") of CNN's popular Crossfire details his adventures in the political business and in television, from the enlightening to the downright hilarious. Given Carlson's conservative label, some readers may be wary. That would be a mistake. Politicians is not about bashing liberals (indeed, Carlson admits that his Ober-liberal cohost James Carville is "one of my favorite people"), but about the colorful and at times irreverent people who make politics so interesting-and entertaining. The author reserves his criticism for stuffy politicians who take themselves too seriously, and he lavishes praise on those who make good on-air guests. Among these is the convicted former Ohio congressman, James Traficant, "because he was willing to appear on television drunk." Carlson's montage is packed with golden political nuggets ("if you're going to be shallow, I've always thought you'd better be amusing") as well as the secret to his success (just let people talk and they will tell you everything you need to know) and funny glimpses behind the scenes at live TV, including the producer from hell, the "seven forbidden words" on television and "easy turns," the "publicity hounds" without whom, he says, talk shows could not exist. At times, it's difficult to tell if Carlson is being serious or pulling your leg, but that is part of his charm. Anyone with a sense of humor will find this chronicle thoroughly enjoyable, and political junkies will likely laugh out loud more than once.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Carlson might be the conservative answer to Hunter S. Thompson--gonzo journalism for those with Ivy educations and blue-blood breeding. While he revels in pranks, irreverence, and the dissection of public figures, Carlson is a savvy commentator and highly skilled TV journalist. Always clear about his objective--the irresistible story that engages his mind and sense of humor--and wisely distant from the machinations and corruption of the media, he delivers engaging and witty commentary. If you like lucid, cogent, and facetious reportage larded with personal observation, give a listen to this book. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
Carlson is the conservative team member, the guy in the bow tie, on CNN's political-debate program Crossfire. His book is both memoir and commentary on current politics and the media--all with a slant, of course. Although many readers will disagree with his attitudes and precepts, everyone has to admit he is a good storyteller, intelligent and witty and sure of himself. He recalls his climb to his current TV position, which included formative time spent on the CNN show Spin Room. In the process, we certainly learn how cutthroat the television world is. Never averse to expressing an opinion, Carlson offers his own interesting philosophy on how to behave in front of a camera, which includes the maxim that "arguing a position you don't really support is a sure way to wind up loathing yourself. Plus, genuine conviction makes for a good debate. Phoniness is easy to spot." And this, too: "As the host, it's up to you to decide what happens on the show. And no matter what the producer says, you have the power to do it." The bottom line is, of course, that readers' gut-level responses will depend on which side of the liberal-conservative spectrum they find themselves. Librarians should expect demand. Brad Hooper
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