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I read a lot of books that deal with politics and people. Just because I’m a MODERATE (notice how I emphasized MODERATE) Republican doesn’t mean that I only read books that come from a right to center-right perspective. Fact is, I probably read more stuff written by and about Democrats than I do Republicans.

It’s like my philosophy with FOX News (which I seldom watch) and the rest of the MSM (which I surf endlessly) - I already see things through the FOX paradigm, so it makes more sense to see what the rest of the world is thinking and reporting (which by the way is my advice to the rest of my brothers and sisters on the right - your failure to pay attention to the other side is done at the risk of your own peril… anyone listening in Ohio?).

I tell you that little nugget of personal information as a way of framing my remarks about former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe’s recent book: “What a Party!“.

The book which was written by McAuliffe with assistance from Steve Kettman tells the story of McAuliffe’s rise from a staunchly Irish-Democrat childhood in Syracuse, New York to his place at the pinnacle of the Democratic party. McAuliffe travels through tales that highlight his personal industriousness mixed with stories of rubbing shoulders with the politically famous and infamous. Additionally, the book also helps to shed some light on how politics works behind closed doors as well providing insight on the private lives of former President Bill Clinton and current presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. With all of this fabric as a foundation I was eager to read this book. Unfortunately for McAuliffe (and his readers), he delivered a story worthy of being told, but not told in a way worthy of being read.

“What a Party!” shows just how high energy an individual McAuliffe is. The former DNC chair has been incredibly successful in life because of his own dogged tenacity, and he tells numerous stories in the book that illustrate this fact. Even though the author admits in the book’s opening that he’s an “old Irish storyteller at heart” and that the audience should expect what’s coming, his braggadocio and bravado is so overwhelming that the reader grows tired of the stories. In portions of the book where he describes some of his personal shortcomings he does so only in that the failures are a result of some herculean undertaking (like trying to run a marathon in the midst a non-stop cycle of other activities). It is probably in this most critical of elements that the book fails.

Worth taking away from the book is the history that it encompasses. McAuliffe began his political career as a fundraiser for Jimmy Carter and has wound his way through Democratic politics that includes an ongoing relationship with the Clintons (so much so that he serves as Mrs. Clinton’s presidential campaign chair). It is McAuliffe’s fundraising ability and efforts that should be noted by anyone who has interest in pursuing a political career. Regardless of this reader’s personal feelings for the man, he got the job done.

Finally, the book also gives a glimpse of why John Kerry lost in 2004. McAuliffe almost goes out of his way to blame the Kerry campaign for the Democrats failures in 2004. From the author’s perspective, he practically says - “here I had built this incredible party apparatus and Kerry and his consultant’s completely f@$#ed it up. Only a moron could have lost in 2004!” Which helps to explain a broader perspective on McAuliffe himself - that he (in his own mind) can do no wrong.

Because of its historical aspects I forced myself to finish reading this book. Based on McAuliffe’s insufferable self-importance, I would never recommend that anybody else read it. Any history that “What a Party!” can provide is now readily available and can be consumed from other sources in a less aggrandizing manner.

For another perspective on “What a Party!” read Adam Jusko’s review here. “What a Party!” is currently available at booksellers everywhere (though it’s certain to quickly find its way to the bargain bin). You can find it at Amazon.com here.