From the Left: A Life in the Crossfire

In this breezy memoir Press, former cohost of CNN’s Crossfire and Spin Room, recounts the many hats he’s worn in his career, among them Catholic seminarian, environmental activist, political candidate, campaign director (including for Jerry Brown’s quixotic 1976 presidential bid), and journalist. Press reveals a knack for being in the right place at the right time; for instance, during a visit to Nicaragua in 1986, he received an early tip-off about the Reagan administration’s secret arms supplies to the Contras. He comes across as a broad-minded personality; despite his leftist perspective, he admires John McCain and was personally friendly with Pat Buchanan. Press is generally a clear writer and fine raconteur, though at times he is frustratingly cryptic, as when he describes persuading Governor Brown to adopt his “California Urban Strategy” but doesn’t give more than a superficial explanation of what it entailed. In praising Bernie Sanders, Press lapses into hyperbole, such as in confidently predicting that Sanders, had he been the Democratic nominee, would have won the 2016 presidential race. Press’s account of his life to date will instruct and provide encouragement to his fellow embattled progressives. (Mar.)