We’re with Nobody: Two Insiders Reveal the Dark Side of American Politics

In this timely book, journalists Huffman (Ten Point) and Rejebian lift the curtain on political research to find dirt on opponents. While Americans are accustomed to hearing scandalous facts, lies, distortions, and gossip during campaigns, few people understand how legal political intelligence gathering has grown in scope since the Watergate break-in of 1972. Based on close to 20 years on the road, these two veteran practitioners, who worked for both parties, but mostly for Democratic clients, recount both minor legal infractions and major transgressions that they’ve uncovered on the part of individuals running for public office. While an occasional candidate has an unblemished record, most of Huffman and Rejebian’s subjects are unsavory. The authors defend their line of work, claiming the mantle of truth seekers, and asserting that their efforts are crucial to America’s “evolving democracy.” However, readers will likely shake their heads over the multiple car wrecks of people’s lives seen here. While possible solutions are mentioned in passing (such as truth-in-political-advertising laws that include fines and enforcement mechanisms, and resources like Factcheck.org and PolitiFact.com), the authors seem too accepting of this sorry state of affairs to clamor for change. Agent: Patricia Moosbrugger Literary Agency. (Feb.)