Title: I should be dead : my life surviving politics, TV, and addiction /
Authors: Beckel, Bob,; Mann, John David,
Year: 2015
Subjects: Beckel, Bob.; Political culture Washington (D.C.); Political culture United States.; Political consultants United States Biography.; Television personalities United States Biography; Recovering addicts United States Biography.; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY Personal Memoirs.; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY Political.; United States Politics and government; United States Politics and government
Abstract: "From popular TV personality Bob Beckel, a deeply moving memoir written with his trademark candor and humor about his life as a political operative and diplomat, his long struggle with alcohol and drugs, and his unlikely journey to finding faith and redemption. Growing up poor in Lyme, Connecticut, with an abusive father, Bob Beckel learned to be a survivor: to avoid conflict, mask his feelings, and lie--all skills that would later serve him well in Washington, D.C., and on the campaign trail. In 1977 he became the youngest-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and went on to manage Walter Mondale's 1984 presidential campaign, before launching a second career as a TV host and commentator. But Beckel was living a double life: Washington success story by day, self-destructing alcoholic by night. On January 20, 2001--George W. Bush's first Inauguration Day--he hit rock bottom, waking up in a hospital psych ward after a ferocious bender. Written with the frankness, warmth, and take-no-prisoners honesty that has earned him legions of fans on television, Beckel chronicles how his addictions nearly killed him before a series of friends and unexpected allies helped him find his way to faith, sobriety, and a life of peace and purpose"--
Contents: Author's Note -- Prologue -- January 20, 2001 -- Surviving Childhood -- Fighting for the Cause -- Capitol Cops and Whores -- Campaign Years -- In the White House -- Where's the Beef? -- TV Lights -- Crash and Burn -- Hitting Bottom -- Grace -- The Five -- Beyond Surviving -- Epilogue.