WHOS IN CONTROL: Polar Politics and the Sensible Center
by By Darman, Richard
Category: Political Science , Political Process , General

From the Reagan Revolution to the "Clinton-Gingrich co-presidency," Who's in Control? recounts how the once dependable, pragmatic center in American politics came to be "missing in action" in the momentous battle to define the role of the federal government.Darman reveals in detail the interaction of the political strategies, legislative tactics, and colorful personalities that produced these policies - including the making and the breaking of President Bush's "no new taxes" pledge. In assessing the subsequent debate about the budget and "big government," Darman laments the decline of the political center. He holds both President Clinton and House Speaker Gingrich accountable for the politics of polarization and stalemate that have made it seem as if no one is in control in Washington.