Pennsylvania Avenue: Profiles in Backroom Power
Despite the partisan ideology that has gridlocked Washington, D.C., behind-the-scenes power brokers are able to get laws passed, deals done, appointments made. Correspondents Harwood and Seib profile some of those power brokers, including lobbyist Ken Duberstein, businessman David Rubenstein, Democratic strategist Rahm Emanuel, Republican strategist Karl Rove, fund-raiser Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and policy advisor Elliott Abrams. The authors detail how these power brokers rose to influence, some crossing party lines, and how they maintain their positions. In transactions from the Dubai ports deal debacle to the public relations battle over Wal-Mart and behind-the-scene machinations of the war in Iraq, the authors examine the influence of the powerful who don’t let ideology get in the way of the deal. Harwood and Seib examine Washington’s earlier history and the new strains produced by unprecedented ideological polarization, devoid of any of the personal camaraderie of the past. They conclude by exploring prospects for the future as both political parties recognize the gridlock and make efforts to soften the sharp edges. --Vanessa Bush