Politicians Are People, Too
American journalism could be a lot better if every aspiring reporter would read Richard Benedetto's memoir—It's that good! (Stephen Hess, Distinguished Research Professor of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University)Richard Benedetto has the eyes and ears of a seasoned journalist and his fairness is exceptional. This memoir, particularly the first chapter about his Italian American background, warmly tells the reader about the wonderful values that shaped him and his great storytelling ability. This book reminds me of those several times that I have been attracted by a headline and then surprised by the balance and objectivity of the article. I looked at the byline and, of course, it was Benedetto. (A. Kenneth Ciongoli, Chairman, National Italian American Foundation)Politicians Are People, Toois [Richard Benedetto's] delightful retrospective on 35 years of covering government leaders...This is not a dull political memoir, but ...a stimulating reflection on politicians, famous and not-so-famous, who just so happen to be people, too. Best of all, it's woven tightly around a journalistic ethic that must never be compromised as we go about this business of reporting the news...A job well done. (Dave DudajekThe Utica Observer-Dispatch)A unique treatment of politicians, stunningly different from the typical mostly negative approach. (Mario Cuomo, Former Governor of New York)This is a terrifically easy book to read. (John Hanchette, Professor of Journalism at St. Bonaventure University)Richard Benedetto has written a memorable love story about politicians and politics, family and heritage, reporters and newspapers. Armed with the enduring power of fairness, civility and charity,…Benedetto provides a powerful reminder about what makes American politics work: All politics is local and personal, and politicians keep their end of the democratic bargain at least as often as 'the people' do. (Robert D. McClure, Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Maxwell Professor of Teaching Excellence, The Maxwell School at Syracuse U)Politicians are People, Toois a triumph and should be read by everybody who wants to understand political reporting, politicians and the political system beyond today's headlines news....A refreshing note of anti-cynicism and testimony one can be a journalist for a lifetime and still not give up youthful enthusiasm for serving the public trust. (David D. Perlmutter, Professor & Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research at the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications)The political reporting career that produced the rich material for Benedetto's book started in Buffalo with his coverage of George Wallace's 1968 presidential campaign and eventually brought him to Washington in 1982 to help launch the Gannett Company'sUSA Todayand then serve as its White House and national political correspondent. Many of the vignettes that fill the book are drawn from the years in the White House covering Presidents George H.W. Bush (with whom Benedetto jogged on occasion), Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, and from his travels as a member of the White House press corps. (Mike BrownU.S., Mayor)