Paul Wellstone: The Life of a Passionate Progressive - Softcover

Lofy, Bill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0472031198 ISBN 13: 9780472031191

Publisher: University of Michigan Press, 2005

Synopsis

"Paul Wellstone, we miss you. Few politicians, especially these days, are as willing to stand up and speak the truth as Wellstone was. In this era of flaccid rhetoric and pre-approved sound bites, he had the rare ability to ignite a fire in his audiences. Bill Lofy's excellent biography rekindles that fire and reminds us just how much politicians of Wellstone's honesty, character, and spine are needed---now more than ever. This book should inspire a new generation of voters and political leaders alike."
---Arianna Huffington, columnist and editor of HuffingtonPost.com

"This book captures the vibrant spirit of my friend Paul Wellstone---the fierce commitment to justice that defined his life, and that shapes his enduring legacy."
---U.S. Senator Russ Feingold

"Paul Wellstone was a great leader because he fused progressive idealism with a stubbornly pragmatic politics. Bill Lofy's book captures that dual commitment in his story of Wellstone's life, and also shows us the extraordinary human appeal that Wellstone emanated in his relationships with people in all walks of life. This book is an engaging read that also tells us a lot about the political practice to which we should aspire."
---Frances Fox Piven, author of The War at Home

"This vividly written book captures the life and personal qualities of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. In so doing it provides an illuminating gloss on Max Weber's seminal exposition of the political vocation. It is a jewel of a book."
-Fred Greenstein, Princeton University
Bill Lofy's fast-paced and readable biography tells the inspirational story of one of the most compelling figures in the history of American politics---Senator Paul Wellstone.

Yet Lofy's book is more than just the chronicle of Wellstone's life and political career; it's also an indispensable guide to what ails political life today. Readers politically inclined or not will find in its pages a handbook to the uncertain and often treacherous business of politics and a stirring example for living a courageous and honest life---whether as public servant or private individual.

About this title

About the Author

Bill Lofy is Communications Director of Wellstone Action, the foundation created to carry on Paul and Sheila Wellstone's legacy after their death. Lofy was also a friend and confidante of the senator. This is his first book.

From Booklist

Abrasive and iconoclastic, Wellstone arrived in Washington, D.C., as Minnesota's newest U.S. senator in 1990 and offended everyone from his fellow senator from Minnesota, Dave Durenberger, to Vice President Dan Quayle to veterans groups to many of his own constituents. In less than a year, the former college professor who stumbled into politics adjusted his approach. By smoothing his rough edges but keeping his passion for issues of social and economic justice, Wellstone rendered himself an effective legislator, building alliances in both political parties. Lofy, a family friend and former campaign and staff worker, offers a look at the personal and political development of a man whose death in a plane crash in 2002 was mourned by a cross section of political figures. Wellstone was well regarded for his serious perspective on the role of politics in progressive social policy. The appendix of this fascinating book includes some of Wellstone's key speeches. Vanessa Bush
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About this edition

• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0472031198
• ISBN 13: 9780472031191
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 184