I want to recommend a really good book: I finished it on the plane today. Robert Shrum's No Excuses. He is the famous Democratic strategist/speech writer, but the book was surprisingly candid, funny, unassuming, entertaining, cynical, and very informative about American politics. I am of course evaluating the book not on political grounds. Those who want to really know more about American politics and campaigning should read this book--I sound as if I am blurbing. I know, I know. He is a mainstream liberal Democrat and very pro-Israeli, etc but still.