BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

"Wexler, a six-term Democratic congressman, opens his memoir-cum-civics lesson by saying, “I want to proclaim on every page of this book that I am a liberal Democrat and proud of it.” Fortunately for the reader, he is able to weave his proclamations into entertaining vignettes from the campaign trail to the halls of Congress in blow-by-blows of his involvement in defining moments of recent history: defending President Clinton from impeachment and challenging the Gore v. Bush decision. There is a fair amount of stumping in the book as the congressman lauds his district, defends his actions and criticizes his foes. But he shines when describing the absurdities of his political career, particularly the pitfalls of his early campaigns -- a manager with a weak bladder and running over a dog in his Wexler-emblazoned campaign car -- and his controversial appearance on the Colbert Report. While the prose is occasionally clunky, it does not detract from the pleasures of this fascinating and humorous insider account of the House of Representatives."

--Publishers Weekly

What a guy. Not only was he the first person in Congress to co-sponsor Dennis Kucinich's impeachment articles against George W. Bush, he is a perennial outspoken U.S. Representative, serving on the Judiciary Committee, who speaks out for justice and peace, even if it flies in the face of the party leadership's desire to let Bush and company get off without any prosecution for their crimes.

Wexler also has a unique view of the 2000 election theft, since it was his Florida congressional district that was home of the infamous Butterfly ballot.

The photo on the cover of his memoir shows him in a box stance, albeit while wearing a suit. Congressman Wexler is a die-hard progressive, a mensch and a hoot -- as his now legendary appearance on the Steven Colbert Report proves.

This is much more enjoyable than your standard political book. Wexler is a straight talker and mixes it up with humor and provocative stances.

BuzzFlash will be interviewing him soon about his book. We'll bring our boxing gloves.

“With enthusiasm and candor, a passionate Democratic congressman gives readers an inside look at the House of Representatives during a period of declining government accountability . . . Wexler’s Southern Florida district was the center of the “butterfly ballot” controversy during the 2000 election, and he angrily recounts the zeal and heartbreak he saw in his elderly constituents, hundreds of whom mistakenly cast votes for Pat Buchanan that were never properly recounted. A staunch supporter of Israel and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he endured a tense meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad because he saw it as an opportunity to learn more about a powerful figure in Middle Eastern relations. When Assad asked, “Is George Bush crazy?” Wexler’s description of the thought process behind his carefully phrased answer offers a mini-lesson in diplomacy. His clarity and humanity in no way dampen his zest for picking fights. His list of Republican misdeeds includes strong-arming for votes, using fear to galvanize public support, misleading Congress into war and illegally wiretapping citizens . . . After loudly decrying the Clinton impeachment on the grounds that the president did not betray his country, he now declares that a worthy candidate for impeachment currently sits in the White House. Yet Wexler never loses humor or optimism. His wife, children and belief in democracy keep him grounded and working hard for civility and the ideals on which the nation was founded . . . Wexler’s approachable, eye-opening political autobiography overflows with intriguing detail and insight.”
--Kirkus Reviews

“[A] remarkably open and honest book for a politician to have put into the light of day. If you want to know how Washington works, read this book.”
--AfterDowningStreet.org

“This is a very good book . . . Wexler, elected to congress in 1996, is a man who is passionate but practical, liberal but realistic, at times bombastic but often humble . . . it is worth reading.”
--Palm Beach Post

“Over the course of twelve years, Robert Wexler has fought for his constituents and his ideals, refusing to let the status quo in Washington dictate what is best for this country. His book is a testament to that fight.”
--Senator Barack Obama

“As this inspiring book makes clear, Robert Wexler fights skillfully and passionately for progressive causes, and we’re closer to our goals because of him.”
--Senator Edward Kennedy

“I enjoyed Congressman Wexler’s book even more than I enjoy cocaine and prostitutes.”
--Stephen Colbert

“Thank God for Robert Wexler -- the man who will always be my Congressman. This book proves he’s the only guy in politics who may have a brain and mouth bigger than mine!”
--Randi Rhodes

Representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach County, Wexler ran unopposed in 2004 and 2006.

You can watch some of Wexler's appearances on The Colbert Report by clicking here.


BUZZFLASH REVIEWS