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A Nation of Wusses: How America's Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great
Governor Ed Rendell explains why America's leaders rarely call for sacrifice for the greater good--to avoid making any sacrifices themselves!
Rendell has seen job security become the primary consideration of any person with power in America--their own job security! Most politicians and bureaucrats can see no further ahead than the next election, sometimes no further than the next press conference. Americans are rarely afraid of sacrifice and hard work when they mean building a better future, but when was the last time you heard of a leader of anything making a sacrifice for the greater good? The people can only win when they make it clear to the powers that be that making the right choices, even the hard ones, is the key to winning the next election.
Explains in rollicking stories ranging from the profane to the profound that most hard choices are only "hard" because the polls conflict with your principles. Ed Rendell rose to the top of Philadelphia, then Pennsylvania, then national politics, by doing what he thought was right, and there were plenty of times that looked like it would be his downfall as well.
This book revisits the high points of Ed Rendell's career and current landscape to define the political fights his peers seem just as afraid of winning as losing.
Rendell is a former head of the Democratic National Committee, a current MSNBC Senior Political Analyst, and a Partner at Ballard Spahr LLP
Rendell has seen job security become the primary consideration of any person with power in America--their own job security! Most politicians and bureaucrats can see no further ahead than the next election, sometimes no further than the next press conference. Americans are rarely afraid of sacrifice and hard work when they mean building a better future, but when was the last time you heard of a leader of anything making a sacrifice for the greater good? The people can only win when they make it clear to the powers that be that making the right choices, even the hard ones, is the key to winning the next election.
Explains in rollicking stories ranging from the profane to the profound that most hard choices are only "hard" because the polls conflict with your principles. Ed Rendell rose to the top of Philadelphia, then Pennsylvania, then national politics, by doing what he thought was right, and there were plenty of times that looked like it would be his downfall as well.
This book revisits the high points of Ed Rendell's career and current landscape to define the political fights his peers seem just as afraid of winning as losing.
Rendell is a former head of the Democratic National Committee, a current MSNBC Senior Political Analyst, and a Partner at Ballard Spahr LLP
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 19, 2012
The title is completely misleading.
What I hoped would shed some light on the things we know are wrong in politics and address the quagmires that are political and bureaucratic processes was, in fact, a look-at-me self aggrandizing jaw wag. He stumped for Hillary in '16 and generally bored me to tears.
Don't waist your time on this one.
What I hoped would shed some light on the things we know are wrong in politics and address the quagmires that are political and bureaucratic processes was, in fact, a look-at-me self aggrandizing jaw wag. He stumped for Hillary in '16 and generally bored me to tears.
Don't waist your time on this one.
December 29, 2012
I did enjoy reading about Rendell's political career, but it was mostly about promoting himself and a little bit about how other politicians are wusses! I would not call this another Profiles in Courage! However, it made for enjoyable reading and gave me a slightly different perspective to his years as our governor. It was our book club book for November... I'm not too late getting it read!
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June 13, 2012Excellent! The former mayor of Phila and governor of Penna has very interesting insights on many issues. Although a Democrat, he is very blunt and honest and his opinions get him in trouble often with his own party.
July 2, 2012
This book should have been titled "Look at me i served 33 years in politics and rubbed elbows with every person i possibly could" No doubt the book was funny and true Rendell seems like a good guy but seriously, dude get over yourself.
December 28, 2012
I'm a big fan of Ed's, but I was disappointed in this book. I thought it was going to be a rant on what is wrong with society, but it was a memoir and a fairly uninteresting one. I didn't actually finish the book.
June 26, 2013
Great title but the book was more about the supposed accomplishments of Ed Rendell.
January 9, 2018
2013-10 - A Nation of Wusses: How America's Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great. Ed Rendell (Author). 2012. 256 Pages
A book that is equal parts funny, maddening, and grand standing. Ed Rendell writes in his voice and tells his story. It is a voice worth listening too and thinking about what he is saying. His bottom line is investment. A good company invests in itself so should we as a society. He is big on infrastructure and education. His lament is politicos who preach one ethic for business and another for government.
A book that is equal parts funny, maddening, and grand standing. Ed Rendell writes in his voice and tells his story. It is a voice worth listening too and thinking about what he is saying. His bottom line is investment. A good company invests in itself so should we as a society. He is big on infrastructure and education. His lament is politicos who preach one ethic for business and another for government.
March 13, 2021
NF - Ed's life in politics, good stories
February 2, 2023
First and last time I've ever agreed with a Democrat. I'm sure the overly liberal, overly coddled goodreads crowd hates it
January 17, 2015
Ed Rendell’s self-congratulatory tour de force is just as you would expect observing the style of the former mayor and governor – blunt, brash, motivated, and nothing if not entertaining. All you really need to know about Ed is that when the voters sided with him, it was because the voters are smart, and when they disagreed with him, there was a messaging problem. Intelligent, pragmatic, and a little delusional, Rendell lets his friends and enemies have the truth, and the whole truth, exactly as he sees it, in a gasp of hot air that you get the feeling he had been storing up for a long, long time. He’s free to do so, of course, because he knows he’ll never get anywhere near elected office again. Reading this book, you know he knows that what made him popular in Philadelphia and passable in Pennsylvania wouldn’t play at all in the rest of the country. He may yet see the national spotlight campaigning vicariously for Hillary should she run in 2016. Rendell has always been a Clinton fan, and he hasn’t backed the Clinton bandwagon a bit since 1996, even as Hillary died the death of a thousand cuts in the primary of 2008. Would that Rendell would enjoy his well deserved limelight and fade away into the sunset rather than interject himself back into the fray next year, when it’s looking more and more everyday that there will be no shortage of ghosts from elections past angling for the White House in 2016.
One other thing to note: for those who think the Republican Party has a monopoly on scientific illiteracy, I urge you to consider Chapter 17 of this book, which discusses an episode in 1992 when as Mayor, Rendell refuses to comply with a Delaware River Basin Commission order for the City to construct the its third wastewater treatment plant. Rendell refuses to comply, asking (non-rhetorically): “If the fish are not dying, how do we know the oxygen content in the water is bad for them? Did we ask them if they were uncomfortable?” This is a direct quote intended to give the appearance that he is a smart, pragmatic, fiscally minded steward of taxpayer dollars. Here we have the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee boasting – boasting! – about his own appalling lack of understanding of basic aquatic biochemistry, which has held back environmental improvement of the sensitive and unique Delaware River Estuary for what will end up being a century or more. I suggest that both major political parties have prominent elements within them that are scientifically illiterate, and that they both espouse anti-science policies, which is to the country's peril.
One other thing to note: for those who think the Republican Party has a monopoly on scientific illiteracy, I urge you to consider Chapter 17 of this book, which discusses an episode in 1992 when as Mayor, Rendell refuses to comply with a Delaware River Basin Commission order for the City to construct the its third wastewater treatment plant. Rendell refuses to comply, asking (non-rhetorically): “If the fish are not dying, how do we know the oxygen content in the water is bad for them? Did we ask them if they were uncomfortable?” This is a direct quote intended to give the appearance that he is a smart, pragmatic, fiscally minded steward of taxpayer dollars. Here we have the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee boasting – boasting! – about his own appalling lack of understanding of basic aquatic biochemistry, which has held back environmental improvement of the sensitive and unique Delaware River Estuary for what will end up being a century or more. I suggest that both major political parties have prominent elements within them that are scientifically illiterate, and that they both espouse anti-science policies, which is to the country's peril.
July 23, 2012
Had it not been for the title--too interesting to ignore--I may have passed on reading this one having, quite honestly, lost my appetite for politics. But I wanted to know how in the world wuss would be defined. Am I a wuss?
Didn't take long. Aside from the policies; some I agreed with, others I questioned, and those I didn't understand...just the inference behind the first chapter, `The Wussification of America,' (humorous as it was), not only summed up how he defined a wuss, but kept my laughing in check until I could hold it no more.
Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard about 'Swifty' the donkey (the mascot), and the sturgeons, and why Rendell is against receiving plaques, that I could barely see straight! Definitely a beautiful book. Really appreciated the way this one was composed; complete with heartfelt stories and tremendous cases-in-points... the most impressive being the "Carey Report--" a nearly 1000 page investment report about ways NYC could save money, in which he applied to eliminate the deficit (without raising taxes) during his term as mayor. I'm going to wuss out myself on explaining why this surprised me, only to admit that this was just about when I began respecting Rendell for more than his great witty sense of humor. From how he handled what to do with the snow after the great snowfall in 2006, to him and Clinton eating those cheesesteaks in Pat's...you know... doing the "Philadelphia lean," where the picture showed up on the front page of the Inquirer but, "oh, by the way," the actual story was buried subsequent pages later, I'll say, yes he is smart...alongside his great sense of humor. A very relevant read.
Didn't take long. Aside from the policies; some I agreed with, others I questioned, and those I didn't understand...just the inference behind the first chapter, `The Wussification of America,' (humorous as it was), not only summed up how he defined a wuss, but kept my laughing in check until I could hold it no more.
Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard about 'Swifty' the donkey (the mascot), and the sturgeons, and why Rendell is against receiving plaques, that I could barely see straight! Definitely a beautiful book. Really appreciated the way this one was composed; complete with heartfelt stories and tremendous cases-in-points... the most impressive being the "Carey Report--" a nearly 1000 page investment report about ways NYC could save money, in which he applied to eliminate the deficit (without raising taxes) during his term as mayor. I'm going to wuss out myself on explaining why this surprised me, only to admit that this was just about when I began respecting Rendell for more than his great witty sense of humor. From how he handled what to do with the snow after the great snowfall in 2006, to him and Clinton eating those cheesesteaks in Pat's...you know... doing the "Philadelphia lean," where the picture showed up on the front page of the Inquirer but, "oh, by the way," the actual story was buried subsequent pages later, I'll say, yes he is smart...alongside his great sense of humor. A very relevant read.
August 16, 2012
Ed Rendell is one of the few politicians that I truly admire. I like the fact that he says what's on his mind - even if it means that sometimes that includes his foot. (As he freely admits.) I've seen him as a political pundit. He's a solid Democrat, but more pragmatic. He's progressive, but recognizes that not everyone has the same views. His goal was always to get things done. He was able to turn Philadelphia around from being practically bankrupt to being a vibrant place that been listed by AARP as a good place to retire if you are interested in the arts. (I admit to being biased in that regard since I'm from Philly!) He's not Obama's biggest fan, not because of his policies but because he says he hasn't communicated as well as he could. He goes after both sides in this funny, self-deprecating and interesting memoir. The point he makes is simple: politicians are afraid to make the big decisions because they don't want to lose. Corporate leaders are also wusses though - they are often afraid to go bold and make important decisions also, and Rendell points that out also. He talks about how he was able to get important programs through a Republican legislature as a Democratic governor. He did have the advantage, of course, of a legislature that didn't want to be accused of being a do nothing group. He gets into some very specific details about some programs. As mayor he also took on the unions without taking away their right to organize bargain. It's too bad that he doesn't have a future as President. I think he could do a great job.
April 29, 2015
I am on the fence about my opinion of this book. I liked reading my state governor's novel. Or, technically, he was governor in the recent past, up to right before I began my serious study of international relations.
I liked this book since Rendell voices similar political thoughts as my own, disregarding sport. (Although, considering A. football, I DID write an obligatory scene in Highly Strung where Ariadne [the oboist] was a die-hard Eagles fan gawking at the TV now and again while she made her reeds... oh, and thinking about it, my hair is now like hers!)
And disregarding China. He wrote crazy claims about the Chinese, and that is something I disliked as well. They may bear some semblance to the truth, but not 100% true.
Besides that, I disliked this book since there was no overarching plot, at least that I could follow. So when it feels like there's no point, it makes readability plummet. So the book itself feels pointless, only a talking point.
I felt a little awkward when he talked about being Jewish, but I'm sure some people feel awkward when I talk about being an atheist. (So that's why I've largely stopped, not wanting to make important people dislike me.) So this is fine.
I'm fairly certain I've voted for Ed Rendell in the past, so I'm inclined not to dislike his book.
I liked this book since Rendell voices similar political thoughts as my own, disregarding sport. (Although, considering A. football, I DID write an obligatory scene in Highly Strung where Ariadne [the oboist] was a die-hard Eagles fan gawking at the TV now and again while she made her reeds... oh, and thinking about it, my hair is now like hers!)
And disregarding China. He wrote crazy claims about the Chinese, and that is something I disliked as well. They may bear some semblance to the truth, but not 100% true.
Besides that, I disliked this book since there was no overarching plot, at least that I could follow. So when it feels like there's no point, it makes readability plummet. So the book itself feels pointless, only a talking point.
I felt a little awkward when he talked about being Jewish, but I'm sure some people feel awkward when I talk about being an atheist. (So that's why I've largely stopped, not wanting to make important people dislike me.) So this is fine.
I'm fairly certain I've voted for Ed Rendell in the past, so I'm inclined not to dislike his book.
October 29, 2012
Ed Rendell is my favorite Democrat, so it's no wonder I very much enjoyed "A Nation of Wusses: How America's Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great."
As a former Philadelphia mayor and former Pennsylvania governor, Ed Rendell has enough political anecdotes to keep one reading for days. As a current Philadelphian, I was an easy sell, and I devoured this book in about five days. He was a good governor, practical and smart with a sense of humor, and his writing is much the same.
The thesis of this book is that politicians have become too obsessed with getting and keeping their offices, and I can't disagree with that assessment. Unfortunately the only place the book falls down is when Rendell critiques Barack Obama for making a move that was good for the country but not an easy political sell, which would seem to run against the point Rendell is trying to make. Since I know Rendell is a devotee of Hillary Clinton who still hasn't quite gotten over her 2008 primary loss, I can forgive him that lapse.
A worthwhile read.
As a former Philadelphia mayor and former Pennsylvania governor, Ed Rendell has enough political anecdotes to keep one reading for days. As a current Philadelphian, I was an easy sell, and I devoured this book in about five days. He was a good governor, practical and smart with a sense of humor, and his writing is much the same.
The thesis of this book is that politicians have become too obsessed with getting and keeping their offices, and I can't disagree with that assessment. Unfortunately the only place the book falls down is when Rendell critiques Barack Obama for making a move that was good for the country but not an easy political sell, which would seem to run against the point Rendell is trying to make. Since I know Rendell is a devotee of Hillary Clinton who still hasn't quite gotten over her 2008 primary loss, I can forgive him that lapse.
A worthwhile read.
February 17, 2014
Guts, Gumption, and Governing -- You don't find those words used together very often anymore. Governor Ed Rendell reminds us that the Can-Do Spirit of America doesn't have to be a bygone relic of nostalgia, but can be a beacon of hope guiding us to a better future. We have to be pragmatic, tough-minded, and willing to work together if we're going to get anywhere.
Rendell pulls from his own experiences to show why it's better to be true to your heart, and never take the easy way out... which has--in our current climate--become the path of least resistance, and the way of the Wuss. The former Governor, Mayor, and District Attorney does this in a tone that is conversational, but clearly informed by a deep knowledge of issues and policy.
Guts and Gumption are what it takes. We dig deep enough and we find the resolve and the courage, we can get America back on track and a few more miles down the road to greatness.
Rendell pulls from his own experiences to show why it's better to be true to your heart, and never take the easy way out... which has--in our current climate--become the path of least resistance, and the way of the Wuss. The former Governor, Mayor, and District Attorney does this in a tone that is conversational, but clearly informed by a deep knowledge of issues and policy.
Guts and Gumption are what it takes. We dig deep enough and we find the resolve and the courage, we can get America back on track and a few more miles down the road to greatness.
July 2, 2012
I am originally from the Tri-State area, and I have always respected Rendell's candor and honesty. I purchased this book to learn "How America's Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great." Instead, I learned how "great" Ed Rendell is and how he is just so smart (said tongue-in-cheek). When I finally got to the section of the book that actually addressed the "nation of wusses," I was already past the halfway mark. This is what I learned: Politicians care about votes and not about progress. Shocking.
If you are a fan of Ed Rendell, or a Pennsylvania native, this book would appeal to you. If you are not either of those things, you may still wish to read the book. After all, this reads like a book preparing people for a possible Rendell Presidential run.
Reviewed by: Jennifer J. Meister, Flowood
If you are a fan of Ed Rendell, or a Pennsylvania native, this book would appeal to you. If you are not either of those things, you may still wish to read the book. After all, this reads like a book preparing people for a possible Rendell Presidential run.
Reviewed by: Jennifer J. Meister, Flowood
November 22, 2012
What crap. The title insinuates this is a book about idea generation on how to fix political systems. Or at least how things went wrong. Oh no, it is about telling non tangential stories, using the word wuss at the end of every chapter then at the end of 200 pages of chest thumping he briefly discusses ideas to improve presidential elections. I guess this book deal probably made him lots of money and unfortunately will cost a lot of people time.
The worst was the chapter about Hillary where he said how great she would be as president because she is good at managing people. Never once referenced her policies. Great- I know a lot of good managers but it doesn't mean I want to send them to the White House.
Easily one of the worst books I've ever read.
The worst was the chapter about Hillary where he said how great she would be as president because she is good at managing people. Never once referenced her policies. Great- I know a lot of good managers but it doesn't mean I want to send them to the White House.
Easily one of the worst books I've ever read.
August 17, 2013
I like Rendell. One of my greatest regrets is declining the invitation to attend his first Governor's Inaugural Ball. I appreciate his forthrightness and everything he has done for the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Having said that, I have to confess that this book leaves a lot to be desired. It feels as though it was written by a high school senior. The "fixes" that he offers are painfully obvious and lack depth. And while I understand that he is citing examples of his success at administering those fixes, they come off as more self-congratulatory than as true teaching moments.
Having said that, I have to confess that this book leaves a lot to be desired. It feels as though it was written by a high school senior. The "fixes" that he offers are painfully obvious and lack depth. And while I understand that he is citing examples of his success at administering those fixes, they come off as more self-congratulatory than as true teaching moments.
August 25, 2013
I don’t always agree with Ed Rendell on policy issues, but I think he seems like he’d be a fun guy to hang out with. He has a sense of humor and isn’t afraid to laugh at himself. Sure he plays hardball, but you don’t get elected to statewide office if you don’t have some chutzpah. He doesn’t plan on running for anything else so he isn’t afraid to lay out some real criticism of people (Democrats and Republicans) and tell some pretty funny stories (Swifty the five-legged Democratic Donkey comes to mind). If you like politics, this is a pretty good book.
February 18, 2016
I'm not sure whether it would have been better to maybe read this before i read "a prayer for the city." I'm from philly and mayor rendell (cause he'll always be 'mayor' to me) is a huge deal. i appreciated reading his take on modern politics, and i definitely learned a lot that i didn't know. but if you're looking for information on specifically his time in philly politics, I'd recommend "a prayer for the city." generally this is a good books that expands his focus out onto state and federal politics. but APFTC is better for local politics.
November 3, 2014
If you like Ed Rendell, you should read this book. This should also be required reading in some political science courses. There are a great deal of insights which make the book fun and interesting to read. I especially enjoyed reading about the relationship he had with the Clintons. Rendell would make a great president and had he not got tied up with running the DNC he may have been.
If you don't necessarily like Rendell, you should read it anyway and learn something.
July 6, 2012
very interesting and current book. Talks about Obama's healthcare program that was just judged constitutional. He makes some very valid arguments on improving the nation's infrastructure and how it will put people to work and save money in the long run. Glad I decided to take a chance and read this.
Finished! Outstanding - if you care about our country and the workings of the political machine - I highly recommend this book.
Finished! Outstanding - if you care about our country and the workings of the political machine - I highly recommend this book.
August 27, 2012
This was a good, breezy read from Ed Rendell, former Mayor of Philly and former Governor of Pennsylvania. I don't always agree with him, but you have to admire the guy. The book to read on Rendell is the great Buzz Bissinger's A Prayer for the City. Bissinger had unprecedented access to Rendell and his administration during his first three years as mayor of Philly. The result is a great book about turning around the city.
January 16, 2013
Despite some slight revisionist history, an enlightening and entertaining read. Rendell was my Governor for 8 years and was quite effective, despite dealing with a Republican legislature. His accounts of his career in politics, especially the 2000 Presidential election, were quite frank and humorous. The book is poorly edited and seemed a bit rushed, not to mention overly wonkish in parts. It was published before the 2012 election and I would love to read an addendum.
August 19, 2012
Ed Rendell is a Philadelphia folk hero; DA, mayor, governor. All the while he told it like it was. Rendell spins story from his political career, and adds color to the current political cast of characters. He gets a little wonkish towards the end but his honest evaluations of the current scene are well worth while.
September 25, 2012
An entertaining journey through Ed Rendell's time in office as Philadelphia District Attorney, Mayor of Philadelphia, and Governor of Pennsylvania. He details examples of his bold steps, some of his mistakes, thoughts on many contemporary politicians, his love of Philadelphia sports, and the process of getting things done in the political world. Upcoming discussion book for our book club.
September 22, 2012
I probably would not have picked up this book to read without Book Club involvement. Ed Rendell did a lot of patting himself on the back for his accomplishments but he also had so very pertinent observations on the motivations of politicians and how to fix the system. After reading this book I got out Kennedy's Profiles in Courage.
January 6, 2013
A brilliant call for political courage from a servant of the people. Gov. Rendell had written an excellent blend of wisdom, predictions for the future, and his own influential colorful past. He holds back no punches, but retains civility always. A must read for all people politically inclined or seeking to be politically informed.
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August 6, 2012Loved this book. I have always like Ed and this book hits the mark on today's politicians under estimating the public understanding of what's really going on in politics. Ed should run for president.
July 28, 2012
Interesting political autobiography.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews