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Tension City: Inside the Presidential Debates, from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain
by Jim Lehrer

40-Some years of water cooler moments

While as a Washingtonian I have always considered myself a political person, this is not a subject I have ever chosen to read about in books.  It was hearing Jim Lehrer speak about Tension City at a conference, I think, that got me to pick it up.  That, and the unintimidating page count.  Still, I’m almost surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. 

One of the things that worked for me is how personal the subject matter is to journalist Lehrer.  This isn’t just a book about famous moments (and their aftermaths) in the last 40-some years of political debates; it’s about Lehrer’s personal experiences as moderator of 11 presidential or vice-presidential debates since 1988.  To that extent, Tension City has elements of memoir, and a strong undercurrent of journalism within the subject matter.  Lehrer reflects on the highs and lows of his performances and those of his colleagues over the years.  I now have a far greater appreciation of the role of a debate moderator, and doubt I will watch future presidential debates with the same eyes.

Still, it’s the politics and history that were most riveting, because these debates did change history.  Had he answered one question differently, might Michael Dukakis have had a shot at the White House?  We can never know, but there is room for speculation.  I so clearly remember so many of the moments that Lehrer singles out over the past several decades.  They were the water cooler moments that the entire nation was talking about the next day.  But here we have the added perspective of time as we look at these famous exchanges.  Plus, Lehrer has the prestige and the relationships to get the major players to speak frankly about events of the past.  So, for example, Lloyd Bentsen and Dan Quayle share recollections of “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.” 

This is the history of my lifetime.  I was fascinated.  Tension City is a brief book, and many serious political and history junkies will be looking for something more in-depth.  For them, this book might work as a light companion volume.  But for this reader, Mr. Lehrer’s book was the perfect introduction to uncharted literary territory.

HUMPDAY GIVEAWAY: Tension City: Inside the Presidential Debates From Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain by Jim Lehrer

This week's giveaway is a special request from reader Care.  I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Lehrer speak about this forthcoming title at BookExpo America a few weeks ago, and I grabbed a couple of galleys to bring home.  So, that's what's being offered this week, a trade paperback Advance Reader's Edition of this book which won't be published until September 13, 2011. 

I could try to describe this book, but I think I'll let the author do so himself.  The quality of this video is only a marginal improvement over the Charlaine Harris video from last week, alas.  As I explained then, the borrowed Flip Cam I was using wasn't designed to focus at that distance.  But, if you're interested in hearing what Mr. Lehrer had to say, it's perfectly audible.

The rules are the same as always, with one slight variation.  I always reserve the right to cancel any giveaway with fewer than five entrants.  In this case, please know if there are fewer than five entrants than Care is the default winner.  So, please don't hesitate to enter, and good luck to all!

• The giveaway is open to anyone with a U.S. mailing address ('cause I'm footing the postage).  
• To enter, all you need to do is post a comment below by Wednesday, June 22, 2011.
• At my discretion, if there are less than five respondents, I can cancel or extend the giveaway.
• Winner will be chosen by me with the help of a random number generator, and will be announced in the comments section of this thread.
• Please check back to see if you've won. If you have left a way to contact you, I will do so.
• The winner has one week to respond to me at suetu@yahoo.com with a mailing address, or I will choose a new winner.
• If a second winner fails to respond, the book automatically goes to the lovely members of my face-to-face book club.
• Previous giveaway winners are welcome to enter.
• Finally, if at all possible, please comment below only if you're entering the giveaway.