The central figures in politics are vividly recalled: the great New York governors Harriman and Rockefeller (who offered Germond a position on his staff); the ever-present Nixon; Humphrey; RFK; Eugene McCarthy; George McGovern; Carter; Reagan and Bill Clinton. He writes about the unfinished question of race relations and how George Wallace "wrote the book on playing the race card." He discusses Watergate and how it was a nightmare for other reporters when two "unknown punks" had all the sources locked up. Germond is fascinating on the subject of reporting -- on ethics and graft; on colleagues and bosses who didn't think he looked the part of a bureau chief. He writes about countless late nights in bars and rides on campaign planes; off-the-record briefings and strategy sessions -- the real stuff of politics. Germond is perceptive, honest, and bitingly funny, especially when writing about the enormous ego of Dr. John McLaughlin.

As you would expect from a professional, Germond is a very good writer. Fat Man in a Middle Seat is hugely entertaining and is an essential book for political junkies, followers of currentaffairs and journalism and anyone interested in how the country really is governed.