A hilarious insider look at political campaigns from "the political version of Columbo," perfect for fans of Christopher Buckley and Barton Swaim. "Rick Ridder takes us on a hilarious ride along the campaign trail, from the Iowa caucuses to Italian hill towns. Along the way, he introduces us to every kind of candidate and campaign, from the earnest but misguided to the wildly undisciplined. Beneath the humor, Rick shares savvy and practical observations from the real world of politics." -ROSE KAPOLCZYNSKI, long-time California political consultant and campaign manager for Barbara Boxer's campaigns

"There is no doubt that Rick knows the rules of the road when it comes to campaigns. Anyone looking to work in politics should take Rick's advice: work hard, ask questions, and don't be afraid to say 'yes, I'll get in my car and drive through the night for the next job'-you never know where you'll end up." -STEPHANIE SCHRIOCK, president of EMILY's List

"Rick Ridder is one of the most experienced and wryly thoughtful campaign operatives in the world and this book is both insightful and hilarious!" -GOVERNOR HOWARD DEAN

"There are so many fascinating elements to campaigns that the public never hears about. Incredible characters, plots, drama. Rick Ridder has seen and done it all. In the United States and around the world, Rick has compiled his stories into a riveting book that tells all and reveals what it is really like to be in the back room when the political deals are being cut." -MARK McKINNON, co-founder of No Labels, co-creator and co-host of The Circus

"A political insider's rollicking tales-wise, funny and insightful." -MERYL GORDON, author of New York Times bestseller Mrs. Astor's Regrets