Listen up, folks! Get ready for a wild ride through American politics and history with none other than Chris Matthews himself. Strap in, because in This Country, Matthews takes us on an exhilarating journey through his remarkable life and career, painting a panoramic portrait of post-World War II America.
This ain't just any old memoir, my friends. Matthews pours his heart and soul into this love letter to his country, offering us a glimpse into the life of a true American patriot. From risk-taking to adventure-seeking, from self-reliance to unwavering loyalty, this is a story that epitomizes the American spirit.
Imagine growing up in a bustling Irish-Catholic family in Philadelphia, where ducking under desks during atomic war drills was the norm. It was in this environment that Chris's tale began to unfold. He embraced the unknown, took leaps of faith, and learned some hard truths along the way.
Fresh out of the Peace Corps, young Chris sets his sights on the nation's capital, ready to make his mark. Armed with ambition and dreams of becoming the next Ted Sorensen to Jack Kennedy, he finds himself working for Utah Senator Frank Moss. And that's when the scales fall from his eyes, revealing the ruthless game that is big-league politics.
Never one to shy away from challenges, Matthews runs a maverick campaign for Congress, taking on Philadelphia's political machine. While he may not have clinched the victory, his determination propels him into a prestigious White House role. As a speechwriter for President Carter, he witnesses both triumphs and tragedies, from the brilliance of the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty to the devastating Iran hostage crisis.
But Matthews isn't done yet. He steps into the shoes of legendary Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill, as his chief of staff, immersing himself in the complexities of American politics during the Reagan era. Later, he makes a daring move to the other side of the political spectrum, making his mark as a groundbreaking columnist and reporter.
From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the historic all-races election in South Africa, from the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland to every American presidency from Reagan to George W. Bush, Matthews's journey is anything but dull. With his fast-paced, no-nonsense television program, Hardball with Chris Matthews, he blazes a trail in cable news and becomes a political institution for twenty solid years.
As we listen to Chris recount his political odyssey, we can't help but feel the heartbeat of a nation searching for its soul. His words resonate with grace and wisdom, capturing the grand arc of the American story as seen through the lens of one man dedicated to its politics.
So grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Chris Matthews. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone hungry to understand the beating heart of American politics. With a rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars and a runtime of 9 hours and 10 minutes, it's time to dive in and experience the rollercoaster ride that is This Country.
