🗳️ Book Review: Playbook 2012: The Right Fights Back by Mike Allen, Evan Thomas, and POLITICO
A fast-paced, insider account of the early Republican race for the 2012 U.S. presidential election—where strategy, personality, and ideology collide.
This Kindle Single, the first in POLITICO’s Playbook 2012 series, offers a real-time snapshot of the Republican primary battle leading up to the 2012 election. Written by Mike Allen, POLITICO’s chief White House correspondent, and Evan Thomas, a seasoned journalist and historian, the book delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the GOP’s internal struggles and the rise of conservative insurgents. With a Goodreads rating of 3.65/5 from over 230 readers, it’s praised for its immediacy and journalistic access, though some readers found it more informative than analytical.
🧠 Content Overview
The book covers:
- The fractured Republican field, including establishment figures, Tea Party favorites, and dark horse candidates
- The role of Super PACs and conservative interest groups in shaping the race
- The media dynamics and campaign messaging strategies that defined the early stages
- Real-time reporting from the trail, offering a “history-as-it-happens” perspective
Allen and Thomas chronicle the clashes of personality and policy that shaped the GOP’s attempt to reclaim the White House, setting the stage for the eventual nomination of Mitt Romney.
💬 Why Readers Appreciate It
- Insider Access: Offers a journalistic view from within the campaign bubble
- Timely Relevance: Captures the mood and momentum of the Republican Party at a pivotal moment
- Concise Format: At just 78 pages, it’s a quick read packed with political detail
- Narrative Style: Reads like a political thriller, with real-time tension and unfolding drama
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers felt it lacked depth or critical analysis, focusing more on events than interpretation
- The book ends before the full arc of the campaign unfolds, making it feel incomplete
- A few reviews noted that it’s best suited for political junkies, not casual readers
📣 Reviewer Highlights
“If you are a poliwonk as I am—you will enjoy this book… a behind-the-scenes look in somewhat real time, instead of waiting to read about it after it is all said and done.” — Goodreads reviewer
“Provides detail, color, and in-depth analysis that take readers beyond the hourly headlines and commentary.” — Penguin Random House editorial
🏁 Final Verdict
The Right Fights Back is a compelling, fast-moving political dispatch ideal for readers interested in campaign strategy, Republican Party dynamics, and real-time political journalism. It’s not a comprehensive history—but it’s a vivid snapshot of a party at a crossroads.
