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An Inside Look at Mark Sanford

July 30, 2015 · 12:12 pm ET · 11 Comments

The New York Times runs a fantastic review of The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics by Barton Swaim.

“Mr. Swaim is so talented a writer, and has such an eye for a telling detail, that you suspect you could put him in any workplace — chicken-processing plant, airport sunglass emporium, stoner skate park — and he would make it come alive in the best possible way. He happens to have great material in Governor Sanford, as demanding, disorganized, dissatisfied, conceited, odd, bullying and cheap a boss as a reader could hope for.”

Political Books Barton Swaim, Mark Sanford

Inside the Fall of Mark Sanford

July 16, 2015 · 11:16 am ET · 36 Comments

Here’s a must-read: The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics by Barton Swaim, a former aide to South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R).

“Everyone knows this kind of politician: a charismatic maverick who goes up against the system and its ways, but thinks he doesn’t have to live by the rules. Through his own experience as the speechwriter for a controversial governor, Barton Swaim tells the story of a band of believers who attach themselves to this sort of ambitious narcissist—and what happens when it all comes crashing down.”

Political Books Barton Swaim, Mark Sanford

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

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