The Price of Politics

By: Bob Woodward

Narrated by: Boyd Gaines

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on 18 months of reporting, Woodward's 17th book The Price of Politics is an intimate, documented examination of how President Obama and the highest profile Republican and Democratic leaders in the United States Congress attempted to restore the American economy and improve the federal government's fiscal condition over three and one half years. Drawn from memos, contemporaneous meeting notes, emails, and in-depth interviews with the central players, The Price of Politics addresses the key issue of the presidential and congressional campaigns: the condition of the American economy and how and why we got there.

Providing verbatim, day-by-day, even hour-by-hour accounts, the book shows what really happened, what drove the debates, negotiations, and struggles that define, and will continue to define, the American future.

©2012 Bob Woodward (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

i found the reader really annoying

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Boyd Gaines?

Anyone else. He tried to play Rich Little and imitate the voices of the main players.

Just Like Being IN on THE Discussions

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Listening to this book was like getting inside the meetings going on right now.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I had to try really hard not to confuse the current physical cliff drama with what is going on at present.

Any additional comments?

This is a must have for the political junkie on your gift list.

Always Learn

If you could sum up The Price of Politics in three words, what would they be?

Incredible inside view

What did you like best about this story?

The full access that Woodward was granted and his even handed reporting.

Which scene was your favorite?

Direct conversations between the President and the Speaker of the House.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

We get frustrated watching the creation of important legislation from the outside but our frustration is nothing like that of the people engaged in the dance.

Any additional comments?

Woodward still has his mojo.

Great work describes great disappointment

Would you listen to The Price of Politics again? Why?

I might if I had the time - its a long listen. Gives about as fair an assessment of the both sides of the budget debate as you will find. Really an interesting read. Not a flattering picture of either the President nor of the other participants in the negotiation process.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Woodward's a great investigative writer so there is an impressive amount of factual detail about the discussions and the issues involved. Because of his stature in his profession, he has access to people in the highest levels of government.

Which character – as performed by Boyd Gaines – was your favorite?

Eric Cantor. I really felt as though he captured his style of speaking. It seemed as though he was reading his own quotations in the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Obama asked for an additional $400 billion in revenue after he and Boehner had agreed on the framework of a deal.

Excellent Read

A very interesting read covering a very interesting and tough time in America's history. The book gives you an inside view of the debate.

How does he do it?

Would you listen to The Price of Politics again? Why?

I would not listen again because th subject does not need further review or explanation

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

How does he do it? How does Woodward get these politicos to give him the detail and inner comments on this subjects. It really is a 'you are there' narrative.

Exceptional, unbiased insight into US politics

Narration and content in the book are excellent. The book is very detailed and go through the machinations of getting deals done in Washington DC. If you're interested in learning why Washington is dysfunctional, this is an excellent place to start.

Interested to learn the details.

Amazing to learn that members of Congress responsible for the negotiations actually thought a default was worth
exploring for political reasons. That they thought it wouldn’t have been as catastrophic as any finance specialist appreciates.

A very detailed and informative account

Where does The Price of Politics rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top books

What did you like best about this story?

The extreme details. I would like to know how Bob Woodward was able to get the insite for this book

Maybe Obama shouldn't be Re-elected

Great insider story of Obama's White House. Seems based on Bob's reporting, most of Obama's current problems he created in some-part on his own. Not taking political sides just download book and reach your own opinion. Very written done story by author.