Tension City
by Jim Lehrer
Inside the Presidential Debates, from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain
- Percentage of approved critics who have given this book a positive review.
Critic Rating
83%
Critic Reviews: 9
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- User rating from iDreamBooks & iTunes
Reader Rating
76%
Reader Ratings: 47
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Synopsis
"In his quiet but intense way, Jim Lehrer earns the trust of the major political players of our time," notes Barbara Walters. "He explains and exposes their hopes and dreams, their strengths and failures as they try to put their best foot forward." From the man widely hailed as "the Dean of Moderators" comes a lively and revealing book that pulls back the curtain on more than forty years of televised political debate in America. A veteran newsman who has... more
About Jim Lehrer
Critic Reviews for Tension City: Inside the Presidential Debates, from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain
Add Critic Review- All Critics: 9
- Positive: 8
- Negative: 1
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Washington Post | 15 Sep 2011
Now he has collected his impressions in “Tension City,” a brisk and engaging memoir of his “view from the middle seat.”
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Book Reporter | 15 Sep 2011
While informative and enjoyable to read, Lehrer’s account of his years as debate moderator is also a disquieting book.
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Bonjour Cass. | 28 Sep 2011
...the book is most vivid and engaging when Lehrer is discussing his own experience; this section of the book reads as a memoir, complete with behind-the-scenes information and reflection.
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Kirkus Reviews | 15 Jun 2011
A limited but entertaining peek at some of what goes on behind the curtain.
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History News Network | 25 Sep 2011
His book is hardly the definitive work on past confrontations, but it is invaluable for showing just how much work it takes and how worthwhile it is to be—yes--truly fair and balanced.
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Deseret News | 14 Sep 2011
The result is an illuminating behind-the-scenes look — from all perspectives — at a quadrennial event the author likens to "walking down the blade of a knife."
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The Washington Times | 6 Jan 2012
...walks us through some of the more notable verbal gaffes and masterstrokes, all of which might have turned the elections.
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My San Antonio | 8 Sep 2011
In this slim volume, readers will enjoy reliving pivotal moments not forgotten by Lehrer, who was a nervous wreck through most debates.
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Boston.com | 24 Sep 2011
Unfortunately, it’s a mostly uninteresting, scattershot effort that seems more preoccupied with sharing insidery tidbits than with casting any new light on the history and process of presidential debates.
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