No Labels Book Reviews

No Labels is a movement based on an idea -- the idea that our leaders will find common sense solutions if they work across the aisle. This idea is explored in depth in many of the books listed below, many of which are written by our co-founders. Read on to see the latest literature on bipartisan problem-solving.

We Can All Do Better by Bill Bradley

In We Can All Do Better, for the first time since the financial meltdown and since the worst of the intensifying political gridlock, Senator Bill Bradley offers his own review of the state of the nation. Breaking from the inflexible long-held viewpoints of both political parties, Bradley explains how continuing on our existing foreign policy, electoral, and economic paths will mean a diminished future, and lays out exactly what needs to be done to reverse course. As this call-to-arms reminds us, we can all—elected officials, private citizens, presidents—do a better job of moving our country forward. Buy it here.

Grace and Power of Civility: Commitment and Tolerance in the American Experience by David M. Abshire

In a time when our country is more polarized than ever, Dr. David Abshire, former Ambassador to NATO, writes a pamphlet tracing the history of commitment and tolerance. Abshire writes to revitalize the respect and dialogue that’s been missing in American public life. Civility is the interaction of these forces, of commitment and tolerance, of passion and mutual respect, that has been the hallmark of the American experience. Buy it here.

Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe is Hijacking America by John Avlon

Wingnuts looks at the outbreak of extremism at the start of the Obama administration – from the unprecedented government spending that spurred the Tea Party protests, to the onset of “Obama Hate.” No Labels Co-Founder John Avlon explains how hate-fueled rumors take hold (one section is called “How Obama Became Hitler, a Communist and the Antichrist”). He looks at the ‘hunt for heretics’ that is taking place inside both parties and details the rise of hyper-partisan media. Buy it here.

Independent Nation: How Centrism Can Change American Politics by John Avlon

In Independent Nation, John Avlon argues that centrism, "the rising political force in modern American life," offers the best chance for America to prosper. Part history, part political philosophy, part road map for centrists, Independent Nation demonstrates Avlon's thesis by exploring political battlegrounds -- from state primaries to presidential campaigns -- where centrist messages succeeded. To Avlon, centrism is not a matter of compromise or reading polls; rather it's an antidote to the politics of divisiveness. Buy it here.

From Father to Son: A Private Life in the Public Eye by Evan Bayh

Sen. Evan Bayh, a No Labels supporter, writes about growing up in a leading Democratic family in his autobiography: From Father to Son. Throughout his childhood, Bayh was exposed to political discussions, canvassing for votes and dinners at the White House. Despite his Democratic upbringing, Bayh discusses how his state of political balance has translated into a political platform as well as his family values. From Father to Son is a testament to family, the values that shape character, and the virtues that come from loving support. Buy it here.

Adrift: Charting Our Course Back to a Great Nation by William Harris and Steven Beschloss

In Adrift, No Labels Co-Founder Steven Beschloss analyzes America’s most pressing problems and offers possibilities drawn from real-world experience. Beschloss, utilizing ideas from both parties, clearly outlines solutions to the crises facing the U.S. Instead of working together to fix America’s problems, the nation finds itself adrift, struggling to compete in areas that have historically been strengths. Buy it here.

Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost and How It Can Find Its Way Back by Mickey Edwards

No Labels Co-Founder Mickey Edwards’ book, Reclaiming Conservatism, posits that Republicans in the White House and Congress became enemies of the principles they once stood for, a threat to constitutional government and a party thoroughly deserving of the rebuke it received in 2006 and 2008. He explores how conservatives can again earn the confidence of voters. Republicans don’t need to re-invent themselves -- they merely need to remember what they once were, he writes. For a complete listing of all Mickey Edwards books, click here.

The Practice of Liberal Pluralism by William Galston

No Labels Co-Founder William Galston defends a theory, liberal pluralism, by analyzing the varying circumstances that impact even the smallest decisions -- and explores the implications of this theory in politics. Galston argues liberal pluralism helps clarify some of the complexities of real-world political action and points toward a distinctive conception of public philosophy and public policy. Buy it here.

What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential by Robert S. Kaplan

In No Labels Co-Founder Robert S. Kaplan’s book, What To Ask The Person In The Mirror, he discusses the importance of asking questions in leadership. Kaplan lays out a process for asking the big questions that allow leaders to diagnose problems and determine the best way to find solutions. Packed with real-life situations, this guide helps you learn to ask the right questions -- and work through the answers in ways that are right for you. Buy it here.

Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes by Mark Penn and E. Kinney Zalesne

Following extensive counsel to Bill Gates, Tony Blair, and Bill Clinton, Mark Penn, a No Labels supporter, wrote Microtrends and argues that the largest trends in America are in fact microtrends -- small trends that go unnoticed or even ignored. Microtrends offers a look into the worlds of polling, targeting and cultural analysis, demonstrating how 1 percent of the nation, or 3 million people, can create new business markets, spark social movements or produce political change. Buy it here.

Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them by John McCain and Mark Salter

Working in collaboration with Sen. John McCain (R-AR), No Labels Co-Founder Mark Salter has co-written five books, including the best-selling novel Faith of My Fathers. Most recently, Salter and McCain authored Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them, which provides a look at the connection between personal experiences and national destiny and profiled people from Branch Rickey to Gerald Ford. For a complete listing of Mark Salter’s books, click here.

Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility by David M. Walker

Former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker comes to grips with the country’s new fiscal crisis in Comeback America. “He has lifted the hood on the federal government, diagnosed the problems, and provided a number of sensible suggestions to help restore America's greatness,” says Ross Perot. Walker tackles the U.S. debt problem and provides clear solutions to end our recent fiscally irresponsible spending spree. Buy it here.

It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism by Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein

Ornstein and Mann examine how Congress has gotten to this point of unprecedented gridlock and partisanship. The authors address the long-term issues as well as the role of the public and media and say there is not a “silver bullet” to solve problems. However, there are useful ideas, solutions and reforms that can make a difference. Buy it here.