Man of the People: The Life of John McCain

By Paul Alexander

A captivating look at one of America's most prominent and fascinating public figures
Bestselling author, war hero, presidential candidate, champion of the most politically sticky issue to rock Washington since Watergate-campaign finance reform- there may be no better known senator than John McCain. From Democrats to Republicans, many Americans relate to John McCain's straight-talking form of politics.
In Man of the People: The Life of John McCain, political journalist Paul Alexander offers the only objective, in-depth account of this remarkable politician's journey-from Naval Academy student to Presidential hopeful. Readers will follow McCain from his rich Navy roots through his twenty-one year tour in the Navy, and then behold as he evolves into one of our country's most distinguished yet controversial political leaders. With insider access, Alexander flushes out the personal history to present a candid portrait of the political evolution of McCain. From the WWII hero grandfather who aggressively helped destroy the Japanese military machine to McCain's growth from Navy plebe to Reagan foot soldier, Alexander uncovers what makes McCain tick, how he evolved into a politician with a cause that has endeared him to Democrats and antagonized the Republican party leadership.
Political insider, radio talk show host, and well-known journalist Paul Alexander followed McCain from the Presidential campaign trail to stumping for campaign finance reform. McCain's life is not only the story of the most compelling politician since Ronald Reagan but also the history of the transformation of American politics over the last thirty years. Through McCain's personal history-from Vietnam veteran to Reagan go-to guy to a key figure in the Keating S&L crisis to military campaign critic, Alexander pulls back the public curtain to reveal the private man. In doing so, he exposes military machinations, Vietnam controversy, POW torture, mental depression, and political intrigue. John McCain continues to push the political system, thus capturing the attention of the American public. The straightforward, no-nonsense style that has become his hallmark shines through every page of this telling biography.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wiley
• Release date: Nov 14, 2002
• ISBN: 9780471432364

Paul Alexander

Paul Alexander is Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University and Director of Public Policy at Evangelicals for Social Action in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. His books include Peace to War (2009) and Christ at the Checkpoint (2012).

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Reviews for Man of the People

[jbd1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fairly decent, run-of-the-mill biography of McCain. I can't say it stands out in my mind as being particularly exceptional in any way.

[foof2you · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Paul Alexander looks objectively at John McCain's life and his political struggles. This book goes up to the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Looking back on McCain's battle with W for the Republican nomination in 2000 we see just what kind of maverick McCain really was. Unfortunately McCain is not the same person he was in 2000.