Description
Book SynopsisWhere else but in America could a Jewish kid from Kansas, son of self-made, entrepreneurial parents and a grandson of Russian and Eastern European immigrants, end up as a congressman, secretary of agriculture, and chief lobbyist for Hollywood? In
Laughing at Myself Dan Glickman tells his story.
Trade ReviewOur nation these days desperately needs more leaders like Dan Glickman: people whose values are deeply rooted and have a sense of humor about themselves. This book explores the secrets to his success and should serve as an inspiration to those who want to be as respected and beloved as he has been." - Walter S. Isaacson, author of
Steve Jobs and
Leonardo Da Vinci"It's been Dan's wit and wisdom that has taken him from Wichita to Washington. But it's also been his decency, his ability to work across political spectrums, and his awareness and ability to understand the power of humor to often diffuse, distract, and always delight that has truly defined his success." - James Carville, Democratic political strategist
"The skeletal components of an exceptional leader and public servant are a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone. Those of us fortunate to know and work with Dan Glickman admire him greatly because he has all three. This book is clear confirmation of that and is a great read." - Tom Daschle, former US senator
"Dan Glickman's memoir reveals the essence of who he is: self-deprecating, passionate, optimistic, purpose-driven, principled, and living proof that you can accomplish a great deal of good in the world as a political centrist who values listening over talking. His personal journey and the lessons he learned along the way in Kansas; Washington, DC; and Hollywood make for an entertaining, at times surprising, and always fascinating read-and will hopefully inspire and challenge a new generation of would-be changemakers to revive the art of 'constructive partisanship' and compromise." - Howard G. Buffett, farmer and philanthropist, chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation
"In my Washington career, I was often asked why I enjoyed a strong sense of humor. My response was that the alternative was 'jumping in the Potomac.' My friend Dan Glickman in
Laughing at Myself makes the same point, particularly in these crazy times. I have known Dan for over forty years-he was my classmate in Congress, we worked together in the Clinton administration, and as the children of immigrants we share the same values and beliefs. He is a good man and this book tells you why." - Leon Panetta, former secretary of defense and cofounder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy
"Secretary Dan Glickman has long brought good humor, common sense, happiness, and a strong expression of his Jewish identity to Capitol Hill, the administration, Hollywood, and now to all of us through his new book. Hailing from the tiny Jewish community in Wichita, Kansas, he conquered Washington and Hollywood. And now he will also capture your heart and help you laugh and smile. In these trying times, we all need more good memories, smiles, and laughs. There is nobody better to help us with that than Dan Glickman. King Solomon taught in the Jewish Scriptures that 'a constant joyous heart' is a good thing. Dan has that, and he shares it with us here. Everyone always leaves meeting him happier than they were before. Picking up this book and finding out why is easy; putting it down will be much more difficult." - Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president, American Friends of Lubavitch, and founder and president, Capitol Jewish Forum
