Description
Book Synopsis“In the 1990s, my campaigns as an independent presidential candidate gave a voice to millions of Americans who had been left out of the partisan political process. These people wanted—and still want—to contribute to their country and make America better for their children and grandchildren. This is their story.”
—Ross Perot, 1992/1996 presidential candidate, businessman, and philanthropist
In 1992, America began a historic and unique political movement when Ross Perot, a down-to-earth, charismatic billionaire, threw his hat into the ring of presidential contenders. A member of the Reform Party, Perot was the voice for the average American, and he inspired millions of ordinary citizens to actively participate in their government.
In
The Perot Legacy, political activist and Perot campaigner Pat Benjamin takes you inside Perot’s campaign and tells the story of an action movement that turned everyday folks into street fighters as they delved into the depths of dirty politics. Benjamin lays out the campaign’s successful infiltration of “politics as usual” and exposes the backroom deals, intimidation, stalkers, and death threats that dogged the campaign’s every step.
But
The Perot Legacy provides more than a history of the Perot presidential bid. With sharp political sensibility, Benjamin addresses how to harness the growing frustration and disgust many Americans feel over politics today, and she explains how to learn from past mistakes to effectively put regular, real people back in control of the American government.
Benjamin combines personal anecdotes, insider opinions, and sound political discourse to create a true testament to America’s unique democratic system. It’s time to put the power back in the people’s hands!
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Author’s Notes
Prologue
Chapter 1 The Movement
Chapter 2 The Campaign
Chapter 3 United We Stand America—The Beginning
Chapter 4 The Building of United We Stand America
Chapter 5 The Mission and Issues of United We Stand America
Chapter 6 The UWSA Dallas Conference: Preparing Our Country for the 21st Century
Chapter 7 The Birth of the Reform Party
Chapter 8 The 1996 Reform Party Primary
Chapter 9 The 1996 Presidential Campaign and Election
Chapter 10 Building the Reform Party
Chapter 11 1998: The Win?
Chapter 12 1999: Divisions Increase
Chapter 13 2000: Changing of the Guard
Chapter 14 2000: Changing of the Guard, Continued
Chapter 15 The People’s Court?
Chapter 16 The People’s Movement Continues
Chapter 17 “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
