Tip and the Gipper, Chris Matthews
Tip and the Gipper, Chris Matthews
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Tip and the Gipper
When Politics Worked

Author: Chris Matthews

Narrator: Chris Matthews

Unabridged: 10 hr 53 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/01/2013


Synopsis

The New York Times bestseller about the historic dealings between Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill—“A superb tribute to the neglected art of compromise” (Daily News (New York)).

Tip and the Gipper is an “entertaining and insightful” (The Wall Street Journal) history of a time when two great political opponents served together for the benefit of the country. Chris Matthews was an eyewitness to this story as top aide to Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, who waged a principled war of political ideals with President Ronald Reagan from 1980 to 1986. Together, the two men became one of history’s most celebrated political pairings—the epitome of how ideological opposites can get things done.

When Reagan was elected to the presidency in a landslide victory over Jimmy Carter, Speaker O’Neill was thrust into the national spotlight as the highest-ranking leader of the Democratic Party—the most visible and respected challenger to President Reagan’s agenda of cutting the size of government programs and lowering tax rates. Together, the two leaders fought over the major issues of the day—welfare, taxes, covert military operations, and social security—but found their way to agreements that reformed taxes, saved Social Security, and, their common cause, set a course toward peace in Northern Ireland. Through it all they maintained respect for each other’s positions and worked to advance the country rather than obstruct progress.

At the time of congressional gridlock, Tip and the Gipper stands as model behavior worthy of study by journalists, academics, and students of the political process for years to come. “This book is an invitation to join Tip and the Gipper in tall tales about how grand it was in the old country” (The Washington Post).

About Chris Matthews

Chris Matthews is a veteran political journalist, television commentator, and bestselling author known for his sharp insights, historical depth, and no-nonsense approach to American politics. As the longtime host of Hardball with Chris Matthews, he became a household name, grilling politicians and analyzing the biggest stories of the day with his signature wit and energy. Before his career in media, Matthews worked as a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and served as Chief of Staff to House Speaker Tip O’Neill, giving him a front-row seat to the inner workings of Washington. His books, including Hardball, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, and Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked, blend personal experience with historical analysis, offering readers a compelling look at power, leadership, and the art of politics. With a deep love for history and a passion for public service, Matthews remains a respected voice in political discourse, known for his ability to connect the past with the present in an engaging and insightful way.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Kevin

Though I am a conservative, Chris Matthews is by far my favorite political author. Though he is as liberal as the day is long, Matthews can tell a story like no one else can. He is a master of weaving together fascinating historical narrative and immediately applicable political advice almost seamle......more

This was a fascinating book on the relationship between 20th Centuries greatest Conservative President Ronald Reagan and his counterpart the very liberal Speaker of the House Tip O’Neal. The book is called the “ Tip and the Gipper.” The Gipper refers to a movie that President Reagan made when he was......more

Goodreads review by Carol

As usual I was left with mixed feelings about this book, as I am each time I watch Chris Matthews' show on MSNBC. In fact I watch the show much less because I greatly dislike Matthews' style of both asking and answering his questions put to his guests, and then generally interrupts them when they at......more

Goodreads review by Noah

In the days after Reagan was shot he and his team only let one man in to see the wounded president. That man was Tip O'Neill. Tip, who was the speaker of the house, a Democrat, and a bitter political opponent of the president, knelt by Reagan's bedside, wept for him, and even prayed for him. Can you......more