Game Change The Best Book About Elections

For decades, The Making of the President 1960 by Theodore White was considered the definitive book on presidential elections, offering a detailed account of the Kennedy-Nixon race. While White’s work remains a classic, Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin has become my favorite book about elections. Published in 2010, it delivers a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 presidential race with rich insider details. Heilemann and Halperin, both respected political journalists, draw on their years of experience to give readers unprecedented access to one of the most historic elections in modern U.S. history. As a historian of politics, I consider Game Change the best book about elections

Game Change tells three main stories that shaped the 2008 election. The first is John McCain’s decision to select Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. The authors delve into the hurried vetting process and the unexpected challenges that followed Palin’s entrance into the national spotlight. They present a balanced view, acknowledging the internal conflicts her candidacy created while also highlighting Palin’s strengths, such as her powerful speech at the Republican National Convention and her ability to connect with voters on the campaign trail. The portrayal of McCain is equally nuanced, showing him as a courageous figure who stood up to supporters attempting to vilify Barack Obama, dispelling rumors that Obama was a Muslim or a terrorist.

The second major storyline covers Hillary Clinton’s battle for the Democratic nomination. Despite being the early frontrunner, Clinton’s campaign stumbled, and Game Change provides a deeply personal look at the frustrations, challenges, and near-miss of her historic bid for the presidency. Heilemann and Halperin capture both the tension within her campaign and the emotional toll of losing the nomination, painting a sympathetic yet realistic portrait of Clinton’s journey.

The third story chronicles Barack Obama’s rise, focusing on the excitement and challenges of his groundbreaking campaign. Obama’s ability to inspire a nation yearning for change is a central theme, but the book also explores the complexities of his campaign and the doubts surrounding his experience. The authors balance admiration with objectivity, making Obama’s story compelling for both political enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

The personal stories in Game Change are what truly set it apart. The authors’ even-handed approach is evident in their portrayal of not only McCain’s courage but also in their exploration of the dynamics between key campaign players like Steve Schmidt and Nicolle Wallace and their reaction to Sarah Palin. This balanced narrative is one of the reasons why Game Change was so well-received, with critics praising it for its fairness and depth. The book’s gripping storytelling and insider insights led to its adaptation into an acclaimed HBO movie in 2012. It earned critical praise and several awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys for performances by Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin and Ed Harris as John McCain.

Critically, Game Change was lauded for its ability to pull back the curtain on political campaigns, offering readers a candid and insightful view of the personalities and decisions that shape elections. Reviewers commended the book for being both informative and highly readable, and its even-handed treatment of figures across the political spectrum was seen as a major strength. The combination of insider access, sharp analysis, and human drama makes Game Change an engaging and informative read.

While The Making of the President 1960 set the standard for election books, Game Change surpasses it in terms of accessibility and depth, especially for modern readers. Its mix of historical perspective, personal stories, and fair treatment of all its subjects makes it my favorite book about elections and a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the forces that shape American politics. With his keen sense of history and deep understanding of elections, I believe that even Theodore White would have enjoyed Game Change for its rich narrative and insightful analysis.

Postscript:
While Game Change remains an enormously influential and well-regarded book, it’s important to note that co-author Mark Halperin is no longer as prominent figure in journalism due to allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced in 2017. Although these events have understandably affected his career, they do not detract from the significant work he contributed to Game Change, which continues to stand as a respected account of the 2008 election.

Heilemann expressed deep shock and disbelief after learning about the sexual harassment allegations against Mark Halperin. In an interview, Heilemann said he was “flabbergasted and shocked,” noting that he had no prior knowledge or suspicion of Halperin’s inappropriate behavior. He clarified that he had never witnessed or heard anything about such conduct during their long partnership. The scandal led to the end of their collaboration, with several joint projects, including a book deal and a TV miniseries, being canceled as a result​.