by Ben Nelson

A diagnosis of what is ailing our failing government and a few ideas about what needs to be done…by our very own Ben Nelson. A “must read” book and a “can’t miss” June meeting with the author, himself.

“Ben Nelson is a prankster but this book isn’t intended to be one of his jokes. He’s dead right. The Senate as a widely admired deliberative body is in danger of becoming a smaller version of the fractious, divided House. With humor, behind-the-scenes drama, and thoughtful insights about the Senate’s decline, Nelson also includes perceptive comments from a number of our colleagues to offer a way forward—so we all can save the Senate!”—Claire McCaskill, former U.S. senator (Missouri)

“Ben Nelson’s book has never been more timely or necessary. With sharp insight, honesty, and wit he takes readers inside the United States Senate to reveal how this bulwark of our democracy worked well not so long ago. Nelson traces its fall into partisan division and rancor and outlines how we all can restore the Senate–through bipartisanship, courtesy, and a willingness to see past each others’ differences, for the benefit of all Americans.”—Harry Reid, former U.S. Senate Democratic leader (Nevada)

“Sen. Ben Nelson was a workmanlike senator: serious, bipartisan, curious, and capable. This book is a reflection of his work on big issues that seem distant but inform our present: the Bush tax cuts, 9/11 and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, TARP, the Affordable Care Act, and early Senate feuds over judicial appointments—including the one over Brett Kavanaugh. Nelson explains how legislation moves; how relationships are built and how they sometimes shift; how the gears of government grind or mesh—depending on the way they are used or misused. . . . You can hear a straightforward plea for a Senate in which senators can without sanction move between both parties and forge compromise; a place where movement is valued over stasis; a place where ideology doesn’t ceaselessly triumph over practicality.”—Major Garrett, chief Washington correspondent for CBS News