FINDING THE THIRD WAY

A noted Democratic strategist reflects on his lifelong quest for bipartisan civility in this hybrid of memoir and political commentary.

An early supporter of Bill Clinton’s “Third Way” political strategy, which sought to reconcile right- and left-wing politics, Davis describes the moderate philosophy as one built on “decency and respect for other opinions and finding common ground” with one’s political opponents. More than two decades later, in a political climate defined by hyperpartisanship and ideological division, he argues in this ode to civility that Third Way politics are more needed than ever to preserve democracy itself. The book’s preface recalls Davis’ years at Yale University (both as an undergraduate and law student) from 1963-1971. As he rattles off a laundry list of classmates he considers friends—from frat brother George W. Bush to Bill Clinton, whom Davis would later serve under as special counsel to the president—what stands out most is the bipartisanship that existed on the Ivy League campus during a time in the 1960s often remembered for its civic unrest. This sets the tone for the rest of the book, which blends personal vignettes with an emphasis on bipartisan compromise and respectful disagreement. Written chronologically, the book limns Davis’ upbringing in a staunchly Democratic Jewish household (his father forbade him from rooting for the Yankees because their elitism reminded him of Republicans) through his legal career as a Democratic campaigner and lobbyist. He devotes entire chapters to politicians and close friends from his Yale days, like former U.S. Senator and vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman, who embraced “Purple Politics” as a rejection of the dichotomy between red and blue states. Modern, partisan readers on both sides of the aisle may not agree with the book’s conciliatory approach, and readers from the left may especially disagree with its derision of “identity politics” and suggestion that Democrats “win over” supporters of Donald Trump. What stands out most here is a fascinating behind-the-scenes peek at the early careers of some of the most important politicians of the 1990s and 2000s.

An impassioned, informed rejection of ideological division told through the lens of a political memoir.