Jack Germond

Jack Germond (1928-2013) was an American journalist and author who covered national politics for over 50 years. He gained prominence through his newspaper columns, television appearances, and books that offered insider analysis of presidential campaigns and Washington politics. Germond wrote for several major newspapers including the Rochester Times-Union and Baltimore Sun, becoming particularly well-known for his syndicated column with Jules Witcover that ran for over 24 years. His no-nonsense reporting style and deep knowledge of the political landscape made him a regular panelist on NBC's "Meet the Press" and PBS's "The McLaughlin Group." As an author, Germond published several books including his memoir "Fat Man in a Middle Seat: Forty Years of Covering Politics" and four campaign books co-written with Witcover. His final book, "A Small Story for Page Three," was a political novel published shortly after his death. Germond was known for his old-school journalism approach that emphasized detailed reporting and personal relationships with sources rather than sensationalism. He maintained a critical view of how political journalism evolved during his career, particularly lamenting the shift toward entertainment and surface-level coverage.

Readers appreciate Germond's insider knowledge of American politics and campaigns from his decades as a journalist. His books like "Fat Man in a Middle Seat" and "Fat Man Fed Up" receive praise for their candid behind-the-scenes accounts and sharp observations about political figures. Readers highlight his straightforward writing style and ability to explain complex political dynamics through memorable anecdotes. Many note his humorous yet insightful takes on campaign life. Common criticisms include that some of his books feel dated, particularly regarding political dynamics from the 1960s-80s. A few readers mention that his cynical tone can become repetitive. Goodreads Ratings: Fat Man in a Middle Seat - 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Fat Man Fed Up - 3.7/5 (42 ratings) Amazon Ratings: Fat Man in a Middle Seat - 4.1/5 (21 reviews) Fat Man Fed Up - 4.3/5 (15 reviews)

Fat Man in a Middle Seat: Forty Years of Covering Politics (1999) Chronicles Germond's personal experiences covering American politics as a journalist from the 1960s through the 1990s, including his interactions with major political figures.

Fat Man Fed Up: How American Politics Went Bad (2004) Examines the changes in American political culture and campaign practices from the perspective of Germond's decades of experience as a political reporter.

Making It Perfectly Clear (1980) Details Richard Nixon's relationship with the press during his presidency and subsequent resignation, co-authored with Jules Witcover.

Blue Smoke and Mirrors: How Reagan Won and Why Carter Lost the Election of 1980 (1981) Analyzes the 1980 presidential election campaign between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, co-authored with Jules Witcover.

Wake Us When It's Over: Presidential Politics of 1984 (1985) Provides an inside account of the 1984 presidential campaign between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale, co-authored with Jules Witcover.

Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars? The Trivial Pursuit of the Presidency 1988 (1989) Examines the 1988 presidential campaign between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis, co-authored with Jules Witcover.

Mad As Hell: Revolt at the Ballot Box, 1992 (1993) Documents the 1992 presidential campaign, including the rise of Ross Perot and Bill Clinton's victory, co-authored with Jules Witcover.