How Washington Works

Facts:

1. Many government officials eventually settle in Washington, because of the time they spend there.
2. Some government officials even catch "Potomac Fever", which is the addiction to the political power that they hold, and when they leave office, most, become lawyers or lobbyist and stay in Washington.
3. Though many of the congressmen debate and quarrel in actual Congress, many of them, whether conservative or liberal, are good friends outside of the Capitol building.
4. Many politicians go to/ strive for Washington because they are motivated by a sense of public service. Of course one must also consider that all of this is written by/ endorsed by politicians.
5. The officials in Washington live, eat, and sleep politics. It is apparent throughout their everyday life.
6. Newt Gingrich sees politics as a game that is as fun as can be.
7. Politicians naturally bind together as an act of self defense, so they are not crushed for their individuality.
8. No individual politician can work as a lone wolf, because they need the support of others to make their ideas, bills, etc. heard.
9. Washington itself is viewed as a whole different "world". It seems like a foreign place to many, even those who have familiarized themselves with it.
10. Washington is very open and welcoming to incoming politicians, because Washington is made up mainly of people who come from different places.

Questions:

1. What would Washington be like to a normal citizen, is it viewed differently by politicians?
2. What political ties does the author have?
3. Would it be fair to say that the author can speak for all politicians, most, or not many?
4. Can this book be view as a illegitimate view/ source on politics because of the age of the book and the time period that it was published in?
5. Is the whole book a bunch of quotes? or is it just this chapter?
6. How was this book taken by the public?
7. Has relationships between congressmen of different parties lessened due to the divide, that is growing larger, between the Democratic party and the Republican party?
8. Are the views of Washington different from current politicians to former politicians?
9. Have any politicians endorsed this book?
10. Has this author written any other books on the subject of Washington?