Understanding how politicians think and how they behave is complicated. This book is not a memoir, but an explanation of what happens to everyone who enters public life. It will stir the discussion we need to preserve the lifeblood of democracy, encourage compromise and the common good, and stop our current descent into tribalism. These stories will increase understanding of the people who serve in public office.

Jim McDermott was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives at age 33. Two years later, he won a state senate seat in 1974, held it until 1987, and then was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. A liberal Democrat representing Seattle's 7th Congressional District, he served until 2017.