Public Vetoes Most Pols' Books

Exceptions incluide Clintons, Obama, McCain
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 12, 2008 3:52 PM CDT
Public Vetoes Most Pols' Books
Newt Gingrich holds a copy of a book written by John Kerry during his debate with Kerry, not shown, on global warming, Tuesday, April 10, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington.    (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are big deals in Congress, but their power apparently doesn’t extend to bookstores, Politico reports. Despite much-hyped releases, new books by the Speaker of the House and the majority leader have sold a mere 6,500 copies—combined. These days, even B-list lawmakers have book deals, but most of the tomes sell just as poorly as Reid’s and Pelosi’s.

There are exceptions, including both major presidential contenders. Newt Gingrich’s 1995 book was an instant bestseller, but “now everyone’s doing it, so it’s not as interesting,” said one expert. Politicians keep churning out books anyway, looking more for prestige than for money. A spokesman says Reid is perfectly happy with his book, currently 268,581st on Amazon’s sales chart. (More book stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X