Just Do It

Inside Presidential Politics with Robert Shrum

by Termeh Mazhari

Thu., June 21, 6:30-8 p.m., free (reservations required), National Constitution Center, Kirby Auditorium, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org

Political strategist and consultant Robert Shrum has spent nearly three decades creating excuses for politicians, so it seems rather ironic that his new memoir is titled No Excuses: Concessions of a Serial Campaigner (Simon & Schuster, $28). But make no mistake: Shrum's book gives readers the lowdown on how national political decisions are made, in a completely candid tone.

Considered the "black cat" of American politics, Shrum has taken the blame for the defeat of no fewer than eight Democratic presidential candidates (hence the phrase "the Shrum curse"). The man has seen it all. His behind-the-scenes look at American politics explores the presidential races of notables including Ted Kennedy, Al Gore, John Edwards and Bill and Hillary Clinton. He reveals, for instance, how Senator Lloyd Bentsen's now infamous quip ("Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy") directed at Dan Quayle during the 1988 vice-presidential debate was rehearsed and conceived by Shrum himself. In another passage, he recounts how Clinton pulled himself through the first week of the Lewinsky scandal.

At tonight's talk, moderated by NPR's senior correspondent Juan Williams, Shrum promises to dish out more insider anecdotes, as well as informed opinions and predictions on the current presidential race.