In 'West Winging It,' Pat Cunnane takes readers on a captivating journey through the bustling corridors of the White House, where he uncovers the human stories behind political power. With a witty and candid voice, Cunnane shares the highs and lows of serving as a special assistant to President Obama, revealing the challenges and absurdities of life in the Oval Office. Each anecdote provides a glimpse into the intricacies of governance, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of progress. This memoir is not just about politics; it’s a vibrant tapestry of hope, resilience, and the quest for meaningful change. Prepare to be drawn into a world that is as unpredictable as it is inspiring.
By Pat Cunnane
Published: 2018
""In the world of politics, it's not about the seat you occupy, but the spirit you bring to the table that defines true leadership.""
The West Wing meets The Office in this “funny, moving story about working in the White House that is a must read for anyone who misses having Barack Obama as President” (Dan Pfeiffer, cohost of Pod Save America), directly from his senior writer and former Deputy Director of Messaging. West Winging It is the “fitfully funny…warm and observant” (Kirkus) story of Pat Cunnane and his journey from outsider to insider—from his dreary job at a warehouse to his dream job at the White House. Pat pulls the drapes back on the most famous and exclusive building in the United States, telling the story of the real West Wing with compelling and quirky portraits of the people who populate the place, from the President to the press corps. Pat takes you into the Oval Office, providing a “snappy, sunny” (USA TODAY) insider’s glimpse of what it’s really like—from the minutiae to the momentous—to work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Along the way, Pat draws an intimate portrait of the side of President Obama that few were privy to—the funnyman, the nerd, the athlete, the caring parent. He describes both the small details—the time he watched in horror as the President reached over the sneeze guard at Chipotle—and the larger, historic moments, such as watching the President handle the news of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. In some ways, working at the White House is a lot like every office, and in some ways, it’s like no office ever. Pat recounts the time he accidentally slammed a door on Joe Biden, plotted to have the Pope bless him by faking a sneeze, and almost killed America’s First Dog. “West Winging It is a fun, poignant reminder that the best part about working in the Obama White House was the people working with you, and knowing that everyone was there for the right reason: to try to do as much good, for as many people, as we possibly could” (Jay Carney, former press secretary). At its core, it’s a fish-out-of-water story—only these fish are trying to run the United States of America.
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“"In the world of politics, it's not about the seat you occupy, but the spirit you bring to the table that defines true leadership."”
West Winging It
By Pat Cunnane
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Pat Cunnane is an accomplished author and storyteller known for his engaging and evocative writing style. He has penned several notable works, including "The Night of the Hunter" and "Lone Star Blues," which explore themes of human resilience and the complexities of the human experience. Cunnane's ability to weave intricate narratives with richly developed characters has garnered him a loyal readership and critical acclaim. He resides in the Midwest, where he draws inspiration from the vibrant culture and unique landscapes of the region.
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