47 Percent: Uncovering the Romney Video That Rocked the 2012 Election (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“In this very short book about the release of the "47 percent" video that did such damage to Mitt Romney's campaign, David Corn details the discovery of the video, the timing of its release, and its effect on the presidential race.

I remember when I saw Corn's first story about this in Mother Jones and realized it was a really big deal. Romney lived to fight another day, but this video did much to solidify the case that Team Obama had been making against Romney: that he is an out of touch plutocrat who is disdainful of the working poor.

Did this video define the whole election and bring about Romney's loss? I wouldn't go that far, because there were many other factors. But it definitely played a part, and the fact that the words came out of Romney's own mouth made it fairly devastating. This was one of the more interesting moments in the campaign, and I thank David Corn for bringing it to the attention of the country. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“This is the story of how David Corn, of Mother Jones magazine, was given the video recording of Mitt Romney selling himself out and showing his most cynical side. He would come to regret that day; he was trying to raise money from very rich people.
The person who had the recording was Jimmy Carter's grandson. He would only give it to David Corn, because of his reputation as a very straight shooting progressive thinker and writer.
This book is a must-read for any political junky, no matter where their affiliation may lie. It is simply that good - very succinct and clear, no bs, no ruffles nor flourishes, just a damn good recounting of a game-changing moment of the most important election in a very long time. It is a quick read about the recording that may well have signaled the end of the GOP for many years to come.”