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. . . and His Lovely Wife: A Memoir from the Woman Beside the Man

connie schultz

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The first time I heard it, I laughed.
Oh, come on, I thought. He didn’t just say that.
We were at a restaurant in southern Ohio, where a hundred or so Democrats and a handful of young campaign workers had gathered to hear my husband, Sherrod Brown, announce for the seventh time in two days why he was running for the United States Senate.
The party chairman of the county stood up at the lectern and in a loud, booming voice, introduced “Congressman Sherrod Brown–and his lovely wife.”
By Week 40 of the campaign, I had been introduced that way nearly a hundred times. I stopped counting once we hit the 50 marker. I knew I was not the point at these gatherings, and I was so proud of the man who was.
Also, I realized I was getting cranky about something I could not change. If I couldn’t rely on a sense of humor, I was in for one long year on the campaign trail.

Writing with her trademark warmth, wit, and common sense, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz reveals the rigors, adrenaline joys, and absolute madness of a new marriage at midlife and campaigning with her husband, now the junior senator from Ohio. She describes the chain of events leading up to Sherrod’s decision to campaign for Senate (he would not run without his wife’s unequivocal support) in a state where no Democrat had won statewide office for twelve years. She writes about the moment her friends in the press became not so friendly; the constant campaign demands on her marriage and family life; a personal tragedy that came out of the blue. She gives us a candid behind-the-scenes look at the often ludicrous trials and tribulations of being an opinionated columnist, a political wife, and a newly married woman in her forties, and the rigors of political audacious bloggers, ruthless adversaries, campaign fatigue, political divas, the no-small-planes agreement, and staffers young enough to be her children suddenly directing her and her husband’s every move.
Filled with eye-opening revelations about the election process, . . . and His Lovely Wife illuminates through one woman’s story a marriage, our political system, our working lives, and our nation. Connie Schultz is outspoken, passionate, and very public about her opinions–in other words, every political consultant’s nightmare, and every reader’s dream.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2007

This edition

Format
304 pages, Hardcover
Published
June 19, 2007 by Random House
ISBN
9781400065738
ASIN
1400065739
Language
English

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About the author

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connie schultz

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Connie Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, and Professional in Residence in the journalism school at Kent State University, her alma mater. She is the author of two memoirs: "Life Happens" and "…And His Lovely Wife." Her first novel, "The Daughters of Erietown," will be published on June 9, 2020.

Schultz lives in Cleveland with her husband, Sherrod Brown, and their two rescue dogs, Franklin and Walter. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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21(21%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Bombdiggitylodon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I really liked this book! Connie is an outstanding writer.

As I read, I not only had the pleasure of getting to know Connie better but also gained valuable insights into the campaign process through the perspective of a new wife.

The way she presented the story was truly well done. However, it seems that one might have to be a democrat to fully enjoy this book.

Perhaps those with different political affiliations may have a slightly different take on some of the content. Nevertheless, it is still a remarkable work that offers a unique and engaging look into a particular world.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, relationships, or just a good read.

Connie's writing style is captivating, and her ability to bring the characters and events to life is truly impressive.

Whether you are a democrat or not, there is something to be gained from reading this book.
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OppaidragonB
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A Political Candidate's Life: A Humorous and Heartwarming Glimpse

In these crazy and scary times of the spreading coronavirus, as we near a lockdown, I delved into a book that offered an insightful look into the life of a political candidate and their family. What made this exploration truly special was the touch of humor and the palpable love and joy between Connie and Sherrod. It made me appreciate them even more.

The book contains profound statements that resonate deeply. From an early age, the author knew that their parents had once had dreams that met a slow and agonizing end due to their own fears. It's a sobering thought that reminds us of the sacrifices our parents make. Another powerful line is, "My parents wore their bodies out so that we'd never have to." This shows the selfless love and dedication of parents.

George Bernard Shaw's words also add a layer of depth to the discussion. He said, "I want to be all used up when I die. Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I've got a hold of for the moment and I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." This emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and making a positive impact. Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on the lives of a political candidate and their family, filled with humor, love, and thought-provoking insights.
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jeremymd
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I learned an awful lot about what it takes to stage a successful political campaign.

It's not just about having the right policies and ideas, but also about connecting with the people, building a strong team, and effectively communicating your message.

This love story also addresses what it means to be a feminist and a woman who supports her husband and continues to pursue her career and to be her true self.

It shows that being a feminist doesn't mean sacrificing your relationships or your personal goals. Instead, it's about finding a balance and empowering yourself and those around you.

Connie Schultz is easy to read with a comfortable writing style.

Her words flow smoothly, making it easy for the reader to get lost in the story.

She has a unique way of bringing the characters and the events to life, making them feel real and relatable.

Overall, this is a great read for anyone interested in politics, love, and feminism.
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Thaker69
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Connie Schultz has always had a way of captivating me with her columns. Her writing style is engaging and often brings a smile to my face. However, when it comes to her latest book, I have to admit that it left me a bit disappointed.

This book seemed to be a very one-sided political piece. It focused solely on the divisive state of politics today, without really presenting a balanced view or exploring possible solutions. While I understand the importance of highlighting the issues, I was hoping for a more in-depth analysis and a call to action.

That being said, there were some redeeming qualities to the book. It was also a very loving tribute to her husband, filled with personal anecdotes and hilarious stories. These moments added a touch of warmth and humanity to the otherwise political narrative.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, it was still an interesting read. It made me think about the state of politics and the importance of finding common ground. I just wish that Schultz had taken a more comprehensive approach and presented a more well-rounded argument.
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JJMFREAP
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I'm a biased Clevelander, ya know? ;)

Loved hearing stories from my home state. It was truly fascinating to listen to the details, especially those about the all-important stops at Bob Evans. It's like a little piece of home being brought to life through these stories.

And I also loved hearing how a progressive didn't compromise his beliefs to win the election! That's so inspiring. In a world where so many seem to bend and twist for the sake of power or popularity, it's refreshing to hear about someone who stands firm in their convictions.

As a woman, of course I loved Connie's take on having to make compromises in her own career for her husband's election. I can only imagine how hard that was. The sacrifices she had to make, the adjustments in her own professional life. But she got a great story out of it? That's the silver lining, I guess. It shows that even in the midst of difficult decisions and compromises, there can be something positive that comes out. Maybe it's a lesson learned, a new perspective gained, or just a story to share with others.

Overall, these stories really made me think and feel connected to my roots and to the experiences of others.
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double
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Harsh facts, fun anecdotes, and hilarious moments - these are the elements that make up the author's experience of her husband's successful run for the U.S. Senate.

During this intense and exciting journey, there were times when the facts were brutally honest. The campaign trail was filled with challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome. But amidst all the seriousness, there were also many fun anecdotes that lightened the mood.

The author shares stories of the unexpected encounters and humorous situations that occurred along the way. These moments not only provided entertainment but also served as a reminder that even in the midst of a high-stakes political race, there is room for laughter and joy.

Overall, the author's experience offers a unique perspective on the world of politics and the behind-the-scenes drama that takes place during a Senate campaign. It is a story that is both informative and entertaining, filled with harsh facts, fun anecdotes, and hilarious moments that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
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Liapo13
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This was truly an extremely interesting behind-the-scenes exploration of what the family of a candidate experiences throughout the campaign.

It held a special significance for me, being a Clevelander. I have been a long-time reader and an enthusiastic fan of Connie's columns in our local newspaper.

Moreover, her husband, Sherrod Brown, who has been a well-known Ohio politician for a long time, is our Senator.

The article provided a fascinating insight into the challenges and joys that the candidate's family endures during such a crucial time.

It made me realize the sacrifices and efforts that go into not only the candidate's campaign but also the support system provided by their family.

As a local, it was particularly engaging to read about the experiences of Connie and Sherrod Brown, who are so closely associated with our community.

Overall, it was a captivating read that offered a unique perspective on the political process from a personal and family-oriented point of view.

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dark_renegade
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The story was truly engaging and interesting right up until election day. It had me hooked from the very beginning, with its captivating plot and well-developed characters.

However, at that point, Ms. Schultz started dropping names, and unfortunately, I felt like the story suffered as a result. It wasn't that she hadn't dropped names earlier, but the ratio of the story itself to the names being dropped had shifted.

Despite this, I'm still happy that I read it. After all, it provided me with some valuable background information. And if he should decide to throw his hat in the ring in the future, I'll have a better understanding of the situation.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, with only a minor hiccup towards the end. I would recommend it to others who are interested in the subject matter.
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