Mitch McConnell's Political Life Examined in "The Cynic"
Fresh Air
November 20, 2014
When Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) first entered politics in the 1960s, he started out as a moderate.- pro abortion rights, pro-union, in support of the civil rights movement.
With time, McConnell shifted to the right as the Republican Party shifted.
"I was just really startled by this when I started looking into it," Alec MacGillis tells 'Fresh Air's Terry Gross.
"I knew that he had started out as somewhat more moderate - but I didn't realize just how moderate he really was."
MacGillis's new book, "The Cynic: The Political Education of Mitch McConnell" traces how McConnell became one of the most powerful politicians in the country - and it examines McConnell's evolution as a politician.
In the 1960s, McConnell was "firmly pro-abortion rights," says MacGillis.
"In his first elected office in Louisville, Ky, as county executive in Louisville, he repeatedly snuffed out anti-abortion bills that were coming through his office - didn't even let them come up for a vote or hearing," he says.
Read more, hear interview:
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/20/365484670/sen-mitch-mcconnells-political-life-examined-in-the-cynic/
"Drug Warrior Mitch McConnell Tied To Millions In Cocaine"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017227474/
