{"product_id":"square-peg","title":"Square Peg","description":"From Square Peg: I had been a Senator only a few weeks when one night I noticed James Eastland walking toward me on the Senate floor. At the time, he was a titan, one of a small group of men who ruled their committees like lords in the Middle Ages. Their will was never challenged; their decisions were never questioned. Eastland was a chairman's chairman, a son of the South, a master of the rules and a man with an unshakable contempt for the foolish and, worse, the inexperienced. \"Hatch,\" he barked, \"how about going to dinner?\" \"I'd be delighted,\" I said quickly, having no intention of refusing. I was the newest member of his committee and had the most to lose from his displeasure. \"After we had ordered, Eastland fell silent. For twenty minutes, I said nothing, waiting for him to speak. He puffed on his cigar and worked on a large bowl of soup, the whole time glaring into the distance. I began to wonder if I'd made a mistake, if I wasn't supposed to be there. Suddenly Eastland looked over at me, his face in a snarl. \"Hatch,\" he snapped. \"Yes, sir?\" \"Do you think we can save this country?\" \"Oh, yes, sir,\" I said, bushy-tailed with enthusiasm. \"Bullshit,\" Eastland growled.","brand":"Basic Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41515274535090,"sku":"9780465028689","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.hachettebookgroup.com\/products\/square-peg","provider":"Hachette Book Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}