Journalist Jon Ralston on His Rocky Relationship with Harry Reid and New Biography

The Genesis of "The Game Changer"

• 💡 A new book, "The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight," by journalist Jon Ralston, explores the life and political career of the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
• 🤝 Ralston details his complex, often adversarial relationship with Reid, which included Reid attempting to get him fired multiple times.
• ✍️ Despite their past conflicts, Reid ultimately selected Ralston to write his biography, recognizing him as the one to tell his story, even acknowledging he wouldn't like everything in the book.

Harry Reid's Impact on American Politics

• 🏛️ Harry Reid is considered a pivotal figure in 21st-century American politics, serving as the most powerful Democrat on Capitol Hill.
• 📜 He is credited with significant national accomplishments, including playing a crucial role in the passage of Obamacare and other major legislation.
• ⚠️ However, Reid also contributed to the downhill slide and dysfunction of the Senate by being willing to break traditional guardrails and decorum for political gain.
• 🎯 Examples include attacking Mitt Romney over taxes and criticizing the Koch brothers on the Senate floor, demonstrating a willingness to use any means to achieve his goals.

Reid's Legacy in Nevada

• 🌟 Ralston argues that Harry Reid was the most powerful elected official in Nevada history.
• 📈 He made a significant impact on the state, doing more for Nevada than any other figure.
• 💼 Post-Senate, Reid worked for MGM Resorts International, continuing his influence in a different capacity.