A veteran Congressional analyst's exposé of the irrational and dysfunctional dealings that have come to define Washington politics, based on an article he wrote upon resigning after the debt ceiling crisis, cites misbehavior by both Republicans and Democrats.

Introduction -- The party of Lincoln, the party of Jefferson -- Tactics: war minus the shooting -- All wrapped up in the constitution -- A devil's dictionary -- Taxes and the rich -- Worshipping at the altar of Mars -- Media complicity -- Give me that old time religion -- No eggheads wanted -- A low, dishonest decade -- Are the Democrats any better? -- A way out?.