Scotty's book isn't all that significant in terms of any new revelations, and hammering on the point is just a distraction. The book just provides confirmation of what is already so abundantly clear, to any rational observer.

I think that in the long term the real significance of the book is something that as yet is still below the radar. The book and its buzz are bringing the phrase "permanent campaign mentality" to the attention of the general public, and that will, I think, have powerful repercussions. You give the public something clear and concrete like that to consider, and they'll realize that it sums up the problems in Washington: Politicians aren't leaving politics at the door when they enter their offices.

If it does catch on, I expect the results to be broadly nonpartisan. People will be looking for signs of the attitude in future officeholders. It should take on the same iconic power as the word "transparency" did when it came into common usage a couple of decades ago.

Hope so. I see only good coming from that shift in public attitude.