For almost four decades, from his role in the 1972 McGovern campaign to his years as a visionary senator, from his leadership on national security matters before and after 9/11 to his contributions as a respected statesman on various issues, Gary Hart has been and continues to be one of America's great public servants. In this insightful, humble, and often humorous account of his political and public life, Hart shares his journey through the sometimes rough seas of American politics. Through this journey, Hart conveys the lessons he has learned along the way, including the importance of public service, the continued relevance of the ideals of our nation's founders, and the role of the American republic in the world. More than a personal memoir, The Thunder and the Sunshine , is an important contribution to understanding the history of our nation since the 1960s, including firsthand accounts of the end of the Cold War, the presidential elections of 1984 and beyond, America's initial forays into alternative energy, and the landmark work of the Church Committee. Drawing on the same keen intellect and foresight that shaped his political achievements and prolific writings, Hart provides a lucid critique of our past, present, and future. At a time when political leadership is often questioned and civil discourse is on the decline, this book provides insight to where we have been as a country, and where we must go in the twenty-first century.