Against the Grain is the political and spiritual memoir of Senator Mark O. Hatfield, the most progressive politician in the Republican Party since Abraham Lincoln. Against the Grain details his opposition to the Vietnam war, successful drafting of the Soviet-American nuclear freeze legislation with Democratic Senator. Ted Kennedy, and his strong stands of conscience on health reform, the death penalty, and the balanced budget amendment that typically ran counter to the Republican mainstream. This eloquent memoir also lays out Hatfield's spirituality, the source of his stands of conscience, as well as reflections on creating a new revolution in American politics and society.
Endorsements No matter whether you agree with him or not, everyone who has had the pleasure of serving with him knows that Mark Hatfield is a man of integrity and that his word is his bond.
—Senator Bob Dole
He has lived his convictions as well as anyone I have ever known in public life. Because he has always tried to love his enemies, he has no enemies. This town is the poorer for his leaving but the richer for his legacy.
—President Bill Clinton