The Power Lovers: An Intimate Look at Politicians and their Marriages was a best seller and the first major examination of the effects of politics on the marriages and the lives of political families behind the scenes of public performance. The Power Lovers has been often referred to over the years by newscasters and journalists, including an ABC-TV commentary: “Thirty years ago, Myra MacPherson, author of The Power Lovers, studied the role of sex in politics. She stated, that “the compulsive infidelity” habitually seen among politicians is regarded by psychiatrists as “a phallic game ” of seeking adoration and approval; he [the politician] wants a relatively immature form of sex, one-night stands and new admirers but no commitment.” July 15, 2013.
“What happens to marriage & family when politics intrude? Myra MacPherson, feature writer for the Washington Post, reveals the private lives behind the public faces of our leading politicians….”