Politics from the Cheap Seats offers a clear-eyed, nonpartisan look at American politics through the perspective of an everyday citizen watching from the sidelines. Drawing on decades of experience in public service, private industry, and civic life, John M. Obzud examines how political noise, media spectacle, and cultural division have reshaped trust in institutions and in one another.

From the metaphorical "cheap seats," taking a step back from partisan battles to explore what many Americans quietly feel-exhaustion, constant conflict, and a desire for common ground-and through personal reflections and a historical perspective, Obzud connects politics to everyday life and argues that restoring trust, leadership, and civic responsibility is essential to rebuilding a new functioning middle ground embodied in a Middle American Contract that addresses long-unresolved issues. 

Neither a partisan manifesto nor an academic lecture, Politics from the Cheap Seats invites readers to step away from the shouting and see the bigger picture. It offers a thoughtful path forward-grounded in accountability and shared values-and hope for the next generation.

John M. Obzud grew up in a small Pennsylvania town, where he developed a lifelong interest in politics, public service, and community. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1973 and a master's degree in urban planning and policy analysis in 1976. While working full time, he attended the University of Baltimore School of Law at night, earned his Juris Doctor, and was admitted to the Maryland and District of Columbia bars in 1985.He began his career in local government with the Town of Bel Air, Maryland, where he served in planning and community development, ultimately becoming director. He later spent decades in the private sector, assuming increasing leadership responsibilities in banking, real estate, title insurance, and corporate management."Politics from the Cheap Seats" is his first book. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Miramar Beach, Florida, while maintaining close ties to his Pennsylvania roots.