What It Takes: The Way to the White House
by Richard Ben Cramer
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 82)
Read in February, 2008
Excellent,somewhat impressionistic reporting on the 1988 Presidential primaries. Focusing on Dukakis, Biden, Hart and Gephardt on the Democratic side, and Bush and Dole on the Republican side, this book gives a real feel for what the primary competition was like for these candidates.
Although over 1000 pages, it reads fast. Cramer goes back and forth between candidates and ranges back and forth over time, painting portraits of each person's personality,background and political history. S...more
Although over 1000 pages, it reads fast. Cramer goes back and forth between candidates and ranges back and forth over time, painting portraits of each person's personality,background and political history. S...more
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Read in January, 1991
Among all the books about presidential politics, this one is the best, not only because it is so well written, but because it achieves a level of research detail that qualifies something as history -- it is exhaustive.
But not exhausting!
The year is 1988, and we all know the result. But 1988 is in many ways an unremarkable year. It's like 1927 ... the great change has yet to occur, you can smell it in the air, and the politics of the time are stale with anticipation. 1988 is not a year...more
But not exhausting!
The year is 1988, and we all know the result. But 1988 is in many ways an unremarkable year. It's like 1927 ... the great change has yet to occur, you can smell it in the air, and the politics of the time are stale with anticipation. 1988 is not a year...more
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Read in January, 2006
Politicians are pretty much a bunch of weirdos, but this book makes them look surprisingly human. Does a great job of explaining how and why the 88 Presidential primary candidates made the decisions they did. I thought the parts on Gary Hart and Bob Dole were especially great.
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Read in January, 2002
A friend gave me this book in college, and I quickly put it on the shelf and forgot about it. During some downtime, I read it. It's not a quick read by any means, but is a great one for anyone who loves the political process and presidential politics.
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recommends it for:
political junkies
This is the book that converted me from someone interested in the political process into a certified political junkie. It's a long, slow read, but fascinating. You'll never look at Bob Dole or Dick Gephart, not to mention Joe Biden, the same way again.
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Read in July, 2002
One of the best political books I have ever read. The book chronicles the 1988 presidential campaign. Though it is a lengthy book, it is worth the time and effort to read. Every facet of the campaign, from the candidate to the volunteer, is examined.
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The absolute best book on presidential campaigns, political ambitions and the modern American electorate since the now dated (but enthralling) series of Teddy White books. Whole sections of this book read like a movie.
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Read in January, 1995
recommends it for:
Political Junkies
The best book ever to get an inside scoop on what it takes to run for President. I recommend this all the time, but have never convinced anyone to read it. Could be because it's like 800 pages.
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone interested in American politics
The best book I've ever read about politics. Richard Ben Cramer is a genius. It's funny, moving, and a damning indictment of our political system. What the hell is wrong with us?
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Read in January, 2002
The best book about electoral politics ever written. This should be required reading for anyone who says they want to be President.
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Pretty much covers every aspect of presidential campaigns. A good one to read on the trail.
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Read in January, 1993
Ah, to be 12 and reading all 1072 pages again during the lazy days of summer.
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