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    <name><![CDATA[Jennifer]]></name>
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  <id type="integer">2278003</id>
  <isbn>0060798718</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780060798710</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">109</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">37</text_reviews_count>
  <title>Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History</title>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2278003.Counselor_A_Life_at_the_Edge_of_History</link>
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  <name>Ted Sorensen</name>
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  <date_added>Sun Jul 06 12:07:57 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Jul 06 12:41:11 -0700 2008</date_updated>
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    <body><![CDATA[I once had a brief conversation with Ted Sorensen in a swimming pool where we were both doing laps and realized I had almost no idea who he was.  This recent memoir explained it all, focusing on his years as JFK's top aide but also his work in international law for several decades after.  He's an extremely clear, thoughtful and sharp-witted writer, and I learned a lot about the Kennedy administration as well as general behind-the-scenes of federal politics.  This was especially interesting to read now, as we are about the enter the homestretch of the 2008 Presidential election and welcome the end of the Bush II administration.  Two things Sorensen says that particularly struck me: (p. 388) &quot;...presidential power is primarily moral power, the power to persuade and inspire others by conveying values and ideals.&quot;  Also Sorensen's list of how Kennedy improved his leadership after the Bay of Pigs, including adapting new policies, advisors, processes, and approach to secrecy (p. 320).  The author also provides a shortlist of his impressions of world leaders, from &quot;Most Impressive&quot; to &quot;Most intriguing&quot;, &quot;Most Puzzling&quot;, and &quot;Most Flamboyant&quot; (p. 428.  And on p. 478 he gives a memo of his advice &quot;For those future presidential candidates among my readers&quot; which, again, makes for great reading in an election year. ]]></body>
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