The Last Republicans: Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush – A Presidential History of the Bush Dynasty and GOP Transformation

by Mark K. Updegrove

A groundbreaking look at the lives of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, the most consequential father-son pair in American history, often in their own words.  In this revealing, often poignant work, presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove tracks the two Bush presidents from their formative years through their post-presidencies and the failed presidential candidacy of Jeb Bush, derailing the Bush presidential dynasty.  Drawing extensively on exclusive access and interviews with both Bush presidents, Updegrove reveals for the first time their influences and perspectives on each other’s presidencies; their views on family, public service, and America’s role in the world; and their unvarnished thoughts on Donald Trump and the radical transformation of the Republican Party he now leads. In 2016 George W. Bush lamented privately that he might be “the last Republican president.” Donald Trump’s election marked the end not only to the Bushes’ hold on the White House, but of a rejection of the Republican principles of civility and international engagement and leadership that the Bushes have long championed. The Last Republicans offers illuminating, moving portraits of the forty-first and forty-third presidents, as well as an elegy for the Republican “establishment,” which once stood for putting the interests of the nation over those of any single man.

Genres: Politics, History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, Presidents, Biography Memoir

496 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a number of books about the Bush family. This duel biography does not cover any new information but attempts to show the relationship between father and son.

The book is well written and is meticulously researched. I appreciated that Updegrove organized the book chronologically; it made it so much easier to read. The author interviewed both men as well as other family members and colleagues. Updegrove also had access to diaries as well as the normal documents in various archives. Updegrove discussed the family values which are make your money and then give back to society via public service. The author stressed the family values and ambitions. I enjoyed reading the book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fourteen and a half hours. Milton Jeffers does an excellent job narrating the book. Jeffers has an easy to listen to voice.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars because of the stale content...nothing to do with my personal politics. I've read several books about both men, this book contains nothing new. In fact, it should be advertised as a summary of the Meacham book on H.W. and Decision Points (W's "memoir"). Despite its title, it has very little to do with explaining why these two men are/were the "last republicans." The title is dubious and the content is stale. Very disappointing. However, if you haven't read anything on either of these men, I suppose it might be worth your while to read this book.

[Henry Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Updegrove is a respected historian who has managed the LBJ Library and now runs the LBJ Foundation. In this work, he examines the only other two Presidents who were longterm Texas residents: George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Updegrove looks at the intertwined lives of the father-son Commander in Chief tandem, one of only two such pairings in history. Although Updegrove sometimes breezes too quickly through key events of their lives and presidencies, his insights into the father-son relationship and how both men interacted with other members of their family are not to be missed. This is an important read for anyone interested in late 20th/early 21st century US political history. Rating: 4/5

[Riva Sciuto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The era of Donald Trump brings new meaning to the indelible legacies of America's last Republican presidents, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Commonly known as '41' and '43' -- together as '84' -- this is their story. And historian Mark Updegrove tells it marvelously.

This book not only chronicles the major milestones and challenges of each man's presidency; it sheds light on the unique relationship between the two former presidents. "At its heart, theirs is a love story," Updegrove writes. "But it is far more." And indeed it is: it is a story that marks two historic presidencies: one beginning with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War; another marked by the unprecedented tragedy of 9/11 and the War on Terror that followed it. Updegrove recalls the historic challenges both Bushes faced: 41's Gulf War, tax hikes, and his devastating loss to Bill Clinton in 1992; and 43's decision to go to war in Iraq, the criticism he faced over his response to Hurricane Katrina, and the financial collapse that marred the final year of his presidency. Despite it all -- despite the public vitriol, the campaign rhetoric, and the plunging approval ratings with which they each grappled -- the two man gave each other unconditional support, guidance, and love.

As a lover of presidential history, I appreciated the historical context throughout this book, particularly in the characteristic differences between the Bushes and the first (and only other) father and son presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Updegrove brilliantly weaves in relevant comparisons, notably highlighting the unique nature of Bush 41 and 43 insofar as the former was alive to witness the entirety of 43's presidency. John Adams died only 15 months after his son, John Quincy Adams, assumed the presidency in 1825, so their relationship was not marked by the some father/son mentorship the Bushes had while 43 served the same office his father had years before. In these pages, Updegrove captures not only the historic nature of this accomplishment, but the uniqueness and importance of such a relationship.

The book ends with a reminder that only history can effectively judge a president's legacy. Updegrove writes, "It takes at least a generation to assess a president's legacy with any degree of objectivity," noting that Harry Truman left office with a 34% approval rating due to the War in Korea, Lyndon Johnson departed with the "dark cloud of Vietnam," and Ronald Reagan was viewed by the public in 1989 as a "below average" president. "For the legacy of each," the author writes, "time offered perspective ... after the myopia of contemporaneous appraisal."

And the Bushes are no exception. Time has already offered us perspective on both of their presidencies, particularly in the context of today's inflammatory and vicious political discourse. This book reminds us that whether we agreed with their decisions or not, they both did what they believed was right with the information they had at the time. They did so with integrity, honesty, and decency -- and always with unconditional love for each other. Four stars + a deeper appreciation for principled politicians.

[Conor O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating insight into the relationship between George H.W. Bush otherwise known as 41 and George W. Bush otherwise known as 43 is inspiring. It shows you that while both I may disagree with them politically. However as gentleman and as humans are exceedingly decent men. Men who made exceedingly difficult decisions that were not always popular but what they thought necessary. It shows a Bush family that is tight knit and that love each other deeply without fear of emotion. Loyalty to the family is important to them. George H.W. Bush was and still is a beacon of civility, character and strength including accomplishments as president. 43 is tougher to say about his accomplishments, but as a man he is humble and honorable. In addition, his paintings are quite good. I never will forget his response after 9/11. It was his finest hour. I also will remember that 41 was the one that signed the Americans with Disabilities Act that provided relief for me and many others like me. Overall, whether you love them or hate them both, these men are not only worthy of respect and recognition , the family will be talked about in political history for many years to come.

[Joe L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mini dual biographies of the second father-son presidencies.
If you needed any more reasons to love George Bush 41 they’re here in spades.
Both a product of their environments, New England and Texas respectively.
For more detailed info I’d look into other works, not a full comprehensive bio of either man.
A solid 4/5.

[Monica Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know me, you know that my political views are not conservative, but I read this anyways because I was a child the last time a Republican was president and I’ve been trying to understand… are Republicans really truly batshit??? Were they always this batshit??? And the answer is… NO 🥲

I was pleasantly surprised that this was such a page turner for me. W. Bush’s image is going through a major rehabilitation because of how awful Trump is. He’s spoken about progressive immigration reform and even looks like besties with Obama at times 😂 Yes, him & H. W. made some super messed up decisions (no one wants to pay taxes for war duh) but at the end of the day, I consider them to be sincere men who came from a principled and caring place when making tough decisions. I will take “compassionate conservatism” (W. Bush’s platform centered on education reform and lower taxes) and a “kindler, gentler nation” (famous H. W. Bush speech line) over MAGA ANY F-ING DAY.

The title of the book and last chapter called “Trumped”, a chapter that talks about how these two REPUBLICAN ex-presidents do not stand with Trump, suggests that the Bushes might be the last sane Republican presidents that truly desire to take care of EVERYONE regardless of race or party or whatever. The GOP has moved away from being fiscally conservative moderates to extreme nationalist right wingers (the Bush’s fought against this and they have been skeptical of Trump’s interest in politics for decades). DJT ruined the GOP and any decency it had left but I’m hopeful that people will wake up and history will do its thing

“America stood for knocking walls down, not building them”

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very torn between 4 and 3 stars. The book is quite strong when it focuses on the Bush-Bush dynamic, but context is often anemic in other areas, and there's an especially egregious misquote that sharply diminished my trust in the author -- quoting Bush chief of staff Andy Card, Updegrove has Bush calling Putin on 9/11 to tell him he'd better not try to use this an opportunity to go to war with the United States. Not only is this breathtakingly improbable (Putin offered the US his unbridled support, given his own problems with jihadists), but Card's actual recollection was that Bush called Putin to indicate there would be some mideast action soon, and he wanted to make sure Putin didn't regard this as aggression given that Afghanistan and Russia are neighbors. I enjoyed the book enormously, but I just can't push it into 4-stars territory because of its flaws. Fuller review to follow.

FULL REVIEW

I was interested in reading this book even before my unexpected presidential reading tangent of this last month, in part because of my age: George H.W. Bush was the first president I remember, and holds that title somewhat fixedly in my brain: he is The President just as John Paul II is The Pope, and Elizabeth is The Queen. I came of age during his son’s administration, voting for him in 2004 and then (as I began developing ideas about politics independent of my parents and culture) becoming sharply critical of the expanding police state and the unending war in the middle east: to him I owe both my standing interest in geopolitics and my often strident libertarianism. A joint biography of these two men is somewhat special for me, then, unavoidably saturated with nostalgia from these two formative periods in my life, and the tension that comes from confronting that nostalgia with my adult perspective. It’s an unusual book because of the dual nature of its subject, and their unique relationship: while John Adams was alive to see his son John Quincy take office, he was in his last years during office and could never advise his young scion. Bush paterfamilias and George W., though, were intimately involved in one another’s political lives from the moment H.W. began earnestly seeking an elected office.

The Last Republicans is the story of a unique father and son, whose fraternal bond was made stronger by politics far before Bush the younger ran for office in 2000. Bush senior made history when he became the first vice president to be elected to the presidency since Martin van Buren, and further made history when he saw his son later follow him in office, which had not be done since John Adams’ son John Quincy became the sixth president. Although my grumpy libertarian side would like to dislike George H.W. Bush for his CIA tenure, I’ve never been able to manage it — and I was relieved to learn here that he had no long connection to that organization of spies, coup-installers, and general murderous mischief-makers, but was simply appointed to the top post by President Ford — a bit of a consolation prize for not being asked to join Jerry’s ticket as the vice presidential nominee. George H.W had a difficult time in the Republican party in the late sixties and seventies, as conservatism itself began changing — becoming more militant in response to both Soviet expansion and LBJ’s Great Society, and advancing the fortunes of men like Barry Goldwater, who were not from the respectable Taft-Bush sort of conservatism. The rising neo-cons looked askance at Bush’s breeding, but as I discovered here, he was no mere manor-born son of privilege. He and his wife were azure-blooded, to be sure, but set forth to make their own lives in Texas, where no one cared about their names — raising their small family in modest circumstances. Although Bush would eventually make a fortune in the oil business after learning the ropes as a clerk, he was not content to rest on his laurels and join the boys for cigars and brandy at the club: he was an aristocrat in the Adams-Washington sense, believing strongly in the need to serve the common good. This led him to politics and congressional runs, where his son George — rapidly nearing adulthood — watched and helped his father. Ultimately, Bush senior’s regard in D.C. would grow as a result of appointments (as UN Ambassador, CIA director, etc) before launching him onto the national spotlight alongside Ronald Reagan.

One striking aspect of The Last Republicans is how deeply the Bush children dote on their father: even as they matured into men and women of importance and prominence, they looked on him as a near-demigod. When George W. in his younger years was partying and getting into trouble, all it took from his father was a Look to put the fear of God into him. (George wouldn’t give up the drink entirely until his father began moving deeper into politics: although he’d known he needed to for a while, it was fear of embarrassing his father that really did the trick.) George W. did not have his father’s early drive and motivation: by Updegrove’s account, though he drifted between the worlds of business and politics. As a kid, he dreamt of playing baseball and flying planes, the latter like his father. He ran for office early, and lost (as did his father), but continued to enjoy the challenge and promise of politics despite despising D.C. itself. George W. had an interesting, almost paradoxical relationship with the east coast elite: raised in Texas, he was “more y’all than Yale”, self-conscious and proud about his rural beginning. At the same time, though, he was aware of and accepted his family’s privileged roots — and looked askance at those who were embarrassed about theirs. It was during his father’s presidential runs that George W. committed to politics, pursuing the governorship of Texas and putting him on a path to challenge Al Gore for the presidency in 2000.

As Updegrove tells these men’s stories, he comes back time and again to their father-son relationship. The Bush family was especially devoted to one another because of the death of George’s sister Robin, and her dying goodbye to her family — “I love you more than tongue can tell” — became a refrain when the Bushes were consoling one another, or were facing dire straits like when H.W. was effectively on his deathbed from pneumonia. W’s close attachment to his father only strengthened when he joined the elder Bush on the campaign trail, and their bond increased even further when George W. became president. That office is a responsibility and weight that only other presidents can understand, and the Bushes shared a similar problem with Saddam Hussein, though in W’s case it was more of a potential threat that took on false weight because of the 9/11 environment. (Updegrove uses Hussein merely as a stock villain and does not mention that DC supported his war against Iran throughout the 1980s, which is part of the reason Hussein thought he could get away with invading Kuwait.) George H.W. was, like his son, prepared to rout Hussein’s forces without congressional approval if need be — contra the usual story that H.W. was prudent and his son was impetuous and reckless. Updegrove’s account gives a good impression of how deeply both men sat with the choice to wage war — in George W.’s case, twiceover, and living with the responsibilities when it was revealed that DC’s intelligentsia had mislead the state into war on false pretenses. Though sharing similar burdens and sometimes differing in policy, George H.W. chiefly counseled his son as a father — not giving him advice as a former president, but offering him unwavering emotional support and an open ear.

The Last Republicans is a moving account of their bond, but as its title indicates, it’s not just about the Bushes. Trump is in the the background, always, and Updegrove points out that Trump has been entertaining the political arena for decades, and with a consistent message, and the point of the book is fairly clear: the Bushes were each different kinds of conservatives, George W. being closer to the Goldwater-esque brand that emerged in his youth, but they were in line with the Republican party over the years: they supported DC’s institutions and served as best they could with principle and compassion, believing and working towards the future — a view Updegrove contrasts against Trump’s “dystopian” vision. Updegrove appears to believe that just as the Republican party changed from Bush to Bush that it is continuing to evolve into a party dominated by the more populist nationalism that Trump has consistently championed since the eighties. Populism is an everpresent source of political activity in the United States, sometimes sparking into a roaring fire and then dying away — and while I’m tempted to say that the current populist wave will do that, it’s certainly persisting longer and creating more long-term effects, like the continuing pushback against foreign adventurism. The book ends with an interesting little look at George P. Bush, sometimes considered the next Bush with a bright future in politics, and who is alone among his family in supporting some of Trump’s policies. Although I would have preferred the focus of this book stay properly on the Bushes instead of the author trying to make a political point, they do maintain center stage until the very end. Updegrove’s frequent attempts to insert Trump, some skimming of context, and one fantastically bad misquote* drag down what is otherwise a really good book.

[*] Updegrove has Bush calling Putin on 9/11 to tell him he had better not try to use this as an excuse to declare war on the United States. Not only is this transparently absurd, but if one actually looks for the Andy Card remark this is based on, it’s nothing like that at all.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

"​The Last Republicans​" provides an intimate look at President George H.W. Bush (#41) and his son, George W. Bush (#43). This is not an expose` in any way, and many of the more controversial events and actions of the Bush Presidents are glossed over.

Many people think of the senior Bush as growing up with a silver spoon in his mouth, privileged and pampered, and of the junior Bush as bumbling businessman who would have never succeeded without the family connections and influence. That may not be too far fetched, but Mark Updegrove gives a fuller description of their backgrounds and upbringing, and gives the reader a different and more favorable perspective.

Updegrove did an especially good job of changing the widely-held perspective of the younger Bush President. Few Presidents, perhaps other than Richard Nixon who resigned in disgrace, left office with a lower approval rating than Bush #43. Despite the low approval rating at the end of his Presidency, Updegrove presents "W" as a sincere and likeable man, more nuanced and brighter than how he was perceived in December, 2008.

​Less surprisingly, George H. W.​ B​ush is shown to truly be a man of principle, dedicated to serving his Nation, and a strong family leader. ​The book highlights the closeness of the extended Bush family, and shows how supportive the family has always been.

​Left unsaid, but implied in the book's title, is that these men may be the last of their kind. Many now feel that the current direction of the Republican Party has tilted from the Bush principled conservatism and the family lifelong desire to serve their Nation for the good of all, toward a less inclusive, more divisive path, with the faces of the Party now represented by leaders such as Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, ​Roy Moore, ​Ted Cruz​, etc. Those who prefer the G.O.P. of the past few decades should enjoy this ​generous and positive ​look back at the Bush family.

[Steve B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Updegrove has written a very interesting dual biography of GHW Bush and George W Bush. But, it is not so much a biography as it is an insightful look at the interplay between W Bush and HW Bush throughout their political careers. Updegrove ahows the struggles of George HW as he moved from successful Texas businessman to prominence on the Texas Republican and later the national Republican stage. He follows HW's political career while intertwining W's struggle to gain a foothold in business and politics. It's a fascinating relationship but even more fascinating is HW' s role and influence in W's political rise is Texas and as POTUS. UPDEGROVE leaves us with the Bush families disdain for Donald Trump after his triumph over Jeb Bush in the 16 primaries and his bombast and total lack of humility and adherence to traditional Republican values. Updegrove's heavy reliance on primary source documents and interviews with both Bush 41 and 43 as well as many top advisors, make this a very interesting take on the relationship between George HW Bush and George W Bush.

[Joe Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book though I wish it would have delved in deeper to each of the Bush presidencies. As it was, it flew through 41’s (George H. W. Bush’s) with only brief summaries of the Gulf War and his decision to raise taxes after promising not to. While it dealt more with 43’s (George W. Bush’s) more it was still relegated to a quick view of September 11th, the decision to invade Iraq, the media’s poor view of the administration’s handling of Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 financial crisis. To be fair, these were the biggest events in each’s presidency, but I guess I’d have liked more details about their time in office and less about their time on the campaign trails.

That said, the book served its purpose: outlining the relationship between the two presidents. It was inspiring - the mutual admiration and humility, the love, and the trust despite their disagreements at time. I really admire both men and think we need more people like them in politics. People who are willing to reach across the aisle, who don’t believe they’re the smartest in the room, who view politics as a realm of public service instead of self-aggrandizement.

I don’t anticipate every reading this book again, especially since I think it’s best to hear things from the horse’s mouth in 43’s “Decision Points.” Still, I’m glad I read it. I’m reminded about my own relationship with my dad and feel it was worth my time.

[Julian Douglass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another OK book. This was written clearly as a rebuke to Trump, and how character and honesty in the White House mattered, as the last two Republican's were the Bush's. However, in terms of substance, this was very surface level look into 41 and 43. While Mr. Updegrove touched on parts of the two presidencies, he really left a lot out and focused on the realtionship between the father and son. Nothing really new if you have followed the lives of these two men, and there are much more detailed biographies on 41, and soon to be many more on 43 in the future. Really, this is more of a feel good story of what it means to have character and honest people in the White House after the past 4 years of 45. Other than that, not much really stands out.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at the two George Bushes. The way the author linked the stories of the two at different stages of their lives but always on the same trajectory was quite interesting. This wasn’t a very critical look at them, but I didn’t expect it to be. I thought there might be more at the end related to the yield “the last republicans”, but while he made it clear that neither bush is a trump fan, he didn’t opine very much on this.

[Tommy Segi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a ton of information you wouldn’t already know, but a good synopsis of both their lives. I definitely likes the parts about their relationship as father/son and as ex president/president. Another reminder how drastically different the national discourse is now, compared to even 10-15 years ago.

[Jacob Vahle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting dual biography of 41/43 - I wasn’t as familiar with 41, and the angle of tracking their relationship within the presidency was intriguing. I was hoping for more of an argument on why they were the “last republicans”.

[Renee Centineo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It reminded me of what the Republican Party used to be and what it stood for. While I don’t agree with everything, I would give anything to have the party return to its roots. It was wonderful to learn of the father son relationship between the 2 presidents and how that was most important.
A very good read.

[Ryan H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a great review of each President's life and presidency but more about the bonds of the family.

[Yaaresse]

I thought this might be a chance to knock two presidential biographies off my list at the same time.
Considering I nodded off twice trying to get through the sample--in the middle of the day and after a huge mug of coffee, no less--I'm taking a pass. I don't think it was the content so much as the writing.

[Blaine Welgraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

"History is like that. Only with the passage of years, do passions begin to fade, allowing for more detached reflection. It takes at least a generation to assess a president's legacy with any degree of objectivity. Simple mob judgment gives way to more nuanced views as complexities are acknowledged, and weighed passionately, with the benefit of hindsight. Events that play out after a president's reign often show the effects and consequences of the actions a president took and the policies he put into place. Did he do the greatest good for the greatest number? Did he contribute toward the lasting betterment of the nation? Did he elevate America's position in the world, making it a stronger and more influential and prosperous? Those questions and others take a while to sort out."

--Mark K. Updegrove, The Last Republicans

Groundbreaking is an oft-overused word in the publishing sector. Updegrove's The Last Republicans is a reminder that a book need not be groundbreaking to be excellent.

In 2024, I had the pleasure of hearing Updegrove speak at the American History Book Club & Forum, hosted by Furman University. The title of his lecture that evening was "Character and Leadership: From Seven American Presidents." What I respected most from his presentation was the clear historical understanding of the presidency's human subtleties, along with his keen awareness that the presidency is above all about power, wedded to clear vision, properly exercised. The greatest presidential accomplishments all spring from the same mold - a clear, stated vision, combined with a learned understanding of how to use the position's inherent power to achieve that vision.

Updegrove writes like he speaks, with gentle but clear treatment of the subject matter, demonstrating proper removal from the historical events and individuals covered, while still showing needed empathy where appropriate. The Last Republicans may not be groundbreaking, but in humanizing and and contextualizing oft-criticized leaders, it represents good historical writing in a highly polemicized age - and thus deserves to be read.

[Trey Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this book since I met the author during a visit to the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in Fall 2012 when I was the Harvard IOP Director. I was in town to speak at UT-Austin, and he gave me a behind he scenes tour. (Yes, I ate BBQ at Franklin and went to a UT football game too.).

During the tour, he shared that 41 and 43 had agreed to his request for cooperation on a book. It was well worth the five year wait.

The Bush family’s passion for service and love of family and friends stand out.

It’s also fascinating to better understand 43 and the relationship between father and son. Between interviews with friends and family, as well as family letters (and faxes - 41 used to fax notes to 43 while 43 was President!), you get a real sense of the relationship and its impact.

Updegrove also does a great job of explaining why 43 is so much more Texan than the other members of his family.

Definitely worth a read, even for those who don’t like their politics.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm nervous to give a book about Republicans 5 stars in this day and age, but I honestly really enjoyed this and learned so much. It's well written and easy to read.

Though far from objective, this book does go out of its way to call out questionable choices each of these presidents made and the backlash of those decisions. More than this, though, Updegrove presents the Georges Bush as people, as human beings just trying to do their best for their country.

Having grown up in the late 90s and early 00s, I knew nothing about HW and only surface level, media-fueled disdain for W before reading this book. I appreciated a human, respectful perspective. This book is a pleasant reminder of Republican presidents who were flawed, yes, but also genuine people who tried to put peace, family, and country above personal gain. I hope one day the party can come back to this.

[Chelsea Cruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that I’m biased, but this story of the relationship between 41 and 43 was absolutely wonderful. Whether you agreed with their policies, this books shows the decency and humility of these men. This book will make you see that while their politics may not have always been ideal in some people’s minds, these two men were GOOD men who loved their country. Every decision these two Presidents made were made with purpose, courage, and were done with the best of intentions. They worked for a “kinder, gentler nation” and showed what it means to be a conservative and also have compassion. I miss that. I would recommend this to anyone, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. #crusebooks2018 #book6 #thelastrepublicans

[Caroline S. Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories of 41 & 43 are woven together deftly in this book. As far as I am concerned, they probably will be the last Republican presidents. Their histories harken back to a different time and tone in our country’s political life, one many long for now with a leader like DJT. In the past, with presidents like ;41 & 43, we faced tough times with optimism and faith in our nation to get through whatever needed getting through. Not much the case anymore. I never grow tired of reading about serious men who care deeply for our country.

[Sam Kneisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this look into the relationship between ‘41’ and ‘43’ as the author took an in depth look at both their backgrounds, and the moments that came to define them as presidents, men, and family. While sailing over the wrinkles of each of their presidencies, this book isn’t meant as an expose, but of the bond of father and son, and the unique ties that these two share. It was a great read, and a fantastic way to start out my 2018 reading list.

[Steve Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a political tome, this is a fascinating story of the relationship between father and son. Of course there is a healthy dose of politics in the pages but the backdrop is often how the relationship influenced those political decisions.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Republicans” is an intimate dual biography focusing on the relationships between the two Presidents Bush. To assuage the fearful and calm the giddy, although expressing his subjects’ concerns over the direction of the Republican party, author Mark K. Updegrove is not, in this work at least, predicting its demise.

The first three parts, consisting of a little over half of the pages, chronicles the life of the father, 41, with the son, 43, playing an increasing role as son, political advisor and rising star. During these segments we read about the Navy pilot, the sometimes successful, sometimes not politician and loyal administrator who would never refuse his president’s call to duty, regardless of personal preferences, the vice-president and president. The next three parts, about a third of the book, is a role reversal, with the rise and presidency of 43 and 41 as the proud, loving and always supporting father.

The author is favorable to both men. He portrays the family milieu in which they lived and matured. While recognizing that George W. took more time to “find himself”, Updegrove asserts that, once he did, he was no longer the man he had been when younger and disputes the inference that he was only a pale shadow of his sire. He presents insights that make sense when you think of them, such as that part of the difference between the two presidents is that 41 grew up among Northeastern Blue Bloods while 43’s youth was spent in Midland, Texas. Humorous incidents surface, even on 9-11, when George W. asked his mother what they were doing in Wisconsin to which she succinctly replied, “Son, you grounded our plane.”

Late in this work, the author addresses the claim that 41 was disappointed in 43’s presidency. While acknowledging that there is evidence that 41 lacked confidence in some of 43’s advisors he recognized, as only a former president could, that he did not have the same intelligence reports as his son and refrained from criticism or the offer of unsolicited advice.

I recommend that readers interested in the Presidents Bush begin with a good biography of either or both and then pick up “The Last Republicans” for a deeper reflection on their unique relationship.

[Wanda Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good book to give your father for Father's Day you couldn't find one better than 'The Last Republicans'. This book is a story of a remarkable love story between a father and his son. What is so amazing is that the father and son just happened to be the 41st and 43rd presidents of the United States. I have read practically every book about the Bush clan so there was nothing in this book that I had not already read yet I still found the book to be well written and enjoyed they way the story centered around the relationship between father and son. Many main stream media folks are making a big deal out of Bush 41 calling Trump a "Blowhard" in the book and the fact that neither Bush voted for Trump and they are missing all of the good parts of the book. Actually, Updegrove gives very little time to Trump in this book. When you read how close this family is and how they support each other through thick and thin it is really no surprise that they don't like Trump. After all, Trump trashed talked their son and brother, Jeb, who they thought should be the 45th president. Updegrove does tell us that Jeb's son, George P. did support Trump in the election. There has been much said about both '41 and '43 and their presidencies but like '43 has said, "History will judge us". George H. W. Bush, '41, has already been vindicated and his policies now seen as having been the best thing for our country. George W., '43, has yet to see his policies totally vindicated and he says he is ok with that. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, or even if you just don't care, you will enjoy this book. Updegrove is a very strong liberal so if he can write such a positive book about two old Republicans then that it itself is worth the read.

[Scott Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there was a 3.5 star option, I would go with that one. It is a solid read/listen focusing on the lives of the 41st and 43rd Presidents. The main focus of the work is on the political fortunes of both father and son, primarily looking at the years 1980-2008, when George H.W. Bush was Vice-President/President and George W. Bush was working as one of his father's primary political advisory. There is some cursory discussions about the personal lives of both men, just enough to offer some background and insight. What many readers might find surprising is how much G.W. Bush was a factor in the political fortunes of his father in the 1980s, integrating himself into the various campaigns and political affairs of his father. While it might have appeared that G. W. Bush only first burst on the scene when he upset Anne Richards for the governorship of Texas, he was a long-time political figure.

Admittedly, G.W. Bush struggled to establish his identity separate from his father, and G.H.W. Bush did try to let his son be his own man, helping behind the scenes as much as possible. Updegrove takes a more positive view of G.H.W. Bush, but is somewhat mixed about G.W. Bush, especially since his presidential legacy is still being formulated. Of course, the work can't help but discuss 2016 and the political struggles facing Donald Trump. As the title suggest, there is a sense of longing for the days of G.H.W Bush, or even G.W. Bush compared to what the Republican Party faces now. Perhaps it could go into more details on certain policy actions and the interactions of the family, but it is a solid overview of the "Bush Dynasty". The narrator does a good job with the material. Overall, worth the read/listen.

[Michael Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intimate, accessible biography of the immediately preceding two Republican presidents is really a story of unconditional love between a father and a son. Poppy Bush had a wonderful role model in his own father, former US Senator Prescott Bush, and he passed on certain values and behaviors to his own children. Though his background was patrician, he was not a remote man and was devoted to his children. George W,, the eldest, was a son of Texas, different from his father in many ways (more like his mom it seems), but he lived by the same principles of service and devotion to family. As the two men shared a bond that only one other father-and-son pair in history had shared (John Adams and John Quincy Adams) -- occupying the Oval Office -- their connection deepened over time.

The 'Last Republican' angle is catchy but not essential to the story. George H.W. Bush is a deeply respected president today because he embodied certain qualities -- civility, decency, respect -- that are sadly out of fashion today (and which, ironically, kept a third Bush, Jeb. from being a viable presidential candidate). One need not dislike President Trump to appreciate that his Republican forebears were good and decent men who were devoted to serving the country.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The distinctive feature of this book is access- the author spent time with both President Bushes and their friends and family, also having access to many letters and diary entries that I hadn't seen elsewhere. This results in an account that dives deep into the feelings and motivations of both 41 and 43 in ways even Decision Points didn't do for 43 in spite of him writing it. It does breeze over some aspects of their history about which I would have expected more coverage, such as 43's primary battle with McCain in 1999/2000 and the entire 2004 election. A few key figures are entirely missing, e.g. David Petraeus, but others are well covered, e.g. Dick Cheney. It reads pretty quickly, with clear but not overly simplistic language. Recommended, especially in the arguably post-Republican presidency of Trump.