The Other Side of the Story

by Jody Powell

The press secretary of the Carter administration calls the national press to account in anecdotes involving all the media and analyses of the methods and standards of journalists

322 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1984

About the author

He was the White House Press Secretary during the presidency of Jimmy Carter.He later founded a public relations firm.

Reviews

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often dry but nevertheless somewhat interesting book by former President Jimmy Carter's press secretary on his relationship with the media while in the White House. He calls out the national (mostly Washington Post, New York Times, ABC, CBS, NBC) for the tactics they use in presenting the news. Though the book is nearly 35 years old, the things he points out are the same type of things President Donald Trump confronts them on today. Best part of the book were the chapters he devotes to the media's love of Teddy Kennedy in his run against Carter in the 1980 Democratic primary.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two reviews of prominent Americans who died in 2009 had my attention for their generous and expanded reflections on the death of Jody Powell, Pres. Jimmy Carter’s press secretary and confidant, who was overcome by a heart attack on Sept. 14. The reviews scratched at my memory of Powell’s book, “The Other Side of the Story.” The book impressed me when it was published (1984) and I long had good feelings for Mr. Powell. Through the Christmas season (of all things) I reread Powell’s book - kept reading at it because it is a compelling account of the dynamics of reporters and the White House which remains timely more than two decades later. Among many things, there are anecdotes and stories of Sen. Edward Kennedy which balance some of Kennedy adulation which has come to be. Most revealing, Powell’s book details how scoundrels with Washington insider savvy - Roy Cohn - can light and launch scandals and investigations which are calculated to discredit presidents and/or their staffs and which almost inevitably succeed, at least partially.

[Douglas Graney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter's press secretary settles some scores.

[Chet Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irascible and pugnacious, Jimmy Carter's former press secretary dishes on himself and hits the media hard on perceived biases and sloppy journalism. Sometimes scathing, often self-deprecating, Powell goes in depth to explain "the other side of the story" behind selected notorious episodes during the Carter administration with a wry, witty, and understated humorous style.