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Eyewitness To Power: The Essence of Leadership Nixon to Clinton
The Ultimate Guide
Few Americans have observed the ups and downs of presidential leadership more closely over the past thirty years -- from Nixon to Clinton and Watergate to Whitewater -- than David Gergen. A White House adviser to four presidents, both Republican and Democrat, he offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes account of their struggles to exercise power and draws from them key lessons for leaders of the future. Taking us inside the administrations of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, Gergen reflects on everything from why Nixon was the best global strategist among recent presidents to how the Bill-and-Hillary seesaw rocked the White House during Clinton's tenure as president.
Gergen argues that, as the twenty-first century begins, our success as a country will depend heavily upon the success of a new generation in power. Drawing upon his many experiences in the White House, he offers seven vital elements for future leaders. What they must have, he says, are inner mastery; a central, compelling purpose rooted in moral values; a capacity to persuade; skills in working within the system; a fast start; a strong, effective team; and a passion that inspires others to keep the flame alive.
Few Americans have observed the ups and downs of presidential leadership more closely over the past thirty years -- from Nixon to Clinton and Watergate to Whitewater -- than David Gergen. A White House adviser to four presidents, both Republican and Democrat, he offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes account of their struggles to exercise power and draws from them key lessons for leaders of the future. Taking us inside the administrations of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, Gergen reflects on everything from why Nixon was the best global strategist among recent presidents to how the Bill-and-Hillary seesaw rocked the White House during Clinton's tenure as president.
Gergen argues that, as the twenty-first century begins, our success as a country will depend heavily upon the success of a new generation in power. Drawing upon his many experiences in the White House, he offers seven vital elements for future leaders. What they must have, he says, are inner mastery; a central, compelling purpose rooted in moral values; a capacity to persuade; skills in working within the system; a fast start; a strong, effective team; and a passion that inspires others to keep the flame alive.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
59 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
David Gergen
11 books24 followersDavid Richmond Gergen was an American political commentator and longtime presidential adviser who served during the administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He was later a senior political analyst for CNN and a professor of public service and the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. Gergen was also the former editor at large of U.S. News & World Report and a contributor to CNN and Parade Magazine. He was twice a member of election coverage teams that won Peabody awards: in 1988 with MacNeil–Lehrer (now PBS News Hour), and in 2008 with CNN.
Gergen joined the Nixon White House in 1971, as a staff assistant on the speech-writing team, becoming director of speechwriting two years later. He served as director of communications for both Ford and Reagan, and as a senior adviser to Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher. He graduated with honors from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and was awarded 27 honorary degrees.
Gergen joined the Nixon White House in 1971, as a staff assistant on the speech-writing team, becoming director of speechwriting two years later. He served as director of communications for both Ford and Reagan, and as a senior adviser to Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher. He graduated with honors from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and was awarded 27 honorary degrees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 31, 2009
I wish Gergen had written this after the GW Bush years. Although, I don't believe he served in GW's administration, it would be interesting to read his take on the past eight years. He has an ability to find the positive in everyone while giving a good analysis of what was wrong-minded about them and their leadership.
May 29, 2021
"Of these [qualities], integrity is the most important for a president. As former senator Alan Simpson said in introducing Gerald Ford at Harvard [...]: 'If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.'"
David Gergen has been my favorite political commentator since mid-to-late 1980s when I religiously watched his segments on the PBS' MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. I would like to note that I admired the depth and sharpness of his insights even if I vehemently disagreed with the political philosophy of some of the presidents he worked for. For instance, Mr. Gergen was the Director of Communications and Assistant to Ronald Reagan, a president whose certain positive qualities became visible to me only in the light of later presidential disasters, like the forty-third and, particularly, the forty-fifth one.
The author worked for four sitting presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, and also for Bush (the elder) before he was elected, and for Carter, after his presidency. Mr. Gergen clearly defines the main intent of his Eyewitness to Power (2000), a New York Times bestseller, in the Preface:
Chapters 5, 6, and 7 (whose titles are so well chosen! The Natural, A Rooseveltian Style, Secrets of the Great Communicator) are dedicated to leadership Ronald Reagan-style. It is obvious that the author considers his presidency to be the most successful of the four he describes, despite admitting that Mr. Reagan had a "second-rate mind." Although I would assign Mr. Reagan's mind a larger ordinal number than "second", I have to grudgingly agree with the author as to the overall evaluation of Mr. Reagan's presidency (particularly now, having witnessed the utter ruination of the office in the recent four years). How is it possible not to agree with
The book ends with Conclusion titled Seven Lessons of Leadership. This list of "seven keys to responsible and effective leadership in the White House" provides a masterful summary of the main ideas on political leadership. In my view, the "Gergen's List" should be mandatory reading for everyone interested in learning about or practicing politics.
To sum up this overlong review, Eyewitness to Power is an outstanding book, one of the best books about politics I have ever read. A great study of leadership, strong on deep analyses, and virtually devoid of gossipy fluff and self-aggrandizement. Very strongly recommended!
Four-and-a-half stars.
David Gergen has been my favorite political commentator since mid-to-late 1980s when I religiously watched his segments on the PBS' MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. I would like to note that I admired the depth and sharpness of his insights even if I vehemently disagreed with the political philosophy of some of the presidents he worked for. For instance, Mr. Gergen was the Director of Communications and Assistant to Ronald Reagan, a president whose certain positive qualities became visible to me only in the light of later presidential disasters, like the forty-third and, particularly, the forty-fifth one.
The author worked for four sitting presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, and also for Bush (the elder) before he was elected, and for Carter, after his presidency. Mr. Gergen clearly defines the main intent of his Eyewitness to Power (2000), a New York Times bestseller, in the Preface:
"Rather than inflict a personal memoir upon readers, I try here to bring together what I have learned about presidential leadership. The bulk of the book will trace out the lessons I carried away from the presidents I served in the White House."Chapters 2 and 3, dedicated to Richard Nixon, provide fascinating reading. Mr. Gergen exposes the bright and the dark sides of Nixon's nature and offers sharp diagnoses about motivations behind the president's decisions:
"To Nixon, history was a handmaiden to leadership. He drew upon it in three ways: to gain a broader perspective on his own times; to impress upon listeners his place in the sun; and to find role models for action."The title of one of the sections in Chapter 3, Confusing Power with Leadership is probably my favorite phrase in the entire text. The author clearly shows that not understanding the distinction was one of the main reasons for Nixon's downfall. In one passage, the author does not shy away from broad humor: he quotes Haldeman's memorandum that was conveying Nixon's instructions:
"'The president would like to have the bowling ball man come in and fit Mrs. Nixon and Tricia for balls as soon as possible.'"Chapter 4, A Man of Character is dedicated to leadership aspects of Gerald Ford's short, transitional presidency. The following quote is quite illuminating:
"I have always thought him [Ford] the most decent man I have known in presidency. [...] Emotionally, he was the healthiest president we have had since Eisenhower and Truman."The author explains that "Jerry Ford didn't need to be president to be happy with his life's arc." He was "well-centered" and "comfortable with himself."
Chapters 5, 6, and 7 (whose titles are so well chosen! The Natural, A Rooseveltian Style, Secrets of the Great Communicator) are dedicated to leadership Ronald Reagan-style. It is obvious that the author considers his presidency to be the most successful of the four he describes, despite admitting that Mr. Reagan had a "second-rate mind." Although I would assign Mr. Reagan's mind a larger ordinal number than "second", I have to grudgingly agree with the author as to the overall evaluation of Mr. Reagan's presidency (particularly now, having witnessed the utter ruination of the office in the recent four years). How is it possible not to agree with
"[...] I recognize that he had his flaws and that many do not share his politics. But even for those who oppose his views, there is a lot to be learned from him about public communications."The author explains the many factors that contributed to the popular success of Reagan's style of leadership. One of the most important is clearly spelled out:
"[...] leaders must inspire people with confidence in the future. Only if he truly believes in the future himself will his followers make a leap and join him."Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are dedicated to the study of leadership under Bill Clinton:
"Clinton will always be our paradox. [...] he left the country far better off than he found it. Economically, socially, even culturally, the nation made substantial gains during his stewardship. [...] Yet a sense of aching disappointment hangs over his presidency. How much more he could have achieved [...]"The author attributes some of the reasons for this sense of disappointment to errors committed during the transition period between the election and January 20th, 1992:
"There is no doubt - even in his mind, I think - that his transition planted seeds that almost destroyed his presidency."On the one hand, the author praises Clinton for his evident achievements, like passage of NAFTA, despite it being unpopular "in both the Congress and in public polls." On the other, Mr. Gergen clearly points out the deficiencies of Clinton's leadership that contributed to the failure of his health reform plan.
The book ends with Conclusion titled Seven Lessons of Leadership. This list of "seven keys to responsible and effective leadership in the White House" provides a masterful summary of the main ideas on political leadership. In my view, the "Gergen's List" should be mandatory reading for everyone interested in learning about or practicing politics.
To sum up this overlong review, Eyewitness to Power is an outstanding book, one of the best books about politics I have ever read. A great study of leadership, strong on deep analyses, and virtually devoid of gossipy fluff and self-aggrandizement. Very strongly recommended!
Four-and-a-half stars.
May 20, 2013
I was a fan of David Gergen from his analysis on CNN, without knowing a great deal of his work history. That led me to this book, which encompasses his time working for Presidents Nixon, Ford Reagan, and Clinton and distills a variety of lessons on leadership. Part memoir, part presidential critique, part philosophical manifesto, Eyewitness to Power is a good read and that provides insight into the management styles of four very different presidents. Finishing the book I was disappointed only that it was written in 2000 and at the very least my copy includes no revisions or updates. Gergen's perspective is unique and I would enjoy very much seeing what, if anything, has changed in his view over the past 13 years since he wrote the book.
February 22, 2009
During the election, Gergen got lots of attention and rightfully so. He's thoughtful, insightful and has been a team player and played on both sides.
So I was eager to read something - anything - by him. And this doesn't dissappoint. Great perspectives on all the Presidents he served which includes Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. He doesn't sugarcoat but he's really what Fox should act like when they say "Fair and Balanced"
Anyway, too bad he doesn't have any other books out there - but read this one although you may have to dig for it a bit
So I was eager to read something - anything - by him. And this doesn't dissappoint. Great perspectives on all the Presidents he served which includes Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. He doesn't sugarcoat but he's really what Fox should act like when they say "Fair and Balanced"
Anyway, too bad he doesn't have any other books out there - but read this one although you may have to dig for it a bit
May 4, 2016
David Gergen is the grown-up in the room. And when the room is Washington D.C. Grown-ups stand out because they're in such short supply. His roots are as a journalist and his work for four Presidents (3 Republicans and Clinton) form the basis of calling out leadership characteristics - good and bad. The skills needed to succeed in politics won't always apply in the business world (or even social institutions) but if you enjoy leadership and politics, this will be enjoyable if not maybe a little insightful.
March 14, 2017
Politics is not my favorite subject, but once in awhile something interests me and I find a few books to peruse. Eyewitness to Power was the one I finished from a stack of four or five I checked out of the library.
It is a thorough book, so it's a slow plod, and David Gergen is as dry as stale toast. As the title suggests, Gergen was an eyewitness to four presidential administrations, and he wrote only about those four: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. I wished for his assessment of Carter and G.H.W. Bush, and now that Obama and Trump both have held the office since the book's publication, I'd like his views on those too.
I rated it three stars. It is worth reading, and I do have to hand it to Gergen. He is fair and balanced, an extremely rare quality among journalists and political analysts. Although he leans Republican, he voted for Clinton and served on his administration. His focus is on the leadership qualities of the presidents, both the good and the bad. I think he tends to see the best side of a person and showcases the little-reported characteristics of each leader.
Thus, it is March, 2017, and I have completed my political reading for the year!
It is a thorough book, so it's a slow plod, and David Gergen is as dry as stale toast. As the title suggests, Gergen was an eyewitness to four presidential administrations, and he wrote only about those four: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. I wished for his assessment of Carter and G.H.W. Bush, and now that Obama and Trump both have held the office since the book's publication, I'd like his views on those too.
I rated it three stars. It is worth reading, and I do have to hand it to Gergen. He is fair and balanced, an extremely rare quality among journalists and political analysts. Although he leans Republican, he voted for Clinton and served on his administration. His focus is on the leadership qualities of the presidents, both the good and the bad. I think he tends to see the best side of a person and showcases the little-reported characteristics of each leader.
Thus, it is March, 2017, and I have completed my political reading for the year!
September 25, 2017
"One day, we may be nostalgic for a president who can speak with clarity, wit, and sophistication."
This is a dense but intimate view of life behind the scenes from the administrations that David Gergen served under.
He shares some anecdotes from each president he worked for and gives insights into the personality of each and why they were successful (or less successful, in some cases). He gives praise to each president including Nixon and shares his experience with the anger of President Clinton.
Some of these analysis feel outdated, albeit accurate, given the current political climate. This book speaks to a time when Watergate was a horrifying act for a president to participate in and there was the looming threat of poor approval ratings.
This is a thorough look at each of these presidents as individuals and the policies that shaped their administration as well as some stories behind them.
This is a dense but intimate view of life behind the scenes from the administrations that David Gergen served under.
He shares some anecdotes from each president he worked for and gives insights into the personality of each and why they were successful (or less successful, in some cases). He gives praise to each president including Nixon and shares his experience with the anger of President Clinton.
Some of these analysis feel outdated, albeit accurate, given the current political climate. This book speaks to a time when Watergate was a horrifying act for a president to participate in and there was the looming threat of poor approval ratings.
This is a thorough look at each of these presidents as individuals and the policies that shaped their administration as well as some stories behind them.
August 12, 2018
This is an inside baseball type book. I just read David Gergen's book "Eyewitness to Power". This is about his working for Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. (I picked it up for a dollar at Goodwill). He quotes Truman on Nixon: "Dick Nixon may have read the Constitution but he doesn't understand it." On Ford, he quotes Tip O'Neill, "God has been good to America, during the Civil War he gave us Lincoln. During Watergate he gave us Gerald Ford." Gergen quotes Reagan as saying when asked what kind of governor of California he would be as saying: "I don't know. I've never played a governor." He said on Clinton: "He will go down in history as a man who reached for the stars and came up with one hand of stars, the other filled with dust." In summary, his favorite president of the four was Ronald Reagan. He says he was the most effective president since FDR. He concludes by listing the 7 characteristics of a great president.
April 7, 2008
Insightful peek inside the psyches of three decades worth of presidents. Mr. Gergen has been a speech writer on both sides of the aisle and puts his considerable talent to good use in highlighting the best and worst of our most recent leaders. Not many intimate details for gossip hounds, but the point of this book is to get at the roots of what works and what doesn't in international and domestic politics. A good read even for those who are just looking to keep peace in their office or at home.
August 11, 2009
In my opinion the author David Gergen is one of the best political analysts on television. He manages to give insightful, intelligent, non partisan commentary which is so rare these days. He was an advisor to four presidents (Nixon, Ford, Regan, and Clinton) and in this book he gives us an insiders look into the leadership abilities of each man. This book is really only for political junkies like myself. If you fall under that category you will find the study of each man's strengths and weaknesses to be extremly interesting.
September 11, 2013
Review: The book is insightful to how the organizational structure of each administration can change the power of the administration as well as how it does business. Gergen worked for four different President's so he brings and interesting take on the White House operations to the table. Note of warning Gergen indulges himself in his section about Reagan and carries on for far too long about Reagan's speaking style and skills.
Three stars: I wanted and insider scoop and just got a personal perspective.
Three stars: I wanted and insider scoop and just got a personal perspective.
November 10, 2014
Charisma is not enough, and winning the presidency, even with a filibuster-proof majority in congress, is not a mandate, nor a promise to get your agenda through. Some learn on the job (Clinton got more done with Gingrich than with O'Neil), and some community organizers don't.
This book is a lesson-in-things that presidents forget at their (and our) peril.
It is however a bit verbose, and could/would/should have benefitted from a ruthless editor's scalpel. About 100 pages would/could/should have been trimmed here.
This book is a lesson-in-things that presidents forget at their (and our) peril.
It is however a bit verbose, and could/would/should have benefitted from a ruthless editor's scalpel. About 100 pages would/could/should have been trimmed here.
August 23, 2011
Probably the most thoughtful analysis of presidential leadership I have ever read. David Gergen always gives such a balanced critique of politics in such a non-partisan way, it gives him unchallenged credibility in a crowded world of political hacks and overzealous journalists. Gergen's style is a breath of fresh air.
March 13, 2014
I loved this book. It was so rich with fascinating personal experience inside the White House, working closely with president after president. And Gergen is just so bright and insightful. I think I learned more from this book than in some of my college political science classes-And I took some great classes! Superb book. Got me jazzed to read more about other past presidents from before my time.
April 11, 2016
Interesting book by my kind of republican. Fiscal conservative but not crazy. Believes public service is honorable and good. Sees the good and bad in the 4 presidents he served: Nixon, ford, Reagan and Clinton. We need more men like him in politics and government today. Less trump, Cruz, and others (Obama?) who refuse to work with those who don't march in lock step with what they believe.
November 18, 2021
Just had to read something by someone with some gravitas who has worked for 4 different presidents who each had their problems - both in personalities and situations - but inherently, were people who wanted the US to lead and succeed.
May 8, 2019
If you're rating a book by its genre, this one gets five stars.
Gergen is fair, drawing out the presidents' strengths while still describing their weaknesses. I wish that I could get his take on more politics - like what in the world did he think during the 2016 election cycle?
Gergen is fair, drawing out the presidents' strengths while still describing their weaknesses. I wish that I could get his take on more politics - like what in the world did he think during the 2016 election cycle?
Read
January 3, 2015If you don't lead other.
Other will lead you.
Other will lead you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
Full of great insights. The section on Nixon is a timely read today.
April 20, 2025
Even though this book was written in 2000, so much seems to speak to the lack of leadership we have today. Gergen worked in both republican and democrat administrations and took away a lot of positive and critical observations. From the Nixon administration he wrote, “Nixon at his core believed that leadership consists in the exercise of power by a singular figure - the great man - standing at the pinnacle, seeing what others do not have the wits to see, confronting the forces of history, and acting unilaterally on behalf of his followers. His relationship with his followers is of secondary concern; the leader informs them what he thinks they need to know in order to go along with him but he may also choose to conceal or lie to them as he wishes. Nor is he seriously accountable to other institutions”. Sound familiar today?
Throughout the book Gergen reflects on the positive qualities of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. He also in each chapter identifies the mistakes of each as well. His observations are well balanced for each president. Ford’s big mistake was how he handled Nixon’s pardon. Ford also needed a chief of staff to lead his administration. Reagan most impressed Gergen. He had a good organization, an optimism and confidence needed, strong simple core beliefs, and was a great communicator. Clinton had great intelligence and communication qualities but seemed to lack personal and political maturity. Also his administrative organization was poorly designed.
Gergen concludes by identifying seven leadership qualities a president needs. They are: 1) Leadership has to start from within, 2) A President has to have a central, compelling purpose, 3) The capacity to persuade, 4) An ability to work within the system, 5) A sure quick start, 6) Strong Presidents have great advisors, and 7) A President must be able to inspire others to carry on the mission. Despite being dated modern presidents could learn a lot from the book. An interesting read.
Throughout the book Gergen reflects on the positive qualities of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. He also in each chapter identifies the mistakes of each as well. His observations are well balanced for each president. Ford’s big mistake was how he handled Nixon’s pardon. Ford also needed a chief of staff to lead his administration. Reagan most impressed Gergen. He had a good organization, an optimism and confidence needed, strong simple core beliefs, and was a great communicator. Clinton had great intelligence and communication qualities but seemed to lack personal and political maturity. Also his administrative organization was poorly designed.
Gergen concludes by identifying seven leadership qualities a president needs. They are: 1) Leadership has to start from within, 2) A President has to have a central, compelling purpose, 3) The capacity to persuade, 4) An ability to work within the system, 5) A sure quick start, 6) Strong Presidents have great advisors, and 7) A President must be able to inspire others to carry on the mission. Despite being dated modern presidents could learn a lot from the book. An interesting read.
July 29, 2025
When David Gergen passed away earlier this month, multiple obituaries I read referenced this work, written 25 years ago. It is very good, with lots of insight into Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. The author worked closely with each man (especially the last two) and seemed to understand what made them tick.
This leads to excellent insight into effective leadership, but also a unique perspective on the workings of the Oval Office from the '70s through the '90s. Gergen seems quite fair to each president. If he's too hard on anyone, interestingly enough, it's George Bush, for whom he didn't even work. (Gergen calls himself a moderate conservative, though his politics or own views are thankfully not the focus of this book.)
And of course his wisdom and warnings for future presidents is quite intriguing now to read in light of the four men who have served since the work was penned. Let's just say they've done better at fulfilling his warnings rather than heeding his wisdom. Gergen was optimistic about the future of his country then; I still am now, despite the ups and downs of the last quarter century.
This leads to excellent insight into effective leadership, but also a unique perspective on the workings of the Oval Office from the '70s through the '90s. Gergen seems quite fair to each president. If he's too hard on anyone, interestingly enough, it's George Bush, for whom he didn't even work. (Gergen calls himself a moderate conservative, though his politics or own views are thankfully not the focus of this book.)
And of course his wisdom and warnings for future presidents is quite intriguing now to read in light of the four men who have served since the work was penned. Let's just say they've done better at fulfilling his warnings rather than heeding his wisdom. Gergen was optimistic about the future of his country then; I still am now, despite the ups and downs of the last quarter century.
September 5, 2021
It was an insightful look at the way the administrations of four different presidents were both instructive examples on how to be an effective leader, and dire warnings about shortcomings that can undermine everything. Some of the characteristics he focused on were initially surprising, but clearly informed by decades of observing presidents from inside the White House. While it is only one insider's (sometimes rose-colored) perspective, it is an intriguing read for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes peak into the highest office in the land.
December 15, 2022
A tremendous and in depth perspective on four Presidents, all with there own strengths and weaknesses. Though some bias can be felt at times, it really does not seep through, and Gergen gives fair testimony to all four. Most interestingly and valuably, he compares them to each other as well as other past Presidents and paints a neat and in sighting landscape of what a President aught to do and aught to not do in order to have success. Great interesting book, highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
Dull. Very dull.
Author used to be someone who could see beyond factions but not apparent here. Nor is his practical experience.
Author appears to often confuse leadership with fame.
This is nothing but a pile of academic hooey.
Author used to be someone who could see beyond factions but not apparent here. Nor is his practical experience.
Author appears to often confuse leadership with fame.
This is nothing but a pile of academic hooey.
December 28, 2018
My All time Favorite
Read
April 12, 2020this is tantamount to a public love letter to Ronald Reagan. I can't read this shit
April 21, 2025
He was pretty favorable towards Clinton so…
August 13, 2025
Lends excellent perspective and insight - really interesting read!
September 22, 2008
One important way I determine the impact of a book is how quickly it insinuates itself into my thoughts and, deeper still, into my actions and words. After reading Eyewitness To Power, by David Gergen, my opinions about political leadership (and with the current Mccain-Obama race those opinions are on frequently the surface) were becoming more defined by what I was reading. Most times that I read or listened to a candidate's speech my mind would compare what I heard and saw to a framework that had been forming since reading Eyewitness.
The book itself covers the careers of four presidents: Nixon; Ford; Reagan; and Clinton. I consider myself fairly literate in 20th century politics and politicians but I now know there is some study for me to do. That is another good sign to me: Gergen includes enough ancillary information as background to his vignettes that I was surprised to realize how much I didn't know about some basic things. Since I was born in the late 60s, from what I heard Nixon was nothing but a fiend and Ford his dim replacement. I'd always assumed Nixon was no better than Watergate, but Ford struck me as getting too little respect (Gergen felt as much, too). Suddenly, too, the names of those seeking the highest office in the land over the last twenty years are just hopefuls but people who served and built up a good reputation when I was too young to know better.
His years of journalism and debate in the White House show in the crafting of the book. Eyewitness is clear and easy to read. It makes sense when you read it. Gergen makes his points and backs them up with examples of the good decisions and the mistakes which illustrate the points. No attempt is made to coerce the reader into a belief; they are left there for the taking or rejecting. Reading the book is much more like sitting around the living room listening to someone recollecting stories than a complex book of leadership instructions. Eyewitness, even by Gergen's own preface, does not try to be definitive or ground-breaking. He makes points and relates his point of views through an engaging and informative conversation with the reader. That is one of the reasons I liked this book so much.
I'm not saying it was perfect. During the last chapter of Reagan and into Clinton the book bogs down. In part, it is because he loses focus on discussing leadership and spends too much time reviewing Reagen's oration abilities. While being a good speaker is an important part of persuasive leadership, it feels like it belongs in a different book, one only about public speaking. In Clinton it may be that Gergen, like so many others, doesn't know what to make of Clinton. Gergen paints the picture for you before he even tries to discuss the president's leadership strengths and weaknesses, but he doesn't quite follow the same formula he did through chapter six. Combined with chapter seven it felt soft, but once past there he heads back towards familiar ground.
The book itself covers the careers of four presidents: Nixon; Ford; Reagan; and Clinton. I consider myself fairly literate in 20th century politics and politicians but I now know there is some study for me to do. That is another good sign to me: Gergen includes enough ancillary information as background to his vignettes that I was surprised to realize how much I didn't know about some basic things. Since I was born in the late 60s, from what I heard Nixon was nothing but a fiend and Ford his dim replacement. I'd always assumed Nixon was no better than Watergate, but Ford struck me as getting too little respect (Gergen felt as much, too). Suddenly, too, the names of those seeking the highest office in the land over the last twenty years are just hopefuls but people who served and built up a good reputation when I was too young to know better.
His years of journalism and debate in the White House show in the crafting of the book. Eyewitness is clear and easy to read. It makes sense when you read it. Gergen makes his points and backs them up with examples of the good decisions and the mistakes which illustrate the points. No attempt is made to coerce the reader into a belief; they are left there for the taking or rejecting. Reading the book is much more like sitting around the living room listening to someone recollecting stories than a complex book of leadership instructions. Eyewitness, even by Gergen's own preface, does not try to be definitive or ground-breaking. He makes points and relates his point of views through an engaging and informative conversation with the reader. That is one of the reasons I liked this book so much.
I'm not saying it was perfect. During the last chapter of Reagan and into Clinton the book bogs down. In part, it is because he loses focus on discussing leadership and spends too much time reviewing Reagen's oration abilities. While being a good speaker is an important part of persuasive leadership, it feels like it belongs in a different book, one only about public speaking. In Clinton it may be that Gergen, like so many others, doesn't know what to make of Clinton. Gergen paints the picture for you before he even tries to discuss the president's leadership strengths and weaknesses, but he doesn't quite follow the same formula he did through chapter six. Combined with chapter seven it felt soft, but once past there he heads back towards familiar ground.
October 14, 2011
This book has been an eye opener to the strengths of even the most despised Presidents. I learned a lot about the importance of bipartisanship in getting a President's initiatives passed. It also made me realize that the press will not give me the real image of the "Big Guy." Going into an election year we need to realize that all of the slander politics are not as important as learning about the candidates' thoughts and hopes for their and our future. Reading the candidates' autobiography or biography may be a great way to really get an understanding about a person who thinks they have what it takes to run the most powerful country in the world. Look forward to seeing reviews on a few books from our upcoming candidates.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews