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American Reboot: An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done
From former US Congressman and CIA Officer Will Hurd, a “how-to guide with a prescription for getting the nation on the right footing” ( Politico ) and “a clarion call for a major political pivot” ( San Antonio Report ) rooted in the timeless ideals of bipartisanship, inclusivity, and democratic values.
“Hurd has the biography and the charisma and the God-given political chops to put the Republican Party—and the rest of the country—on notice.” — THE ATLANTIC
It’s getting harder to get big things done in America. The gears of our democracy have been mucked up by political nonsense. To meet the era-defining challenges of the 21st century, our country needs a reboot.
In American Reboot , Hurd, called “the future of the GOP” by Politico , provides a “detailed blueprint” (Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, 2006–2011) for America grounded by what Hurd calls pragmatic idealism—a concept forged from enduring American values to achieve what is actually achievable.
Hurd takes on five seismic problems facing a country in crisis: the Republican Party’s failure to present a principled vision for the future; the lack of honest leadership in Washington, DC; income inequality that threatens the livelihood of millions of Americans; US economic and military dominance that is no longer guaranteed; and how technological change in the next thirty years will make the advancements of the last thirty years look trivial.
Hurd has seen these challenges up close. A child of interracial parents in South Texas, Hurd survived the back alleys of dangerous places as a CIA officer. He carried that experience into three terms in Congress, where he was, for a time, the House’s only Black Republican, representing a seventy-one percent Latino swing district in Texas that runs along 820 miles of the US-Mexico border. As a cyber security executive and innovation crusader, Hurd has worked with entrepreneurs on the cutting edge of technology to anticipate the shockwaves of the future.
Hurd, who the Houston Chronicles calls “a refreshing contract to the panderers, petty demagogues, and political provocateurs who reign these days,” draws on his remarkable experience to present “a call to Americans to consider the most contentious issues of our times more holistically” ( The Atlantic ). He outlines how the Republican party can look like America by appealing to the middle, not the edges. He maps out how leaders should inspire rather than fearmonger. He forges a domestic policy based on the idea that prosperity should be a product of empowering people, not the government. He articulates a foreign policy where our enemies fear us and our friends love us. And lastly, he charts a forceful path forward for America’s technological future.
We all know we can do better. It’s time to hit “ctrl alt del” and start the American Reboot.
“Hurd has the biography and the charisma and the God-given political chops to put the Republican Party—and the rest of the country—on notice.” — THE ATLANTIC
It’s getting harder to get big things done in America. The gears of our democracy have been mucked up by political nonsense. To meet the era-defining challenges of the 21st century, our country needs a reboot.
In American Reboot , Hurd, called “the future of the GOP” by Politico , provides a “detailed blueprint” (Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, 2006–2011) for America grounded by what Hurd calls pragmatic idealism—a concept forged from enduring American values to achieve what is actually achievable.
Hurd takes on five seismic problems facing a country in crisis: the Republican Party’s failure to present a principled vision for the future; the lack of honest leadership in Washington, DC; income inequality that threatens the livelihood of millions of Americans; US economic and military dominance that is no longer guaranteed; and how technological change in the next thirty years will make the advancements of the last thirty years look trivial.
Hurd has seen these challenges up close. A child of interracial parents in South Texas, Hurd survived the back alleys of dangerous places as a CIA officer. He carried that experience into three terms in Congress, where he was, for a time, the House’s only Black Republican, representing a seventy-one percent Latino swing district in Texas that runs along 820 miles of the US-Mexico border. As a cyber security executive and innovation crusader, Hurd has worked with entrepreneurs on the cutting edge of technology to anticipate the shockwaves of the future.
Hurd, who the Houston Chronicles calls “a refreshing contract to the panderers, petty demagogues, and political provocateurs who reign these days,” draws on his remarkable experience to present “a call to Americans to consider the most contentious issues of our times more holistically” ( The Atlantic ). He outlines how the Republican party can look like America by appealing to the middle, not the edges. He maps out how leaders should inspire rather than fearmonger. He forges a domestic policy based on the idea that prosperity should be a product of empowering people, not the government. He articulates a foreign policy where our enemies fear us and our friends love us. And lastly, he charts a forceful path forward for America’s technological future.
We all know we can do better. It’s time to hit “ctrl alt del” and start the American Reboot.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 29, 2022
109 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Will Hurd
1 book17 followersWill Hurd is currently a managing director at Allen & Company and former member of Congress, cybersecurity executive, and undercover officer in the CIA.
For almost two decades he’s been involved in the most pressing national security issues challenging the country whether it was in the back-alleys of dangerous places, boardrooms of top international businesses or halls of Congress.
In the CIA he stopped terrorists, in Congress he was known as a uniter not a divider and in industry he is helping businesses prepare for a future impacted by an unprecedented technological explosion.
Will is a native of San Antonio and earned a Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University. He is on the boards of OpenAI and the German Marshall Fund.
For almost two decades he’s been involved in the most pressing national security issues challenging the country whether it was in the back-alleys of dangerous places, boardrooms of top international businesses or halls of Congress.
In the CIA he stopped terrorists, in Congress he was known as a uniter not a divider and in industry he is helping businesses prepare for a future impacted by an unprecedented technological explosion.
Will is a native of San Antonio and earned a Computer Science degree from Texas A&M University. He is on the boards of OpenAI and the German Marshall Fund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 29, 2022
A kick in Republican’s pants, Will Hurd is not an OG Republican and his new book is a fresh look at where the party needs to go in order to survive. He also gives his blunt opinions on a few key events during his 3 terms as a Congressman. Will is no fan of Trump. Actually, he’s no fan of anything other than “the right thing” and making sure “the audio matches the video”. That means your deeds need to match your words; period.
Hurd was a successful C. I. A. operative. His experiences served him well representing Texas 23; a land mass almost the size of Georgia with 6 border crossings, a national park and the largest military installation in the U. S. A. It’s 70 % Latino and politically split almost 50/50, even ‘tho prior to Will, “some towns had never seen a Republican.”
Moderation is the message in a nutshell. Hurd is convincing in his plea for the GOP to move from the extreme right toward the center and to be more inclusive. He explains that there is a wide open field, because of the Dems choice to lean so far left:
“Republicans have a chance to bring their message of freedom, opportunity, growth and progress to the entire country. We have an obligation to advocate for our ideals in EVERY community. It’s the only way we will endure and move our country forward.” (pg 20)
I was impressed that Hurd confined his comments on past media circus events to those with which he had personal, first hand knowledge. He gives credit where it’s due but holds nothing back from those who should be called out. I’m not going to spoil the ah ha’s for others but there is solid intel in this book with no partisan pandering.
Technology is our future: “The war is on the way. The reality is that the Revolutionary War was fought by soldiers on the ground. World War II was fought by planes in the sky. And this New Cold War is being waged on the cyber battlefield.” (pg 210) Hurd warns that China is about to win this war and doing so will unseat the US as the world leader, on many fronts. This is yet another area for the GOP to pay attention.
Weaving stories from his days in the C. I. A. into his days serving as a congressman for the state of Texas is unique and gives the book a well planned vibe. It could use a grammar check but is otherwise friendly and accessible, much like I imagine Hurd to be from his stories and what I’ve seen of him in various media opportunities. His ideas about the future of the Republican Party and politics in general are full of common sense and worthy of consideration, at least in part📚
Hurd was a successful C. I. A. operative. His experiences served him well representing Texas 23; a land mass almost the size of Georgia with 6 border crossings, a national park and the largest military installation in the U. S. A. It’s 70 % Latino and politically split almost 50/50, even ‘tho prior to Will, “some towns had never seen a Republican.”
Moderation is the message in a nutshell. Hurd is convincing in his plea for the GOP to move from the extreme right toward the center and to be more inclusive. He explains that there is a wide open field, because of the Dems choice to lean so far left:
“Republicans have a chance to bring their message of freedom, opportunity, growth and progress to the entire country. We have an obligation to advocate for our ideals in EVERY community. It’s the only way we will endure and move our country forward.” (pg 20)
I was impressed that Hurd confined his comments on past media circus events to those with which he had personal, first hand knowledge. He gives credit where it’s due but holds nothing back from those who should be called out. I’m not going to spoil the ah ha’s for others but there is solid intel in this book with no partisan pandering.
Technology is our future: “The war is on the way. The reality is that the Revolutionary War was fought by soldiers on the ground. World War II was fought by planes in the sky. And this New Cold War is being waged on the cyber battlefield.” (pg 210) Hurd warns that China is about to win this war and doing so will unseat the US as the world leader, on many fronts. This is yet another area for the GOP to pay attention.
Weaving stories from his days in the C. I. A. into his days serving as a congressman for the state of Texas is unique and gives the book a well planned vibe. It could use a grammar check but is otherwise friendly and accessible, much like I imagine Hurd to be from his stories and what I’ve seen of him in various media opportunities. His ideas about the future of the Republican Party and politics in general are full of common sense and worthy of consideration, at least in part📚
May 29, 2022
I admire Will Hurd’s open minded approach to the issues, but I didn’t get a sense of his pragmatism or ability to actually get the big hard things accomplished that he criticizes other leaders for not achieving. Case in pojnt, this ridiculous paragraph about helping Dreamers:
“The protestors were correct. I hadn’t signed on to the DREAM Act. I generally didn’t co-sign legislation that I knew had no chance of being signed into law. In 16 years, the Dream Act had never been signed into law (it passed the House multiple times including 2020 when I voted for it but never got close to passage in the Senate), and the legislation as it was written would never be signed into law. While I opposed Trump’s executive action, I also opposed Obama‘s because a lasting solution to the terrible uncertainty faced by these young men and women with only ever known the United States of America as their home requires a permanent legislative fix, not executive action.”
So it requires a legislative fix, but I don’t agree with the proposed legislative fix, so I’m just not going to support it and blame everyone else for it not getting done. Cool.
“The protestors were correct. I hadn’t signed on to the DREAM Act. I generally didn’t co-sign legislation that I knew had no chance of being signed into law. In 16 years, the Dream Act had never been signed into law (it passed the House multiple times including 2020 when I voted for it but never got close to passage in the Senate), and the legislation as it was written would never be signed into law. While I opposed Trump’s executive action, I also opposed Obama‘s because a lasting solution to the terrible uncertainty faced by these young men and women with only ever known the United States of America as their home requires a permanent legislative fix, not executive action.”
So it requires a legislative fix, but I don’t agree with the proposed legislative fix, so I’m just not going to support it and blame everyone else for it not getting done. Cool.
April 28, 2022
I’m biased since I’ve been around Will Hurd on and off since the late 90s, but I think he’s got a lot right. Highly recommend listening to his perspectives even if you disagree with them based on his credentials alone. I don’t agree with every position and sometimes he can be a bit wonkish (I’d say in a good way), but this is fresh air into a stale system.
April 18, 2022
Will Hurd is a thoughtful, level-headed, intelligent and honorable man who served his country and dedicated himself to public service. Mr. Hurd may lack sizzle but he has dignity and honor to spare. I had high hopes for the this book since there are murmurings that Mr. Hurd could toss his hat in the arena in a quixotic quest for the Presidency. Those hopes were quickly dashed.
Perhaps I should not blame Mr. Hurd but rather myself. I am old enough to know what a campaign book reads like, so I should not have expected much. Barak Obama and John McClain are the exception to the rule once it comes to unconventional campaign books. You would hope politicians would learn from their example, but they don't.
Mr. Hurd is trying to reach out to a mass audience so he is not going to stress himself out by writing in anything more than workmanlike prose. It's bland and uninspiring. This is insane when you consider that Mr. Hurd, who served in the CIA, peppers his work with tales of his days in the Agency. Speaking of peppers, something else is a little spicy, the former Congressman's language. I am no prude, if anything I consider myself quite the connoisseur of profanity but Mr. Hurd's one or two attempts at it detract from the work. I guess he is trying to sound like a regular guy but you are not. He was a public servant, a man of the Congress, it's unnecessary. Don't talk down to your audience.
As for the ideas presented here - they are sensible and reasoned. You would expect nothing less from Mr. Hurd. What is discouraging, if you are paying attention, is that Mr. Hurd is trying to thread a needle that no one at this point and time cares to pay attention to. Mr. Hurd often criticizes Trump but he does make it a point to praise some of his policies. Yet as much as he criticizes Trump the most damning criticism seemed to be reserved for Adam Schiff and his role in the Russian collusion investigation. It comes across as if Hurd is trying to cover his behind, which he is.
Towards the end Hurd really hits his stride when discussing foreign policy. He does commit one error, however. He does not seem to understand when the US officially recognized China (1979) and how that recognition, lead to the Taiwan Act.
Perhaps I should not blame Mr. Hurd but rather myself. I am old enough to know what a campaign book reads like, so I should not have expected much. Barak Obama and John McClain are the exception to the rule once it comes to unconventional campaign books. You would hope politicians would learn from their example, but they don't.
Mr. Hurd is trying to reach out to a mass audience so he is not going to stress himself out by writing in anything more than workmanlike prose. It's bland and uninspiring. This is insane when you consider that Mr. Hurd, who served in the CIA, peppers his work with tales of his days in the Agency. Speaking of peppers, something else is a little spicy, the former Congressman's language. I am no prude, if anything I consider myself quite the connoisseur of profanity but Mr. Hurd's one or two attempts at it detract from the work. I guess he is trying to sound like a regular guy but you are not. He was a public servant, a man of the Congress, it's unnecessary. Don't talk down to your audience.
As for the ideas presented here - they are sensible and reasoned. You would expect nothing less from Mr. Hurd. What is discouraging, if you are paying attention, is that Mr. Hurd is trying to thread a needle that no one at this point and time cares to pay attention to. Mr. Hurd often criticizes Trump but he does make it a point to praise some of his policies. Yet as much as he criticizes Trump the most damning criticism seemed to be reserved for Adam Schiff and his role in the Russian collusion investigation. It comes across as if Hurd is trying to cover his behind, which he is.
Towards the end Hurd really hits his stride when discussing foreign policy. He does commit one error, however. He does not seem to understand when the US officially recognized China (1979) and how that recognition, lead to the Taiwan Act.
July 4, 2022
Admittedly, I went into this book with (unfairly) lower expectations as I knew Will Hurd and I wouldn’t agree on much, although I was open to being incorrect. This is was definitely one of those times I’m happy to say I was wrong.
We still didn’t agree on everything, like his assertion that “his side has the right answers” to the problems we all agree need solving, but he was mostly measured, reasonable, and factual in his writing. He handed out criticism to both parties, though it may have been slightly harsher in one direction. As this is likely a “campaign book,” it is to be expected.
This is a clearly polished insight into an interesting man whose approach to bi-partisanship I hope more people adopt.
We still didn’t agree on everything, like his assertion that “his side has the right answers” to the problems we all agree need solving, but he was mostly measured, reasonable, and factual in his writing. He handed out criticism to both parties, though it may have been slightly harsher in one direction. As this is likely a “campaign book,” it is to be expected.
This is a clearly polished insight into an interesting man whose approach to bi-partisanship I hope more people adopt.
May 22, 2022
Will Hurd is definitely running for something, and I hope it's President. He's a little to my left, and I can't guarantee I'd vote for him in a Republican primary, but if he ended up as the nominee I'd be ecstatic.
The book itself is somewhat average fare for the genre as far as the writing goes, but the message was good.
The book itself is somewhat average fare for the genre as far as the writing goes, but the message was good.
August 17, 2022
Great insight on what we as individuals can do to make our government and our country better. It was an enjoyable read as well as educational. Not dry at all.
January 20, 2023
Hurd was a pragmatist in congress, and it shows in his book. I was hoping to hear more about the toxicity of congress right now, this reads more as his political treatise, but I still enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone looking for solution-oriented politicians.
October 14, 2024
This was really good! I can get behind all his suggestions. There really is a lot of common ground in this country.
August 9, 2022
A smart look at the challenges facing our country.
May 31, 2022
With so much coverage of America’s political right consumed by Trump-like / MAGA rhetoric, it’s hard to imagine - from afar (here in Australia) - there are any genuinely deep or independent thinkers within Republican circles. Hurd’s ‘American Reboot’ is an antidote to that perception. A former CIA agent, US Congressman and, like Obama, child of an interracial couple, Hurd was described in 2017 by Politico as the ‘future of the GOP’. Whether he seeks to claim that title, whether his non-Trump approach to soliciting political support would allow him to engineer a path to a higher office and provide the leadership he says Washington so desperately lacks, time will only tell. But he offers a thoughtful, centre-right, perspective on the imperatives ahead if the United States is not to sleepwalk itself into economic and military decline (with its associated significant risks for allies like Australia). To ‘Ctrl+Alt+Delete’ the United States. Leveraging deep knowledge of sensitive domestic issues such as border control and immigration and a first-hand understanding of America’s role in the world, Hurd explores the challenge of ensuring education opportunity for all (a national security issue), increased access to healthcare, better senior care and expanded access to childcare, reforming immigration before exploring the need to solve climate change, and for a fresh look at sources of US power. In particular, a functioning democracy, American leadership underpinned by strong alliances, effective use of soft power and advanced technology capabilities (cyber, AI, quantum computing) targeted at future threats and opportunities. His solution for improving the US health system - getting relevant players in a room to design a better system - seemed pollyanish at best. China’s rival global ambitions and technological capability feature heavily. In noting that the Republican candidate has lost seven out of the last eight popular votes for president, Hurd points to the need to engage and listen to all Americans, not pander to one’s extreme supporters or, worse, think that one can’t be competitive if there are more voters. To be a problem solver, not a bomb thrower. Hurd is big on the role of charachter, values and building trust. He didn’t quote Kennedy’s ‘civility is not a sign of weakness’, but he made the case in all but name. And who could disagree with his focus on a competition of ideas, not the politics of fear?
July 14, 2022
A lot of common sense thinking on the legislative process, but it seems it's just too bad the Hurd seems to have bought into much of the progressive agenda even as he talks a fair conservative game. I give him credit for a fair amount of independent thinking.
April 29, 2022
I don’t normally read books broadly categorized as “I’m-thinking-about-running-for-president-so-I’m-writing-this-book-to-see-how-my-story-resonates.” I didn’t know Hurd was thinking about running for president; I just read a review on this book and thought “Hurd was an unusually rational actor in a sea of crazies, let’s see what he says.” Unfortunately, it reads like a “I’m thinking about running for president so I’m….” It’s not bad, but it would be better if he wrote the book from the perspective of the subtitle rather than feeling like he is laying out his platform. All that said, Hurd has some good things to say. I agree on some; disagree on others, but what I have liked about Hurd in his brief political career is that his votes have been driven by principle rather than party or popularity, and he is willing to work with anyone to accomplish that which is consistent with his north star. That, I will assert, makes him a rare breed in today’s political environment. Not a bad book, but beware: he is considering running for president and this is his “test the waters” book, and it reads like that.
May 14, 2022
I like the first three parts (up to chapter 15) when Mr. Hurd talked about those universal pragmatic ideals and what he accomplished for his constitutes when he was in Congress. I would have rated the book 5-star if he had stopped at Part IV and hadn't swerved to a disastrous jibberish over the so-called "New Cold War" with China. This guy has never been to China, perhaps never talked to any Chinese-American, maybe even never read any works by any acclaimed China expert, but he cannot wait to propagandize Sinophobia. I'd say Mr. Hurd is definitely as good at fear-mongering as those politicians he criticized. He lives in a pessimistic world that Huntington built, whereby peoples and cultures fight for their natural interests. I won’t be surprised if this turned out to be a presidential campaign book, because he talks at most like an opportunist.
May 17, 2022
The offered American Reboot, is Endless War, uncontrolled immigration, and the implied hope that the Ghost of Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil will come back and give us the budget cuts he promised in the early 80s. Perhaps, this proposed "reboot" was the best we could hope for two decades ago, maybe. But now the Overton window of change is: Resisting the slow decent into Chinese Dominance, going to space, Peace between Israel and the Arabs, and proper jurisprudence. Surrender maybe "getting big things done" but the results are normally poor for the conquered and shadow banned people.
June 27, 2022
I typically vote for Democrats, but I found myself agreeing with a lot of what Will Hurd says in this book. In places where we disagree, he explained his position well enough that I could respect the difference. We need more leaders who act the way he describes himself in our country who want to actually solve problems rather than perform political posturing to keep their elected offices.
April 26, 2022
Political books are a dime a dozen. I can't say that this book is miles above the usual, but I do appreciate the fact that Will Hurd doesn't just spew the party line. He has a much more moderate and pragmatic view than so many idealogues, and I like that. I hope that the preponderance of American voters would feel the same, but the current headlines are not encouraging. In any case, I think that the book is well written and that Hurd clearly states his positions and recommendations.
April 8, 2022
Congressman Hurd has put together a pretty comprehensive list of issues facing the US and his experience with them, either from his time in the agency or in Congress puts a unique spin on them.
April 20, 2022
I am a registered Democrat but would vote for Will Hurd for any elected office. We need more leaders like him - and our country would benefit by following this guide.
May 24, 2022
great narrator, balanced though perhaps overly certain views on the world and the US's slippery slope for keeping our position in it.
August 17, 2023
A Review of the Audiobook
Read by the author, Will Hurd.
Duration: 8 hours, 47 minutes.
Unabridged.
Will Hurd has done a lot of things in his 45 years. He has been an operations analyst for the CIA (working in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan), he was worked in high-tech (including cyber-security and artificial intelligence), has served 6 years as a member of the House of Representatives from Texas, and is now a Republican candidate for President in 2024.
This book was undoubtedly an attempt to introduce Will Hurd to a larger audience. I follow politics pretty well and I had never heard of Will Hurd until he announced his campaign for President in June of 2023 (to be fair, there are 535 members of Congress and most are not well known outside of their districts.) I heard about this book in a political podcast and, lo and behold, it turns out that my library had it.
Just to let you know where I am coming from as I review this book, I am a Never Trump Republican and have been since 2015. I am anti-MAGA. Hurd got my attention because he says a lot of the same things.
That being said, his audiobook was a mixed for me. It has real moments of clarity and inspiration but it also has sections that are kind of boring (discussions of old political fights and debates, for example.) I am going to end up giving the book 3 stars our of 5 because it was not a bad listen, but also not an amazing listen.
What it all comes down to is this - while this is not the most exciting book, listening to him speak about a wide variety of topics for almost 9 hours did help me decide to look into Will Hurd more seriously (here is his campaign website) and at this time he is my choice in the GOP primary. What does that mean? Probably nothing - I was a Ted Cruz man in 2015 and I've been nothing but disappointed in him since 2016. But, it's good to know that I have an option in the Republican Party after feeling 100% left out since the summer of 2016.
The book demonstrated that you can have Conservative principles and not be MAGA in today's GOP. You can argue and not be unpleasant and demeaning. You can argue and learn new things and change your mind. You can have friends in the other party because they're not evil - they just see the world differently than you. Also, you don't have to participate in the culture wars to win.
Read by the author, Will Hurd.
Duration: 8 hours, 47 minutes.
Unabridged.
Will Hurd has done a lot of things in his 45 years. He has been an operations analyst for the CIA (working in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan), he was worked in high-tech (including cyber-security and artificial intelligence), has served 6 years as a member of the House of Representatives from Texas, and is now a Republican candidate for President in 2024.
This book was undoubtedly an attempt to introduce Will Hurd to a larger audience. I follow politics pretty well and I had never heard of Will Hurd until he announced his campaign for President in June of 2023 (to be fair, there are 535 members of Congress and most are not well known outside of their districts.) I heard about this book in a political podcast and, lo and behold, it turns out that my library had it.
Just to let you know where I am coming from as I review this book, I am a Never Trump Republican and have been since 2015. I am anti-MAGA. Hurd got my attention because he says a lot of the same things.
That being said, his audiobook was a mixed for me. It has real moments of clarity and inspiration but it also has sections that are kind of boring (discussions of old political fights and debates, for example.) I am going to end up giving the book 3 stars our of 5 because it was not a bad listen, but also not an amazing listen.
What it all comes down to is this - while this is not the most exciting book, listening to him speak about a wide variety of topics for almost 9 hours did help me decide to look into Will Hurd more seriously (here is his campaign website) and at this time he is my choice in the GOP primary. What does that mean? Probably nothing - I was a Ted Cruz man in 2015 and I've been nothing but disappointed in him since 2016. But, it's good to know that I have an option in the Republican Party after feeling 100% left out since the summer of 2016.
The book demonstrated that you can have Conservative principles and not be MAGA in today's GOP. You can argue and not be unpleasant and demeaning. You can argue and learn new things and change your mind. You can have friends in the other party because they're not evil - they just see the world differently than you. Also, you don't have to participate in the culture wars to win.
June 13, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of Will Hurd’s American Reboot.
Wow! I can totally relate to Will’s take on the need for an American reboot. Not only is he intelligent and pragmatic but he has a way that connects through partisan lines.
The opening story about a crowd in an alley surrounding his car where Will ultimately runs over a woman’s flip flop dragging her foot is a prime example of how we want our government to act. He took control of the situation, gave money for care and provided transportation for such care which quickly de-escalated the situation.
In our current political climate, those in power are too focused on voting solely amongst their party lines that they fail to do the right thing. They leave both their opponents and constituents lacking the desired leadership.
Hurd touches on subjects of the Republican Party in relation to U.S. voters, lack of leadership, growing income equality, and waning military dominance. He explains why these mobs are surfacing and offers realistic ways to combat them. I liked how he pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of both parties.
I highly recommend this book. I found it interesting and hopeful for a more united America.
Wow! I can totally relate to Will’s take on the need for an American reboot. Not only is he intelligent and pragmatic but he has a way that connects through partisan lines.
The opening story about a crowd in an alley surrounding his car where Will ultimately runs over a woman’s flip flop dragging her foot is a prime example of how we want our government to act. He took control of the situation, gave money for care and provided transportation for such care which quickly de-escalated the situation.
In our current political climate, those in power are too focused on voting solely amongst their party lines that they fail to do the right thing. They leave both their opponents and constituents lacking the desired leadership.
Hurd touches on subjects of the Republican Party in relation to U.S. voters, lack of leadership, growing income equality, and waning military dominance. He explains why these mobs are surfacing and offers realistic ways to combat them. I liked how he pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of both parties.
I highly recommend this book. I found it interesting and hopeful for a more united America.
September 4, 2023
Will Hurd was a three time congressman and a CIA operative. While in Congress he did a couple of things - first, he was reputed to do great constituent service. Second, he honed in on policy areas where he could bring some expertise including technology and immigration. Third and most important he tried to work across the aisle. Hurd was unpredictable in many ways. He did not always support the president of his own party or the other. Second, for the most part he kept to a clear set of values in his public life. All those qualities would suggest that this book is worth reading. AND IT IS!
Hurd mounted a presidential campaign which was not gaining enough momentum to participate in the first GOP debate in August 2023. I don't know whether he has a chance to get into the second debate. If you want to hear him before buying the book Bari Weiss did a great interview on HONESTLY (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...). I suspect that if he were to become a nominee that I would be attracted to Hurd as a candidate; there are clearly some areas where I think he is wrong - but I cannot fault the way he comes to ideas and proposals. We need a ton more politicians like him.
Hurd mounted a presidential campaign which was not gaining enough momentum to participate in the first GOP debate in August 2023. I don't know whether he has a chance to get into the second debate. If you want to hear him before buying the book Bari Weiss did a great interview on HONESTLY (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...). I suspect that if he were to become a nominee that I would be attracted to Hurd as a candidate; there are clearly some areas where I think he is wrong - but I cannot fault the way he comes to ideas and proposals. We need a ton more politicians like him.
May 7, 2022
Since the author spent 3 terms in Congress, one might conclude it is just another politician’s book.
That conclusion would be a bad mistake.
The author uses what he has learned through out his life, including his time with the CIA working in very dangerous circumstances, to paint a picture of what the US should, can and must do to change from our current downward spiral. He provides a restart path to bright future benefiting all Americans and our fellow in habitants of this planet.
Please read the book.
That conclusion would be a bad mistake.
The author uses what he has learned through out his life, including his time with the CIA working in very dangerous circumstances, to paint a picture of what the US should, can and must do to change from our current downward spiral. He provides a restart path to bright future benefiting all Americans and our fellow in habitants of this planet.
Please read the book.
May 14, 2023
Rep. Hurd walks a fine line in his book, articulating a vision of a conservative party that works for all Americans.
One of his best points is that if you can find representation that meets 80% or your goals, it’s a win.
I had a few minor quibbles with the book, but he far exceeded the 80% agreement goal.
His is a good model for other conservatives seeking office would do well to emulate. Focus on constituent services, national security, and think broadly about what’s best for America and Americans long term.
Very worthwhile reading.
One of his best points is that if you can find representation that meets 80% or your goals, it’s a win.
I had a few minor quibbles with the book, but he far exceeded the 80% agreement goal.
His is a good model for other conservatives seeking office would do well to emulate. Focus on constituent services, national security, and think broadly about what’s best for America and Americans long term.
Very worthwhile reading.
July 6, 2023
This book is a campaign website in book form. His track record of sponsoring (and in a few cases, passing) meaningful bipartisan legislation in Congress is noteworthy. Many more members of Congress need to seek compromise on meaningful legislation in order for the USA to “reboot.” His cautions about foreign policy, especially China, and cybersecurity make sense. He doesn’t mention how to pay for many of his ideas, such as state and local government boosting teacher pay, or creating better cybersecurity defenses.
July 19, 2023
I was encouraged by Will’s analysis of the data. He presents practical solutions to real problems while illuminating the dangers of getting distracted by the petty disputes between parties. Agree or disagree, I wish every citizen of these United States would give this book a listen or a read and thoughtfully consider their next vote and demand more of their representatives.
Thank you, Will, for providing your service to our country. Your insights and perspectives based on your first hand experience were much appreciated.
Thank you, Will, for providing your service to our country. Your insights and perspectives based on your first hand experience were much appreciated.
July 26, 2023
I appreciated the chance to read a politician’s vision for the future. I think Hurd points out a lot of valid things to worry about, focus on, and ultimately change in the near and far future. However, the book was a lot of general explanations of what Hurd thought should happen rather than what Hurd will do to make those things happen.
I also quibble with the editing - there were a number of awkward phrasings, grammatical errors, and areas that went on a tangent and could have been tightened up to make a greater impact. A stronger editing eye may have helped the end product.
I also quibble with the editing - there were a number of awkward phrasings, grammatical errors, and areas that went on a tangent and could have been tightened up to make a greater impact. A stronger editing eye may have helped the end product.
February 3, 2023
Provocative Thinking
This book is one that makes me think. It will challenge one's naivety. I like the general message of the author that we have more in common with each other than we have different. This is the point that we must rally around. We must look beyond our borders and see that we are not each other's enemy and unite to fight beyond our borders, if we are to stay ahead of China.
This book is one that makes me think. It will challenge one's naivety. I like the general message of the author that we have more in common with each other than we have different. This is the point that we must rally around. We must look beyond our borders and see that we are not each other's enemy and unite to fight beyond our borders, if we are to stay ahead of China.
April 27, 2022
I wish he lead the Republican Party!
In the age of bombastic political leaders on both sides, it is refreshing to see a politician that can thoughtfully articulate the issues and challenges facing America today. We need leaders like this to remind us that more unites us than divides us. In other words, Country and Duty before Political Party. Well done!
In the age of bombastic political leaders on both sides, it is refreshing to see a politician that can thoughtfully articulate the issues and challenges facing America today. We need leaders like this to remind us that more unites us than divides us. In other words, Country and Duty before Political Party. Well done!
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