Listen Up, Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do

by Helen Thomas, Craig Crawford

Helen Thomas has covered the administrations of ten presidents in a career spanning nearly sixty years. She is known for her famous press conference closing line, "Thank you, Mr. President," but here she trades deference for directness. Thomas and veteran journalist Craig Crawford hold nothing back as they use former occupants of the White House to provide a witty, history-rich lesson plan of what it takes to be a good president. Combining sharp observation and dozens of examples from the fi rst presidency through the forty-fourth, the authors outline the qualities, attitudes, and political and personal choices that make for the most successful leaders, and the least. Calvin Coolidge, who hired the fi rst professional speechwriter in the White House, illuminates the importance of choosing words wisely. William Howard Taft, notorious for being so fat he broke his White House bathtub, shows how not to cultivate a strong public image. John F. Kennedy, who could handle the press corps and their questions with aplomb, shows how to establish a rapport with the press and open oneself up to the public. Ronald Reagan, who acknowledged the Iran-Contra affair in a television address, demonstrates how telling hard truths can earn forgiveness and even public trust. By gleaning lessons from past leaders, Thomas and Crawford not only highlight those that future presidents should follow but also pinpoint what Americans should look for and expect in their president. Part history lesson, part presidential primer, Listen Up, Mr. President is smart, entertaining, and exceedingly edifying.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Helen Thomas was a noted news service reporter, a Hearst Newspapers columnist, and member of the White House Press Corps. She served for fifty-seven years as a correspondent and, later, White House bureau chief for United Press International (UPI). Thomas covered every president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, was the first woman officer of the National Press Club, was the first woman member and president of the White House Correspondents Association, and the first woman member of the Gridiron Club.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some great ideas/quotes in this short book. Helen Thomas gives a great summary of recent presidents, with advice directed to whomever is president. This was published in 2009, so she ends with Obama having just taken office. Lots of insight from someone who had a front-row seat to 10 presidents.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! What do you want your president to know and do? This book hits the nail on the head about that with practical suggestions and history lessons on what makes presidents fail, great and just successful.

What would you tell your president that would make him or her successful to you? I would tell the president to be as open as possible and tell the truth, maintain and grow America's moral energy and moral authority in the world through our actions, maintain national security and defense without violating the Constitution or the law in any way, starting unnecessary wars or continuing wars of past administrations (where it makes sense), and accomplish as much budget-neutral and budget-reducing policy as possible that will improve the lives of American citizens (not just the rich or corporations). Note, Mr. or Madam President: trickle-down economics doesn't work. See President Reagan's policies and their consequences.

The administration must not redistribute wealth from the poor, working and middle classes to the rich. The president should not disrespect those who lose their jobs because of a poor economy and have trouble finding new jobs, and the president should strongly admonish any Congressperson or Senator who does so (like you, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah). The unemployed want to get back to work at jobs comparable to the jobs they lost in pay and benefits. Public assistance provides basic survival. It does not provide a desirable working or middle class lifestyle. So stop saying those who receive unemployment are lazy or drug-users or anything else derogatory. Try passing legislation that stimulates the creation of good jobs.

He or she must respond quickly and strongly to disasters, natural or man-made. First should be saving lives, then saving jobs and local economies, rebuilding, and holding those responsible (if applicable) fully accountable with as little taxpayer money as possible. Any jobs created by the disaster should go to those locally affected by the disaster. No outside workers should be brought in until every local person who wants a job gets one. Insurance companies must also have their feet held to the fire to compensate policy holders without using loopholes to deny claims to make a profit off of people who are suffering.

Next big picture thing is do what the people need, not what the lobbyists are paid to influence you to do for the special interests. Your special interest should be we the people. Cover the people's butt before you cover your own to remain in power.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of a few clever teachers who made class so entertaining that you didn't realize you were learning. Thomas and Crawford write in the style of a easy, friendly conversation, yet this volume is full of fascinating details about the characteristics that made a wide variety of presidents more effective (or less so), and what got them into trouble or mitigated their troubles. Highly recommended if you follow politics.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to admit I am a fan of Helen Thomas. I admire a woman who is no-nonsense, direct, and lets you know exactly what she thinks.

This book was a really interesting read. It provided a great insight into history.

I do recommend it for anyone who is either interested in presidential history or for anyone who ever wants to be a leader of anything. Many of the points she provides are applicable to any good leader.

[Djayawarman Alamprabu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The accomplishment to spin the news about her true journalism to labeled as anti semitic is surely a proven fact how corrupt and sick american media is. Which reflect on america society and the US government.

This simple questions that she has is truly a fierce journalism as a means to seek truth from corrupt US president.
Even Barack Obama cannot handle her simple questions and show who he really is :P
Bravo to Helen

[Chris Aylott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I hoped it would be. Thomas and Crawford have some interesting bits of presidential history, and I suspect I'm going to follow up by reading more about the underrated Grover Cleveland. But most of the advice reads like The Prince without all the nasty realpolitik, and that's just earnest and dull.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Thomas the doyenne of the White House Press Corp has captured my attention with this book. The matter of fact details that ordinary citzens are not privy to helps to confirm the balance of power in politics and for sure its with the Press.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, although I expected better than "okay" from these two authors.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic short review: Guide of what to do and not to do while president. Covers a lot of territory. Very well written. Helen Thomas knows her stuff.

[Bethany Dinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE Helen Thomas!!

[Kirk Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Illustrates the importance of press journalists - not to be confused with FOX.