Aboard Air Force One: 200,000 Miles With a White House Aide [Paperback]

Ken Chitester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997

During his two years at the White House, Ken Chitester kept President Bill Clinton abreast of breaking news on trips around the world. Here are inside stories from 22 countries, 36 states and 137 cities. Find out what happens behind the curtain of the world's biggest stage. Hear what White House aides say away from the microphones and cameras. Pack your bags and come along. Welcome aboard Air Force One.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Chitester, currently a political analyst who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, writes of his days as the White House director of the Office of News Analysis in the Clinton administration. This office produces an estimated 5.7 million pages of news reports annually, summarizing stories from newspapers, television, magazines, and wire services. Chitester monitored the news as he traveled to 22 countries, 36 states, and 137 cities with the president. Through Chitester's experiences, readers gains insight into what the author sees as the "obsession with power" in Washington. At the same time, he shows how many people are involved in working hard to run the country. This book of contemporary interest gives insight into the Clinton administration as well as what it is like to work as part of any White House staff. It includes an informative "Day in the Life" section, describing a typical day as an aide. Recommended for libraries with current events and political interests.?Mary F. Salony, West Virginia Northern Community Coll. Lib.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

On one level, this is a likable tale about an unpretentious guy. But it's also a depressing reminder that much of the presidency has become a giant road production. ... Chitester's book is also an important reminder that politics and campaigns remain a pretty meritocratic endeavor where kids from modest backgrounds and state colleges can find themselves in exciting positions. -- The Washington Monthly, Nov. 1997

Packed with details large and small -- from health-care policy to what the President ate for lunch -- this insider's journal describes how the White House communications staff works ... and works. -- Indiana Alumni Magazine, Nov./Dec. 1997

There's some fresh and genuine insight here as to how the White House works internally -- and while they appear unintentional, juicy and intriguing glimpses of famous folks pepper the narrative, plopped into chapter after chapter without any warning. ... You know after a couple of pages that Chitester is a stone truth-teller. -- Gannett News Service, Jan. 1998

Want a real story of politics in action and the President at work? This reveals staffer experiences and special challenges. -- The Bookwatch, Nov. 1997

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Fithian Pr; First Edition edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564742342
• ISBN-13: 978-1564742346
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,995,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great peek inside "the bubble", April 10, 2001

By 

Scott C. Hutchings (Golden, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aboard Air Force One: 200,000 Miles With a White House Aide (Paperback)

I have worked on political campaigns professionally for many years and always wondered what it would be like to work for the President. This book opened my eyes beyond the glamour of the West Wing and let me ride along motorcades, helicopters and of course Air Force One. If you are interested in what goes into moving the President and his staff this is the book for you. A great read for any political junkie.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The ride has a few bumps., December 31, 1999

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aboard Air Force One: 200,000 Miles With a White House Aide (Paperback)

"Air Force One you are clear for take off." These words are spoken every time the President's plane is about to travel, and I often wonder what happens on that plane. For the first time we have an inside look.

Follow along as the author tells you what it's like to ride along with the most powerful leader in the free world. You travel back to the days when Bill Clinton first approached a white aide for the job.

Sit back and relax as you read about the travel to over 20 countries, over 35 states and countless miles. You read with wonder, awe and maybe a little envy as you hear what the behind the scenes talk.

The author does a great job of detailing the stories, each coming alive and giving this reviewer a glimpse of what it takes to keep the President up to date on the daily happenings. Overall a real easy read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing scandalous about this one...It's Just Plain Good!, November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Aboard Air Force One: 200,000 Miles With a White House Aide (Paperback)

Ken Chitester gives a top notch behind the scenes account of what it's really like to work in the White House. Unfortunately this aspect of the job has been overlooked in recent headlines. As President Clinton's former news analyst, Chitester is clearly a keen observer. He combines these skills with a quirky sense of humor to produce a work that's both entertaining and factual. I really good balance. If I can stuff this book in a stocking, I know what I'm giving for Christmas.