The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects [Paperback]

Colin Campbell (Editor), Bert A. Rockman (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1568029098 | ISBN-13: 978-1568029092 | Publication Date: December 2003

As the most current, substantive, and serious look at the Bush Presidency available to students today, this timely collection of original perspectives is the how-they’re doing-so-far report you have been waiting for. Bush’s presidency intriguing for many reasons. The unusual circumstances of Bush’s ascent to the presidency, the political success of his campaigns to cut taxes, the horrific events of 9/11, the waning of the economic boom, corporate corruption, and the rise of a unilateral and muscular approach to U.S. foreign policy—are just some of the distinguishing factors discussed in this balanced collection. Each contributor focuses on one aspect of the Bush administration ranging from the president’s leadership style and the influence of interest groups, to the effects of public opinion and the role of the courts. This authoritative book provides measured and nuanced assessment of Bush’s accomplishments, failures, and frustrations at a particularly eventful time in American history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Colin Campbell is Canada Research Chair in U.S. Government and Politics at the University of British Columbia. Previously, he was University Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University. He has published nine books, three of which have won awards.

Bert A. Rockman is director of, and professor in, The School of Public Policy and Management at The Ohio State University where he also holds an appointment in Political Science. His books include The Leadership Question, which was awarded the Richard E. Neustadt Prize by the APSA's presidency section. He is a past president of that section and is currently president of the Midwest Conference for Public Administration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 361 pages
• Publisher: CQ Press (December 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568029098
• ISBN-13: 978-1568029092
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,683,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Someone Who Actually Read the Book, February 19, 2009

By 

joestatetexas "joestatetexas" (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects (Paperback)

There's a difference between a subject and a book/review on the subject. Regardless of your opinion on the Bush presidency, this book is a wonderfully organized and concise compendium of essays written by some of our nation's foremost Political Scientists. In an era of 24/7 news and opinion-driven, tell-all bestsellers, a scholarly ensemble like this comes across like a breath of fresh air.

This book offers analysis of President Bush's first three years in office, right before the capture of Saddam Hussein in December 2003. It's essays are split into general categories (Leadership Style, Judicial Appointments, his cooperation with Congress, his public approval ratings, etc.) Apart from it's essays, it is illustrated with public opinion charts on attitudes about the case-for-war and the president's approval, which are equally as timely as the essays themselves.

The arrangement of these essays is written with perspective, that is it takes the time to analyze Bush within the context of the moment, as well as it's possible future implications. Of course, this would not be complete without a review of his handling on 9/11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and his ultimate decision towards invading Iraq. Colin Campbell, the co-editor of this book, covers these aspects in an essay of his own. I also found OSU Professor Bert Rockman's final analysis on Bush's leadership in a highly partisan era to be a cautionary warning of the dangers of permanent campaigning over substantive governance.

After finishing it, I was actually encouraged to buy the rest of the books in Mr. Campbell's series, beginning with an appraisal on Bush 41 in 1992, Clinton in '96 and '00, and Bush 43 again in '08. In an age where political punditry and commentary are dime-a-dozen, you can rely on this series to be objective and informative.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars WORTHLESS, August 16, 2008

By 

Astonished (Brunswick, ME United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects (Paperback)

This book is so completely bigoted and destructive in historical value as to be dangerously worthless. Do not waste your money on this tabloid trash.