Customer Reviews

The George W. Bush Presidency: Appraisals and Prospects

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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.

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.