Leading from the Center: Why Moderates Make the Best Presidents (Hardcover)

~ GIL TROY (Author)
Key Phrases: middle measure, bipartisan consensus, White House, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This well-intended book is an enjoyable exercise in wishful thinking. Historian Troy of McGill University (Morning in America) plays the part of pundit by arguing that moderate presidents have always served the U.S. better than others. Americans are centrists at heart, he says, tracing the ups and downs of national consensus through the Bush administration. Yet Lincoln, one of Troy's heroes, wasn't moderate when it came to secession—he refused to compromise. Troy's definition of best presidents is also open to debate. Does best mean most effective or most conforming to Troy's centrist hopes? The author may think he's swimming in fresh waters, but instead he's offering a venerable American prayer for tranquil and harmonious government. The founders themselves deplored partisanship. And while Troy claims to roam over all American presidential history, he picks and chooses his early subjects, then deals with every president since FDR. Nevertheless, he makes his case in as robust a fashion as possible. That his history is stronger than his argument doesn't detract from the pleasure of the work. (June)
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Product Description

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy-most would agree their presidencies were among the most successful in American history. But what made these very different men such effective leaders? According to presidential historian Gil Troy, these presidents succeeded not because of their bold political visions, but because of their moderation. Although many of the presidential hopefuls for 2008 will claim to be moderates, the word cannot conceal a political climate defined by extreme rhetoric and virulent partisanship. In Leading From the Center, Gil Troy argues that this is a distinctly un-American state of affairs. The great presidents of American history have always sought a golden mean-from Washington, who brilliantly mediated between the competing visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, to Lincoln, who rescued the Union with his principled pragmatism, to the two Roosevelts, who united millions of Americans with their powerful, affirmative, nationalist visions. As America lines up to select a president for the future, Gil Troy astutely reminds us of the finest traditions of presidential leadership from our nation's past.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (June 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465002935
• ISBN-13: 978-0465002931
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,003,429 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, August 3, 2008

By	Harriet - See all my reviews

I was extremely happy with this book. Wonderfully written, it provided a deep and meaningful historical background to the upcoming election, which will clearly be defined by its moderate nominees.

I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in American political history, or with an interest in the 2008 election. It is an extremely engaging account of moderate presidents, and why they were successful. How timely!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, August 3, 2008

By	Zak Miller - See all my reviews

Bravo Mr. Troy!

What a dynamic read, what a tour de force! Once again, Gil Troy brings his poetic talents to the realm of american political history, and gives us another masterpiece. Whether you agree with his positions or not, you cannot help but be enthralled by his style and respect his talent for debate.

Leading from the Center is a must-read for anyone with an interest in our country's great political traditions. Not only will you learn much about this timely topic, but you'll have fun doing it!