Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book thinking that I would read a chapter or two a week and learn some previously unknown nuggets of information and insights about our past presidents. Without giving away spoilers or free samples, I read the first chapter. It was so good I then read chapter two. Then chapter three. The next thing I know, I'm done with the book in one sitting. Though I didn't agree with some of their assessments of some Presidents (I'm a conservative and these are mainstream media types so it's safe to say they are a bit to the left of myself), the book was never lacking in original insights and lessons. Moreover, there were no cheap shots taken under the belt, even in the sections that I may have disagreed with. It's very fair. Chapter one is definitely worth the price of the book for those interested in the Presidency and anyone looking to get into T.R.'s proverbial Arena of politics. I personally found that the parts of the book that dealt with how the Presidency is covered and the give and take between the President/Executive Branch and the fourth estate, particularly the fourth chapter, came to life, for obvious reasons--Thomas and Crawford are journalists! A surprisingly wonderful and insightful read--and that's coming from a conservative who isn't too fond of most in the mainstream media. Go buy a copy, you won't regret it.

Nearly sixty years covering ten presidents definitely qualifies Helen Thomas, a White House reporter and journalist, as an individual who "knows everything we always wanted our president to know and do."

I've enjoyed her previous books, had hoped to discover new tidbits, however there was nothing I didn't know and I mostly agreed with everything in the book! No doubt this is because I was born in 1936 and enjoy presidential history,American history, politics,everything "White House." (even the kitchen!)

For the younger generation this book is a valuable tool - actually I advise anyone voting for a president to read it before they vote, and of course, I would expect every candidate to be informed before they decide they want this demanding job.

Helen Thomas comes straight to the point, pulls no punches, and gives the reader plenty of political savvy. I would have liked her views on several press secretaries as her questions are directed to them most of the time since presidents shy away from reporters as much as possible, much to their dismay.

Let's hope our young president takes time to read words of wisdom and advice from a reporter who is serious about the public's right to know.....everything! I recommend the book for the interesting stories and insights - agree or not it's a good read. The co-author, Craig Crawford's contributions to the book are not defined. At any rate, it is well-written and timely.

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.

Someone should place a copy of this book on every table in the White House where all Presidents could have it handy for quick reference. Anyone hoping to be President, should read it immediately to find out how to be a good one. Helen Thomas has been an up close, frontline observer of the breed for sixty years and knows the requirements for the job. She can draw on decades of examples from successful presidents and those who disappointed. Craig Crawford, her cowriter, is one of the few pundits able to discuss political issues with sanity and humor. The combination makes for a great insiders book of "how to" for the hardest job on the planet.

Helen Thomas is always informative...one of the greats when it comes to keeping us informed about what is going on at the White House. She is uniquely qualified to write this book.

If you enjoy presidential anecdotes and history, this is the book for you. "Listen up.." is a great historical perspective of presidential missteps, mistakes, and unintentional and intentional shenanigans; this book should be required reading for anyone thinking about running for president. Problem is, I doubt any presidential prospect would heed the advice of Thomas and Crawford; too much ego involved. A definite 5 star because presidents should "listen." President Obama, READ THIS BOOK!!

This book is written so well and clearly that every president in my (long) lifetime could have learned from it while enjoying the experience. And citizens should read it too, gaining perspective on what presidents realistically can and can't do.

The authors' qualifications to write this primer have been documented time and time again. And their concise, clear writing style gets to the point. It's an excellent read.

I picked this book up at a book fair and got both authors to sign it. Helen Thomas is the dean of the White House press corps, having served as a reporter there since the Kennedy administration. It's an easy read and well-written, serving as a civics lesson and history guide to presidential behavior (both good and bad). They take an especially harsh view of George W. Bush, calling him the worst president of the post-World War II era, a claim I certainly won't dispute.

The book is also filled with historical nuggets - who remembers that Grover Cleveland was such a great reformer? And that presidents should always do the right thing for the country, even if that costs them their presidencies. At times, the book strays into direct advice for the president himself, such as to work on his listening skills. Those parts of the book seem to be geared toward a single person, rather than a general audience. Overall it is written for us, the American people, and reminds us that the president is to serve the republic.

If you've ever wondered about what it's like to see the White House from a journalist's perspective, this book is for you. But fear not - it's not just a subjective narrative. "Listen Up, Mr. President" contains a lot of interesting tidbits from our history all the way back to the days of George Washington. Having been born under the Nixon presidency, I have always been suspicious about all politicians and, more specifically, the "leader of the free world". I thoroughly enjoyed what the authors have to share and found the book to be a fun read as well.

I am reading 'Listen Up..." and am finding it entertaining, enlighting and funny. It has piqued my interest of our Presidents and I am inspired to do further research on my own!
Good Job!