Customer Reviews

Strategery: How George W. Bush Is Defeating Terrorists, Outwitting Democrats, and Confounding the Mainstream Media

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

If, like me, you often feel that you have fallen down the rabbit hole when you watch most newscasts or read most big city newspapers, this book will come as a delightful return to reality. It is like stepping out of the looking glass back into a world of normality (not normalcy) and where facts actually do connect and emotion doesn't prescribe the framework for a desired reality.

However, before I understood that the author covers the Whitehouse for the Washington Times, the title had me suspicious that the book was bashing Bush. The phrase, as you probably know, comes from a brilliant SNL sketch of a Presidential debate where Will Ferrell as Bush uses the word "strategery" to describe his presidency. It was a beautiful and funny moment, but did not actually represent Bush. What I did not know, until I read this book, is that Karl Rove uses the word for a weekly meeting of Whitehouse strategists.

Bill Sammon captures the story of the Bush Kerry contest for the 2004 election and this covers the first two hundred pages. The author exposes several of the breaches of journalistic ethics to try and steer the election towards Kerry including a scathing behind the scenes telling of the fake Texas National Guard memos that ended up backfiring on Rather, Mapes, and others at CBS. He also shows how CBS sat this story and gave the Whitehouse only a few hours to respond so they could paint things in a worse light. Just as they had with the Abu Ghraib scandal when Rather's on the air story conflated what the run amok soldiers did with Saddam's tortures in order to smear Bush, Rumsfeld and our armed forces. Of course, not having learned their lesson and seething with a desire to "get even", CBS set off a stink bomb late in the campaign with the help of the NY Times. However, the Times jumped the gun on the "stolen arms from a bunker" story and gave truly honest journalists, the Whitehouse, and the military, time to look into the matter and it turned out to be all but nothing. Phhhtt.

The book takes us through the post election euphoria, the John Roberts confirmation, and the unreality of the Katrina media coverage where they fulfilled an outlandish prediction by Rush Limbaugh that the left would find a way to blame Bush for the natural disaster. Everything Rush predicted was fulfilled to a bizarre degree.

The book ends with the Alito nomination (but doesn't cover the confirmation hearings) and the realization by some that if Bush's vision for Iraq actually comes to pass, it will actually change the way people live on this planet. What is quite strange is how some on the left openly desire failure not because success wouldn't be good, but because their desire for power and control would be thwarted.

Of course, this book will be simultaneously attacked by those who have not read it, ignored by as much of the mainstream media that can get away with shutting it down, and the author will be smeared. At least that is what past experience would lead me to believe. I would be thrilled and delighted to be wrong this time.

Enjoy! I know I loved the sense of standing on solid ground in a clear world this book gave me. It was a great deal of fun to read about the discomfiture of Rather, Mapes, et al and to read Bush's words provided in context and treated with the respect they actually deserve.

This book is one of the first I've seen that provides a comprehensive discussion of the 2004 Election. Now that the 2004 election is over a year behind us, people have gotten a chance to examine all the events, poll results, and tactics. Bill Sammon provides us his take.

Negative reviews call this a book for apologists. But all I saw was just a straight-forward statement of fact, all of which can be checked easily in a Lexis-Nexus search. I really didn't see much spin at all.

For example, Sammon discusses the Abu Ghraib scandal without making any excuses. It was truly a major victory for Mary Mapes and CBS News. The author admitted it happened. All he added was to point out the (obvious) difference between what the US troops did and what Saddam Hussein did.

He discusses "Memogate" at length. Whether you are pro- or anti-Bush, the fact of the matter was that after all the dust settled, Dan Rather was forced into early retirement, and CBS fired Mapes, senior VP Betsy West, and two producers. CBS News President Andrew Heyward announced that CBS was wrong to use the memos, and was later forced out himself. George Bush had nothing to do with these dismissals.

Critics insist the content of the memos was still true even if the authenticity of the docs was not. But this begs the question:

If accusations about Bush's military service were so rock-solid, how come the best evidence that a top-notch reporter like Mary Mapes could get were four documents that all four of CBS' own hired analysts refused to certify?

John Kerry really did accuse the military of atrocities back in the 1970s. All the Swift Boat Veterans did was to remind the public of fact.

How is this apologizing for George Bush?

On election day, none of the major news networks would declare Bush the winner even after 99% of the vote was in. They finally called it after Kerry conceded the election which is something networks never did when covering Clinton's election and re-election (even though Clinton never won over 49% of the vote).

How is this apologizing for George Bush?

In January 2005, 8.5 million Iraqis defied threats of violence to take part in the country's first free elections in decades. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi threatened to cut off their heads and the heads of their children. Yet the turnout was a stunning 60%. Iraq went on to hold elections in October and December of the same year.

How is this apologizing for George Bush?

Tom Daschle (D, SD) was the first Senate leader in 52 years to lose re-election. Louisiana elected its first Republican senator since Reconstruction. Erskine Bowles, Clinton's former chief of staff, was defeated in his bid for North Carolina's Senate seat vacated by John Edwards.

How is this apologizing for George Bush?

Strategery obviously picks up where Sammons' last book, Misunderestimated, left off, which was basically in the heat of the Democratic primaries. Strategery focuses mainly on the battle for the presidency between Bush and Kerry from May of 2004 to election night. Pretty much everything is covered. From the Swift Boat Veterans to "I actually voted for it before I voted against it," all that happened in the 2004 election is covered well, and in an unbiased fashion. Don't get me wrong, it is no secret that Bill Sammons is a supporter of George W. Bush, but any intelligent reader will recognize that Sammon is still, at heart, a reporter who just wants to get to the truth, it just so happens that the truth is on Bush's side throughout most of the book.

A lot of people probably don't want to relive the last election, but I, since it was the first election I ever voted in, look back on this past election with an extremely high regard. I think that this election was historic, and will be looked at that way in the near future. Honestly, though, it is just really gratifying to read about all the crap that the Democrats and Kerry threw at Bush for 6 straight months, only for Bush to come out on top once again. Whether it was the Abu Grhaib photos, which Sammons covers very honestly, or Memogate, which can be looked back on with pure glee, knowing the fates of Rather and Mapes, you have to admit that the cards were stacked against Bush in 2004, but he somehow pulled it off.

Off the topic of the election, though, the book continues on covering until very recently. The book examines Hurrican Katrina and the recent Supreme Court nominations, as well as a breif look at the CIA leak scandal, and the recent debates on Iraq that involved crazy Cindy Sheehan, or senile Edward Murtha. Quite frankly, if you support Bush, you will love this book. If you hate Bush, don't read the book, it will only make you angry, because I am sure that most people who don't like Bush already have their minds set, and some simple book will not change anyone's mind, it is just night to get somewhat of an insider's glimpse of the Beltway every once in a while. No matter how closely I follow politics, whenever I read a book like this, I always find out some bit of juicy info that you wouldn't know unless you covered the goings on of Washington for a living. It is just a bonus when the author agrees with you politically...

With all the negativity from the main-stream press, Sammon presents facts and perspective. I was reminded about many important turns of event regarding the War on Terror and why it's so important to win it. It was also great to re-live the events of the '04 election, and the fact that the Democrats are floundering and desperate.
Strategery is a great read!

It's only when the books come out that you begin to understand what happened. This book is one of those. It's unabashedly pro-Bush.

Talking a bit about the sub-title can probably give you a good idea about the book.

Defeating Terrorists. It does appear that the al Queda have decided that Iraq is a good place to attack. It appears that they are losing a goodly number of people. We are losing some also, but not nearly as many as we did at the World Trade Center. Fighting them in Iraq is better than fighting them in New York.

Outwitting Democrats. He won the election. The Democrats may be screaming that he stole it, but come on guys, it's President Bush, not President Kerry. The American people tend to vote for the candidate considered the most centric. While Bush was pretty far right, Kerry was viewed as further left from the center. If the Democrats want to win, put us a centrist candidate, and no that isn't Hillary or Dean.

Confounding the Mainstream Media. Yes, the media tends to be liberal and they simply cannot understand why Bush has any popularity at all.

Reviews of this book are likely to be either 'great' or 'full of lies.' Unfortunately most of these reviews will be based on what they think of Bush rather than on the book itself. I tend towards the great side, not because of what I think of Bush, but because it clearly describes how the conservative side is viewing the incidents we all see happening around us. It's good reading.

For those who think that because of the title, this book is a diatribe against George Bush, you're in for a surprise. In fact it is quite the opposite, providing a glowing profile of Bush and his advisors, while having little positive, sorry nothing positive, to say about the "mainstream media" and Democrats. For "mainstream media" read, journalists who do not appreciate George Bush.
Despite this lack of objectivity, Strategery is an enjoyable read. James Carvilles' dust jacket comment that the book contains "a treasure trove of insight into how Bush won the 2004 election" is accurate.
Bush lovers will love this book. Bush bashers will hate it. Once one accepts the author's preferences, this is an interesting, completely non-objective look at (whatever your view of "Dubya" in the White House is) a successful politician.

This is Bill Sammon's third book on the Presidency of George W. Bush. The extraordinary access given to Mr. Sammon is evident in the detail and atmosphere that is consistent throughout this whole series. I am assuming (Always a dangerous thing!) that this access has been provided because the author actually tries to be as objective as possible, a trait sorely missing in the media of today. As this review is written, we are reacting to the discovery of the latest Islamic terror plot to kill thousands of passengers in jumbo jets over the Atlantic. Watching the press and politicians try to spin the story, along with the constant parade of altered 'news' photos from Lebanon, it is refreshing, and critically important, to know that somebody in the media actually sticks to the facts instead of injecting his political and personal prejudices into every word produced.

Mr. Sammon sticks to the facts and occasionally asks the hard questions. His unfettered access comes through in the open and easy answers the President provides to his questions. As a self professed "News Junkie", I like to think that I keep myself well informed; but I have learned much from reading this book. Mr. Sammon's "behind the scenes' insight reached it's height in his coverage of election night 2004. The reader will come away with a much clearer understanding of what really happened on Election Day 2004, and well into that night. It seemed that the TV networks had sunk as low as possible in their 2000 Election coverage, but they managed to top their sorry performance in 2004. Throughout the marathon, shamelessly prolonged by the media, Mr. Sammon conveys the evolving situation, from the disastrous, flawed early exit polls, through the state-by-state results trickling in throughout the evening, to the media attempts to influence the results in the 'battleground' state of Ohio. As the events of the night unfold, Mr. Sammon accurately captures the highs and lows of the Bush team as they try to make sense of conflicting and contradictory information. His account of how the President and his inner circle reacted to, and attempted to interpret, what was actually happening, alone makes the book worth reading.

This is the third installment of Mr. Sammon's coverage of the Bush Administration, and the three books flow easily, covering the past six years in his easy, readable style.

This is no "Puff Piece" about the Bush Era, but a balanced, easily read account of what has happened on the inside. These are difficult times, and it is important that we all stay well informed and involved. This book makes it easier to do so. It will be interesting to see how these books stand the test of time. I'm hopeful that Mr. Sammon will continue his series with the finale.

As a student attending a liberal college that constantly perpetuates and uplifts lib ideas--I welcomed this satisfying accident.. So glad I decided to visit Border's bookstore last nite--(read about 2 chaps)

Details leading up to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina were especially mind-blowing. The federal government was to SUPPLEMENT aid and FEMA existed to cOORDINATE if ever a natural disaster happened--NOT orchestrate and commandeer the entire operation! Notably, Louisiana local and state officials reserve much of the blame in my eyes for their lack of foresight and action--
President Bush had contacted Democrat Gov. Blanco prior to the storm, but she regrettably decided against his advice to evacuate, choosing to wait out another precious 24 hrs..

Before this book was published, I read of hundreds of buses in parking lots submerged in water because of no delegated drivers, 1/2- 1/3 the police force going AWOL, etc..IF Mayor Nagin and the crew were on the ball, they would've taken a more proactive approach (PRIOR to the hurricane's landfall), rather than defeatedly (and conveniently) pointing fingers to Fema 'n the Feds instead of their own faulty, internal State government's heads-
Louisiana officials are overseers of everyone in that state, but as difficult it is to admit, their unresolve and inaction to a KNOWN hurricane storm brewing -helped cause unwarranted atrocities to befall our fellow citizens..

**NOW** Imagine if you can, former NY Mayor Rudy Guiliani (during Sept 11th) as Mayor of Louisiana-what a mightier positive response would've ensued....

This book was excellent. I bought it at the airport on my way to Kansas for a wedding, and had read most of it by the time my plane landed. I think it was very well written, with a very intimate look at a president that is often inaccurately portrayed. Having the access that Sammon has, certainly gives him an advantage to get such an intimate portrayal of the "behind the scenes" life of the president and political events. Writing about every topic from the past election, to "Memogate", to quotes from the Daily Show, to bike rides with the president, to often unmentioned events in Libya, Lebanon, and positive news from around the world. It was refreshing to read someone discuss what drives our president, what his true agenda is (instead of looking for a scandal 24/7), how politics effects him, his reaction to certain events, and treating our president with dignity, respect, and a keen eye for observation. The quotes in this book, the "side stories", and the personal dialogue and events truly make this book a remarkable piece of writing. If you're looking for conspiracy theories, you're going to be disappointed, b/c you get an inside story from the side that often goes unreported. As for other users that have posted reviews on this book, senseless political jargon has no place in a "book review" forum. Spreading conspiracy theories without true evidence has been the story in the media, and often there is only one side given voice--the side that hates George Bush. I support our President, believe he has done a wonderful job, and have disagreed with him at times. I disagreed with his stance on the Dubai Ports deal, wish he was stronger on illegal immigration policies, and feel that he has not done a good job of voicing his policies, and the reasons/justification for him. I do feel he is honest, trustworthy, and straight up with the American people in what he says. He is a man that obviously does what he says he will do, does not waiver in the face of poll numbers, and has been very effective in securing our country, in an often misunderstood and "misunderestimated" policy. If you disagree with his policy, you are more than welcome to do that, however, attacking someone, calling them a liar, on a daily basis without substantial evidence is simply ridiculous, and I believe the majority of Americans often forget this man is our President, they forget what his presidency has been about--governing with decency, straight talk, and backing that up with doing what he says he is going to do. George Bush is in the middle of a new time. He is already a historic figure, and no American president has ever faced such an enemy as Al-Qaida, or the supreme task of defending this country when there are enemies like Al-Qaida that would just assume cut some journalists head off for fun, or walk into a coffee shop just to kill women and children by blowing themselves up. This is a pivotal time in our history, a time that we have never seen before, and it just seems as though this book defends (with substance) allegations and attacks from the president's most volatile foe--a mainstream media trying to make a buck, and advance their own agenda, that has lost focus on who the real enemy is. It's nice to read something that defends our president in the same manner he has governed--with a sense of decency, and debunking the conspiracy theories simply by giving the straight up facts, and inner dialogue that seems to be absent in the public, including a dose of reality.

I think this book is actually mis-titled as it is not as much a portrait of George W. Bush as it a description of the media's bias against him. In this way the text is actually superior to Bernard Goldberg's Bias (which was a great book). The access and thoroughness of the account is what makes Strategery so unique. Bill Sammon is quite authoritative when it comes to describing the figures and behaviors embodying the mainstream media. When you combine his journalistic probity with his talent as a writer, the net result is an excellent narrative which is tough to put down.

Strategery can be juxtaposed favorably with Fred Barnes' Rebel-in-Chief which was definitely more a work of hagiography than history or historical analysis. Barnes spins while Sammon records. His minute attention to detail is what makes the pages so vivid and alluring. The endless vignettes act as a character study regarding the president and his entourage. The media's distaste for him is never more notable than during the Dan Rather military records affair, and while reading the chapter, my blood re-boiled. Sammon tries his best to be detached, but readers comprehend that he is just as offended by the chicanery of the press as most conservatives are-such as with George Stephanopoulus; the fellow ABC tries to pass off as an objective commentator when he is, and will always be, a Democrat. Throughout Strategery one is constantly reminded of how irrational the hatred showered upon Bush by the left is because the man they compare to Hitler is, in fact, a big spending liberal. I guess that's a "nuance" intellectuals are not sensitive enough to notice. The highlight, or lowlight, of the account comes in the chapter on New Orleans where Bush is blamed for the weather and expected to violate The Posse Comitatus Act at the behest of public opinion. That the mayor and governor failed their constituency during the crisis means nothing to those leftists who wish to blame the president for all things which happen in the world.