I wasn't sure whether I would like this book as I read the sample. It seemed interesting - although dry - but I yawned at the idea of learning about Dick Cheney's childhood and various other personal details. Still, I felt that Cheney is a man who has had a pivotal role in our history so I decided I would give the book a try. I expected to basically scan the book and somewhat doubted I would finish it. Oh, how wrong I was!
If Cheney hadn't told us about his childhood and youth, we wouldn't have been able to understand his life view and values. He poignantly tells us personal and family stories that are key to our really understanding exactly who DIck Cheney is, but he did not over do it. He quickly became a real person to me, not some 2-D cardboard character as portrayed in the media. He clearly is a man who loves his family, his friends and his country. He is a highly intelligent and fiercely loyal man who does not suffer fools quietly (usually). Even though he did not plan a career in politics, it is apparent that politics was a perfect fit for him.
I loved reading about behind the scenes negotiations and slowly it began to dawn on me how essential networking with the main players is to a successful administration. As much as many of us - including me - like the idea of a Washington "outsider" coming in and shaking up the system, Cheney vividly demonstrates how having solid long-term relationships with people in critical positions can make the difference in the success or failure of a policy, plan or piece of legislation. Reading about the various crises that constantly had to be handled by the White House, it became clear that a potential president has to be someone who can make competent decisions regarding complex issues in ALL areas, ranging from finances to social programs to international security and foreign policy. If the President has no experience in foreign policy, how can s/he possibly deal effectively with a flare up overseas that demands our immediate response? I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of all that is involved in making crucial decisions. Having the right people in key positions is crucial. And how can you know a person is the right one until he or she is in the position?
This book was an eye-opener when it came to the ways that people within an administration can quickly - or over an extended period - undermine critical goals of a President. There are many examples of people who overstepped their boundaries and - presumably inadvertently - became obstacles to the goals set by the President. Some gave personal opinions to the media stated as if they were the views of the White House when in fact they were not. Sensitive details about policies still in the making would be leaked in an effort to push an agenda that was not that of the White House. It is frightening to know how much damage can be done by people that are either inept or misguided. There are eye-opening revelations about Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and others in positions close to the President that will make you question your long-held images of them. You will understand Cheney's faith in Donald Rumsfield. You will get why Cheney felt that some people in key positions had been essentially abandoned (e.g. Scooter Libby, intelligence officers). Time and again, Cheney is a lonely voice as he urges the President to hold firm and stick with politically unpopular policies when it is clear that they are in the best interest of our nation. You might disagree with some - or all - of Cheney's analyses but you will hear him ferociously defend his positions with facts and reason and you will come to admire him for staying true to what he believes is best for our nation regardless of what the latest poll numbers say. If the President went with an option contrary to what Cheney felt was best, he would accept the President's decision as opposed to trying to undermine it. I believe the world is a safer place because of Cheney's influence but I feel that we would be in an even better place if his ideas on negotiations with North Korea and other volatile countries had prevailed over the continuous concessions and "deals" the State Department insisted were the way to go.
I have read many other books concerning politics and various political figures, including Bush's book. None came close to this one. This book fascinated me, scared me, encouraged me, discouraged me, made me proud, made me ashamed. I read - not scanned - every single page. I can honestly say that Dick Cheney is a true hero. Our country desperately NEEDS a Dick Cheney - his intelligence, experience, integrity and clarity. And oh my, we need his ability to stay the course even when the going gets tough, always putting the focus on what is best for this country, particularly in terms of national security. I like George Bush and believe he thought he was making the best decisions he could for our country. But I wish that Cheney had been President with Bush holding a subordinate role. Cheney's intelligence and the clarity with which he could see through complex situations clearly made him a better man for the job.
I thank Dick Cheney for writing this. And I thank Dick Cheney for his years of public service and devotion to our country while remaining a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dick Cheney for President? I only wish...
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
This item: In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir
$10.00
Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 13
In Stock
+
$20.49
Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 13
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start over
- Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My AmericaHardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Oct 13
- Politics on the Edge: A Memoir from WithinPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Oct 13
- My American JourneyColin PowellPaperbackFREE ShippingGet it Oct 17 - 23Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
Top reviews from other countries
-
Amazon CustomerReviewed in Germany on May 21, 2013
Ein politisches Leben in Amerika
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - Michael P. MaciukReviewed in Canada on September 22, 2011
IN MY TIME
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - Adrian J. SmithReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2015
A memoir that stands tall amongst it's peers
- StefanReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2024
A different picture for most Europeans
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
