Reviewers have been unduly critical of this book. Yes, Decter's treatment of Rumsfeld is glowing and not always deep; this is not, nor is it intended to be, a work of objective biographical/historical analysis. It is, as the title says, a "personal portrait." It is "personal" in that it deals with a person but also in that it is Decter's own portrait--a work by a person who admires Donald Rumsfeld. And portraits only and quite literally scratch the surface of a person; they can capture only certain details and, if lucky, convey a hint of the subject's essence (not to mention that portraits contain more than a little of the creator). As a personal portrait, then, this book works quite well, and Decter does capture at least part of Rumsfeld's essence.
Decter is not so much interested in necessarily explaining why Rumsfeld does this or that as she is in why he became so popular during the Afghanistan War. To explain this, she chronicles his life--from his childhood outside Chicago to the present, including stops at Princeton, the Navy, Congress, the White House (as head of OEO and Chief of Staff), the Pentagon, and the private sector. Rumsfeld's unique management style draws from his entire career, but his popular appeal, Decter suggests, results from elements that were present from the beginning and that appear throughout his life: his midwestern, Middle American values (especially those specific to Chicago) and his old-fashioned manliness. He is a straight talker, who tells it like it is, in speech peppered with wit and colloquialisms ("Gosh!"). He exudes the values of the heartland--a family man devoted to protecting family and country. He seems to be full of vim and vigor.
I think Decter more than adequately explains why Rumsfeld has garnered celebrity status. Certainly, 9-11 contributed to it, by bringing war and by making people desire such a leader as Rumsfeld (among others). But the terrorist attacks and the war on terrorism can't explain everything. After all, others rose to prominence in the aftermath of 9-11 but didn't gain quite the dimension Rumsfeld did. So it seems to make sense that something else was at play--his values and manliness, as Decter argues--in generating his "sex appeal" and popularity. More in-depth biographies will no doubt follow in the future, ones that will explain why Rumsfeld did what he did and does, but Decter has done good work here, giving us a better picture of Rumsfeld and, indeed, a better picture of ourselves.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 10, 2003
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 27, 2004
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 30, 2004
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 24, 2005
