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Donald Rumsfeld

When the Center Held: Gerald Ford and the Rescue of the American Presidency Hardcover – May 15, 2018

by Donald Rumsfeld (Author)

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A revealing political memoir of the presidency of Gerald Ford as seen through the eyes of Donald Rumsfeld—the New York Times bestselling author, and Ford’s former Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff, and longtime personal confidant.

In the wake of Watergate, it seemed the United States was coming apart. America had experienced a decade of horrifying assassinations; the unprecedented resignation of first a vice president and then a president of the United States; intense cultural and social change; and a new mood of cynicism sweeping the country—a mood that, in some ways, lingers today.

Into that divided atmosphere stepped an unexpected, unelected, and largely unknown American—Gerald R. Ford. In contrast to every other individual who had ever occupied the Oval Office, he had never appeared on any ballot either for the presidency or the vice presidency; he had issued no policy statements nor had he ever run for national office. Now, he was being thrust into a chaotic environment in which our very future as a functioning democracy was being seriously questioned.

Gerald Ford simply and humbly performed his duty to the best of his considerable ability. By the end of his 895 days as president, he would in fact have restored balance to our country, steadied the ship of state, and led his fellow Americans out of the national trauma of Watergate. And yet, Gerald Ford remains one of the least studied and least understood individuals to have held the office of the President of the United States. In turn, his legacy also remains severely underappreciated.

In When the Center Held, Ford’s Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld candidly shares his personal observations of the man himself, and provides a sweeping examination of his crucial years in office. It is a rare and fascinating look behind the closed doors of the Oval Office, including never-before-seen photos, memos, and anecdotes, from a unique insider’s perspective—essential reading for any fan of presidential history.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Free Press
Publication date

May 15, 2018
Dimensions

6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

150117293X
ISBN-13

978-1501172939
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The presidency of Gerald R. Ford feels a world away--not simply in time, but in ethos. In this wonderful contribution to history, Donald Rumsfeld, who served President Ford as White House chief of staff and as secretary of Defense, gives a new generation an absorbing and important reflection on Ford and what the 38th president meant. The vital center in which Ford so deeply believed is facing an existential crisis in our own time, and Rumsfeld's book could not be more relevant or timely.” -- —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

“As a proud alumnus of the Ford Administration, I can attest that Don Rumsfeld’s skillful and fascinating account of those critical years has done the President justice. This book, based on Don’s real-time memos, is essential reading to anyone seeking to understand the American presidency, as Ford and his team rescued and remade it during unprecedented turmoil.” -- —Dick Cheney, former Vice President

“Gerald Ford is one of the most underrated presidents. He steadied the nation after Nixon and made peace in Vietnam. Donald Rumsfeld, who was Ford's chief of staff and secretary of defense, captures the essence of Ford and brings it home. When the Center Held is a magnificent book that should be read by every American.” -- —Jean Edward Smith, bestselling author of BUSH

About the Author

Donald Rumsfeld was the thirteenth and twenty-first United States Secretary of Defense. He currently chairs the Rumsfeld Foundation, which supports leadership and public service at home and the growth of free political and free economic systems abroad. He and his wife Joyce have three children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Product details

Publisher : Free Press (May 15, 2018)
Language : English
Hardcover : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 150117293X
ISBN-13 : 978-1501172939
Item Weight : 1.15 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #199,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #788 in US Presidents
- #1,369 in Political Leader Biographies
- #9,440 in Memoirs (Books)

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80 ratings

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Amazon Customer

Easy-to-read and entertaining.

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2018

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I found this book easy-to-read, entertaining, and fair enough. Though Mr. Rumsfeld clearly admires President Ford, there is enough criticism and differences of opinion included to provide a balanced portrayal. Also appreciated is the technique of separating the memories with the author’s actual meeting briefs from that era. We can further appreciate that unambitious and modest President Ford was the right person at the right time in our nation’s history.

6 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

A RICH, PERTINENT GLANCE OF HISTORY!

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2018

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First of all, the author has done a tremendous public service writing this book. It filled in the gaps of knowledge that I had regarding this heroic man who was our 38th president. Mr Ford came to office on the heels of a tragic and toxic political environment for which he was not responsible in the least. He assumed the presidency, squared his shoulders, and entered into the fray. The author writes in an easy-to-read manner, deftly describing the events at hand. Well worth reading and owning this book. Fill in your knowledge base with this richly absorbing item. Know more about Gerald Ford and this era in our history.

2 people found this helpful

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BookHawk

An Excellent Account

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2018

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The Ford Presidency stands in such sharp contrast to what we’re experiencing today. This insiders penetrating recollection reminds us of a President whose overriding character was his decency and whose mission, as he saw it, was to restore the trust of the American people in their government in the wake of the Watergate Scandal. He cared about the institutions of government as fundamental to preserving our freedom. A refreshing account and well written.

3 people found this helpful

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jpw

Interesting biography written by a friend

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

It's difficult to look back at the post-Nixon time and remember much good, but this refreshes some of the positives of President Ford's short tenure. It's sad that such a good man-of-the-people should be treated as poorly as he has. He was thrust into an impossible situation and came out as well as he could and much better than most.

One person found this helpful

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Russ t

Very interesting reading. History buffs should enjoy.

Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2020

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I’m not one to read books about presidents but friend told me about parts of the Rumsfeld book about president Ford cover the time we were in Korea. President Ford had an up hill battle as he took over after President Nixon left office. Very interesting reading.

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BW in BG

Straight forward history of the Ford presidency

Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018

Verified Purchase

I thought that this was a wonderful book with inside information on how the Ford White House operated. While it certainly shined a positive light on President Ford, Rumsfeld also did not hold back on the criticisms he had and shared with the President about how Ford ran the office. In all, it was a clear history of how a truly decent man attempted to address the needs of the country before his own, or of the party. I truly enjoyed it.

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susan i.

Appreciate the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford Even More

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2018

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Donald Rumsfeld has given all of us an inside look at President Gerald R. Ford — the man and how he served the public trust. We can be proud and grateful that Gerald Ford became our 38th President. He understood the awesome responsibilities, was open to the help of others and was a leader of whom all Americans could be proud.

One person found this helpful

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Lucia Olivero

me lo recomendo......

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2020

Verified Purchase

ahora tendra que esperar a que termine de leer otros

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A Goodwin

A must

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2019

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Very well written and incredibly insightful. A must for anyone interested in political science or even public service.Ford a truly unique president.Author has a very accessible style.

Peter Jones

excellent service thank you

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2020

Verified Purchase

very good product thank you

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