This is a great pick for anyone who closely followed this year’s political season and is now a bit deflated that it’s over. It covers the 1988 presidential campaign by following the six major contenders through the primary season and final campaign. This campaign season included Gary Hart’s Monkey Business, Joe Biden’s plagiarism scandal, and Bush’s battle with the Wimp Factor. Each candidate’s story is told with deep biographical details that explore the motivation and drive needed to run for the world’s toughest job. The humanity of each candidate…both the extreme talent and Achilles’ heels…shines through.
I was touched by Bob Dole’s long recovery from WWII injuries, and how that experience translated into a workaholic senator. George Bush spent a lifetime making and keeping friends – and that was a significant factor in achieving the White House. Of contemporary interest, the story of Joe Biden with his personal tragedies and highs and lows as a Senator will likely add another dimension to how you view his upcoming performance as Vice-President. – Kirsten
