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What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception

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Publisher: PublicAffairs
Author(s): Scott McClellan

Average Customer Rating:

(based on 180 reviews)

Product Description:

Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.931
EAN: 9781586485566
Edition: 1st. EDITION
ISBN: 1586485563
Label: PublicAffairs
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: PublicAffairs
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 368
Publication Date: 2008-05-28
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Release Date: 2008-05-28
Studio: PublicAffairs

Editorial Review:

Scott McClellan was one of a few Bush loyalists from Texas who became part of his inner circle of trusted advisers, and remained so during one of the most challenging and contentious periods of recent history. Drawn to Bush by his commitment to compassionate conservatism and strong bipartisan leadership, McClellan served the president for more than seven years, and witnessed day-to-day exactly how the presidency veered off course.

In this refreshingly clear-eyed book, written with no agenda other than to record his experiences and insights for the benefit of history, McClellan provides unique perspective on what happened and why it happened the way it did, including the Iraq war, Hurricane Katrina, Washington's bitter partisanship, and two hotly contested presidential campaigns. He gives readers a candid look into who George W. Bush is and what he believes, and into the personalities, strengths, and liabilities of his top aides. Finally, McClellan looks to the future, exploring the lessons this presidency offers the American people as we prepare to elect a new leader.

Customer Reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: What Happened Review
Comment:

Very informative,well written,even enlightening ;but, just not that entertaining. I didn't have any trouble putting the book down and was almost relieved when I finished the book.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Excellent purchase
Comment: Excellent purchase price for this book which arrived in a very timely manner. It was purchased as a gift for my son.

Customer Rating:

Summary: eye opening
Comment: I'm no fan of the Bush White House so I jumped on the chance to read this memoir of McClellan's time with the administration. It's eye opening, though not that surprising. The things those people will do. And it is written, no surprise here either, in a very clear and entertaining matter. A must for anyone who thinks they are a Republican or any one interested in current affairs.

Customer Rating:

Summary: A good attempt
Comment: This book was well-written and thoughtful. It helped me to see President Bush in a new light. Mr. McClellan makes an excellent point about the "permanent campaign" and it's toxic divisiveness.
However, I found this book disappointing in some ways. While I don't doubt his sincerity, the author stops short of explaining the motivations and actions of the more controversial GOP policies. It's as though, after a lifetime in politics, he's honestly incapable of being completely sincere and apolitical.

Customer Rating:

Summary: A thoughtful, reflective account: important contribution to history
Comment: Michael Hirsh wrote, in Newsweek, a criticism of pundits, asking why the public should acquire this information from McClellan and not the media.
Hello?
"Why do we have to hear this from him?"--because HE WAS THERE. Scott McClellan's THE person to hear it from! And thanks to him for writing the book! His report is far more measured and thoughtful than anything, so far, written by "pundits."