Bush

What you think of this book is going to be based somewhat on what side of the aisle you are on politically. A hard core “traditional” Republican is going to think the book is a hatchet job. The pro-Bush, pro-Cheney are going to think that certain individuals in the book (Rumsfeld, Powell) look far shinier than they should be. I did get the feeling that the author leaned pretty heavily on Rumsfeld's memoir for information. My takeaway from the book is that W. wasn't particularly serious about much of anything growing up, found faith and fitness to take the place of partying and booze (and good for him on that), but relied on his faith too much as a guide point to engage in foreign affairs. His dependency on his instincts and his faith-based beliefs regarding the Iraq war, even if 1/3 of this book is actually true, is disturbing for the most powerful man in the world. It is also telling that when the financial system started melting down, the “Decider” became completely dependent on outside sources (Treasury and the Fed) to make decisions.

If the author's goal was to present a man who at is his core is a good person but was a lousy president, they succeeded. A good, clear read.