Robert Costa

The third of Woodward's series of books about Trump, this time with co-author Robert Costa. Although this one is really half about Trump and half about Biden. It covers the campaign for the 2020 election, the events of Jan. 6, 2021 and their aftermath, and Biden's first actions in office. As with the previous volumes, there's not a whole lot in here the I feel I didn't already know about. The stuff about Jan. 6, in particular, is not especially in-depth. I did, however, very much appreciate how much the book gives us of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley's perspective on events. I remember getting more than a little desperately needed reassurance from his clear statements about where the military stood on matters, and it was satisfying to get some more background on the man and on where he was coming from.

Like the previous volumes, this does sometimes feel disjointed, perhaps even a little disorganized. But it's a pretty fast read, anyway, at least for as long as you can stomach the subject matter. (I admit, there were times when I couldn't quite face picking it up again, for reasons that had nothing to do with the writing.)… (altro)

“Real power is—I don’t even want to use the word—fear,” Trump told us. “I bring rage out. I do bring rage out. I always have. I don’t know if that’s an asset or a liability, but whatever it is, I do.”
― Bob Woodward, Peril

PLEASE -- if you are a Trump fan and do not like reading rough critiques of him -- you might want to skip this one.

My review:

You bet Trump brings rage out.

I hadn't intended on reading this because I read so many books about politics and am burnt out on them. I figured I'd give it a rest. But I received this as a gift and am glad I did because it was a terrific read.

Well -- we all know what it's about. And we know since it's Woodward we know it's going to be intense. And it was.

Parts made me almost sick to my stomach. It showed so skillfully the fermentation, the building, the making of the big lie -- and the creation of a cult.

The book is easily as scary as any horror novel because this was our reality.

What I couldn't figure out as I read this -- and saw the endless enabling and sycophancy -- was this: why didn't ONE person --a friend or a family member -- ever say to this guy -- you need HELP?

This was never said. Ever.

Look -- I know he wouldn't have got any. But these are the people who love him so much? Treating him like a two-year old.

The line that stood out to me was when he said to Mike pence (and I'm not sure I have the exact quote right)

"If you don't do this for me I don't want to be your friend anymore."

WHO talks like that? What person - what ADULT -- SAYS that?

Look -- I try not to judge. I am myself quite immature in some aspects. But this -- this gobbely-gook -- was both repelling and fascinating.

I wouldn't have ever believed it if I hadn't witnessed the behavior for four years with the rest of the country.

And I HATE to say it -- but I felt for Mike Pence.

I'd never vote for him. There are few policy positions we agree on. And he's been coddled a bit by the media.

But I must say -- reading this book, I saw the almost inhuman pressure that was put on him. And the codependency he exhibited was also fascinating.

Pence ultimately played by the rules. I wonder if he's scarred by all that happened. It is interesting in that I have read that sociopaths and codependents often find each other. I believe Trump's a sociopath and Pence is a codependent so reading about their interaction was interesting.

Trump's habit of talking about himself in the third person was disconcerting as well as creepy.

But the attack on the Capitol. There is a sense of dread reading this because you know exactly where its heading. Woodward to his credit though is never vulgar and does not linger on details. The book is much more than January 6.

So, yes I would recommended it. You really can't turn away. And it's a long book but a very fast read.

There were things I wish had been included -- more about how Biden chose his Cabinet and something about Garland.

But I liked the book. Woodward obviously is a brilliant writer. Still, I think I am going to continue my fasting when it comes to political books -- at least for now.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

You know what? I wrote my review and read it and -- I just realized I didn't say much about January 6.

I wasn't going to. I think I've said a great deal. But how can I not? How can anybody forget?

So to the Police who fought for our country that day -- thank you.

To the ones who didn't survive -- or who died after, some by suicide -- We will always remember.

That quote I used -- it's true you know.

I have had moments of pure rage. And Trump did that to me.

I hate to admit it. I've spoken to countless others who feel the same.

Hatred and rage are draining emotions. They wear one out.

I wonder how many I love who are not with me in a Psychical way -- what would they think? Of the world as it is today?

I hope there will be a time when we can all -- as a planet -- laugh and love and be free of the hate that crackles so strongly these days. I really hope for more peaceful times.… (altro)