Richard Miniter

If you want to read one book that will give you a definitive opinion and understanding of President Obama, read this one. I have read many books that analyze his Presidency, but this should be a primer, read by everyone. It is uncomplicated; it is a fast and interesting read; it is full of explanations that are easy to understand about who Obama is, why he is who he is, and what it means for America to have him as President. He may be very likeable, but likeability is not the best qualification for President, competence is, and after reading this book you might have to think, once again, about who you would rather have answer the phone at 3AM, in a crisis.

The book consists of seven chapters; each concentrates on a specific theme which are:

1-The women in his life, (his wife, Michelle Robinson, his mom, Stanley Dunham, his friend, Valerie Jarrett, and Hillary Clinton, his opponent and then his Secretary of State): He rarely makes a decision without Jarrett's input and she is equally respected by Michelle. Clinton has shaped a good relationship with him, one in which she is able to assert herself. His mother gave him his personality, his father his purpose.

2-The problems of the economy and his relationship with his own party and the GOP: Miniter exposes his style with regard to the dealings and negotiations with Congress and other governmental agencies. He reveals how his difficulty in making a decision, and his inexperience, often caused the negotiations to crash. He relied on associates who used Chicago style politics. The issue of trust became front and center when deals were made and not honored. Eventually, this led to the credit downgrade of the United States.

3-The health care bill and the part he played in its inception:
Who really designed the bill? Whose neck was on the line and whose was protected was a common theme in each chapter. Who was responsible for the ultimate implementation and passage of the bill and then paid a heavy price for it?

4-National Security, concentrating on Bin Laden's capture and who deserves the credit for its implementation and success:
The process was delayed for two years because of Obama's procrastination and Valerie Jarrett's obstruction and interference. The facts and persons who deserve credit for this success will be revealed.

5-Israeli/US relationships, the birth of his perceptions and philosophy concerning both and the reasons for his less than stellar relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu:
The people who most influenced Obama's ideas about Israel were those who were members of "J" Street, and other far left organizations, believing in the return to 1967 borders and an Israel that was not largely a Jewish state since they wanted complete equality between the Israelis and the Palestinians. He followed the philosophy of personages like Amos Oz, Rabbi Heschel and Rabbi Wolf, David Grossman, and Edward Said, people who did not believe in Israel as a homeland for Jews only, not strict Zionists.

6-The Department of Justice and the policies of Attorney General, Eric Holder, with a concentration on Fast and Furious:
Although the DOJ has experienced failures of enormous magnitude and often showed a lack of judgment as a result of personal philosophy rather than legality, he is supported by Obama. The reasons for the failures and the support are explored.

7-Finally, the last chapter is on Obama. It is a brief description of what makes a good leader and President and how his philosophy and behavior during his term in the White House, led to his successes and failures. He made friends of enemies and enemies of friends. He has often taken credit where none was due and scapegoated blame on the shoulders of others to protect himself. He and Michelle could be described with one word---opportunists who have done very well.

After reading this book, you may be outraged or appalled. Some will continue to vote for a party, rather than a person while others will rethink their vote and choose the most qualified, rather than the “prettiest” and most popular, choose the one with the best qualities of a leader, not one who uses bullying tactics and avoids responsibility wherever possible to insure his own political career.… (altro)