American Political Biography

George W. Bush arrived in the White House an untested governor with an unfortunate habit of tripping over his own tongue, presiding over an economy slipping into recession, and a nation more obsessed with reality television than with the reality of international terrorism. He was considered by many opinion-leaders a dupe, an illiterate, a cowboy, a preppie, a child of privilege. Now, it is clear to John Podhoretz that Bush has become, and will be remembered, as one of this nation's strongest leaders.

Evan Galbraith represented America in Paris for four years during the Reagan administration, and here paints a vivid picture of the life of an American ambassador in the grand and glamorous city. Notwithstanding his popularity as a host (he opened up the U.S. embassy to more than 75,000 guests at over 500 events during his stay), Galbraith was often controversial.