American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush

by Kevin Phillips

The Bushes are the family nobody really knows. This popular lack of acquaintance-nurtured by gauzy imagery of Maine summer cottages, gray-haired national grandmothers, July 4th sparklers & cowboy boots-has let national politics create a dynasticized presidency that would have horrified the Founders. After all, they'd led a revolution against a succession of royal Georges. Onetime Republican strategist Phillips reveals how four generations of Bushes have ascended the ladder of national power since WWI, becoming entrenched within the establishment-Yale, Wall Street, the Senate, the CIA, the vice presidency & presidency-thru a recurrent flair for old-boy networking, national security involvement, criminality & deception. By uncovering relationships & connecting facts, Phillips comes to the conclusion that the Bush family has systematically used its financial & social empire to gain the White House, subverting the very core of democracy. In their ambition, the Bushes ultimately reinvented themselves with facile timing, twisting & turning from silver spoon Yankees to born-again evangelical Texans. As Jeb Bush considers a run for the presidency, American Dynasty explains what it all means.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, Biography, American History, Presidents, Government

403 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Will Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A multi-generational look at the Bush family, as well as some others, their roles in important events in American history and how the present is merely the continuation of the past. There are many compelling points made here, not least of which is that the Bush tax policies acted to cement in place an American aristocracy. He also shows that Dubyah’s methodology of lies and obfuscation is one with past practices in the family. Very compelling stuff. But I did find the laundry list methodology used in recounting historical family connection with the rulers of America very sleep-inducing. Still, well, well worth the effort.


Kevin Phillips - image from the Dallas Morning News

While this book was written a while ago, it is relevant today as Dubyah does his best to paint over the truth about his time in office with warm comparisons to his successor as the worst president ever. Just because Dubyah was not as crude, arrogant, blatantly racist, and mindlessly destructive as Swamp Thing, just because he is not the world-class fascist narcissist The Donald is, that does not mean that he did not suck as president, that he did not do lasting damage to our nation, and that he should be seen in any but the harshest light. This book offers some context within which to consider his efforts at image buffing.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, well, well. THis book was written in 2004 - presumably to help tank GW's second run. The book failed. I picked it up now because I was both amused and annoyed by the current memes noting our nostalgia for GWB. It was fact laden and tough slog to get through. Boring. Boring. Boring. But, there was enough relevance here to keep me going.

The author is primarily arguing against the Bush's dynastic intentions, and he definitely has an axe to grind; but the book appears well researched and very well documented (note the borings above). He begins by setting out the lengthy Bush/Walker family history, and their long term family ties to the energy sector (OIL), and war manufacturing. He points out the similarities between G1 and G2, they both went to Yale, both Skull and Bones, both oil connections, and both Saudi connections. Obviously, G1 had gulf war, and G2 had the re-run. G1 was connected to the CIA, and G2 was well connected in Texas, Saudi Arabia - and through those connections, close with the Bin Laden family/corporation. Ossama is part of the family, but was not part of the family business (he apparently was reacting against it, as well as lots of other things.)

After going through all that in great detail, he explores G2's use (exploitation?) of religion. Which was very different approach than G1.

He concludes that the forefathers on both sides of the family were involved at high levels with war financing and war manufacturing, as well as the oil production that was a necessary part of WWII. He talks a lot about how important OIL is over time for every war, and for all governments. He spends a lot of time talking about the importance of oil, as both causation and relative to outcome, of WWII. Nothing he said conflicted with what I learned picking up a history degree, which makes me give credence to his other arguments.

He looks at whether G1 had contact with Iran regarding the hostages just prior to Reagan beating Carter. He concludes that yes he did, though the details remain sketchy. There was a congressional investigation, but it never really got off the ground. There's also the G1 and G2's connections to Enron (oil), as well as other Bush siblings and their connections to various oil businesses, and corporations that do business (for millions) with the government. All the bushes personally profited enourmously from decisions made by the office holding Bushes. Does this sound like anything happening in 2017?

This book was written THIRTEEN years ago, and here we are with yet another Repubican president who is even more brazen about using his office for his and his families personal gain. (I have no doubt that democrats do this as well - I really think that Obama did this less simply for the reason that as a black family they didn't have the hundreds of year of corporate connections.) The author argues that both Bushs were disengenous, as well as outright deceitful.

So many of the events and names brought back memories -- things long hidden away in the recesses of my mind - the Enron debacle, 'Scooter' Libbey, Halliburton. It goes on and on. It was no in any way a fun trip down memory lane. But it certainly sets out the roadmap that Trump seems to be following in his own very clumsy way.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now I'm not a Bush hater or a Bush lover but I was hoping to learn some Bush history. This book isn't about the history of this family but a long argument on how they have messed up the entire world by their views. The beginnings of each chapter actually starts out pretty good then drags into statistics and unfounded statements of the writers belief. He tries to draw out comparsions of Clinton and Bush. Wait and buy this book on the bargain book table if you must read it. One of the worst political science/history books I've read recently.

[Mark Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I read this book! Sometimes I had to hide the cover behind a magazine so no one would see that I was reading it. I mean, really, reading about the Bush family makes me think playing Scrabble is actually enjoyable!

But I read it and I can now connect the dots between the Bush family and exactly why and how the United States invaded Iraq: OIL! The Bush's have enormous family holdings in it and stand to become the largest of the richest if the cards are played well.

Also, I was dismayed to read how Papa Bush helped finance and support Junior into prominence esp. after everything that Junior touched turned to toro-poopoo. But that is how money works. Papa Bush had more smarts than I had given him credit and he used his position, even though he was a one-term President, to establish Junior to enter stage right and rise to the status of becoming the single worst President in United States History.

Read it and weep.

I tip my hat to Phillips for writing a badly-needed book, even if no one takes the time to read it. Phillips moved from being a Republican supporter to an Independent after he saw how Bush junior began to abuse party principles for his how ambitions. I recommend this book to anyone willing to learn just how badly it has become that "the worst are full of passionate intensity."

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Both my father and I read this book at the same time, so it took awhile, passing the book back and forth. But it was so intense, so fascinating that it was actually overwhelming to read beyond one portion of a chapter at a time. We remarked how each chapter might have as well been a textbook on it's own, with the huge amount of information that the author had. It was intriguing to see all of that in one book, the information about their forefathers, George H Bush and George W Bush. It was actually kind of chilling at some points to see the extremities they took to meet their own desires as political leaders. It truly was an American dynasty, but the title was fitting: deceit in the house of bush.

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff here on the Bush Family and their many shady dealings going back to the 1800's. I mean it really is amazing how interwoven this bunch is with so many of the worst elements of the worlds power brokers for over a 150 years. If this book has a weakness its, although it brings up many of the the nefarious deeds and dealings of the Bush crime family, that it barely touches on or completely ignores the worst of the worst that the Bushs have been linked to over the years. It also tries a bit too hard to try to draw a parrellell between the Bush gangsters and European royalty by making them into Americans version of a royal family. Still recomended reading though.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't much like Obama, but I disliked the Bushes more. This book, a biography of the Bushes and the Walkers by a self-styled Eisenhower Republican, reminded me as to why and added several more reasons to the list. Reminiscent of recent works by another (in his case, a Goldwater) Republican, John Dean, Phillips' study credibly shatters the image(s) so carefully and successfully constructed by this family. Indictments should, but won't, follow.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, let's say read most of it. I agree that this is a well-researched book, and it confirms much of what I have always suspected, but the author's style is so pedantic that I found it very tough slogging. I may not be able to bring myself to finish it (and that's truly unusual for me).

[Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A depressing read, but that's because of the subject not the author's fault. I did find this to include a little too much detail on Bush family history for a casual read but understandable given his intent of making a point. Worth a skim to help support some theories but not much more than that.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't read this thing. I probably should have given it more time, but I was literally bored into sleep on several nights. I never found myself wanting to pick the thing up. I actually stopped reading altogether for several days until I subconsciously lost the book.

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book -- K. Phillips at his best. Far broader than the title suggests...

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched book about the Bush family, going back well before Georges H. and H.W. Bush to Prescott Bush and the Walkers (they were the highly successful capitalists who put the "Dubya" into the 41 and 43 presidents' names, and the massive fortunes into the dynasty's coffers), to this clan's exploits in what the author calls "crony capitalism." In these pages, we learn how the Walker-Bush clan amassed huge amounts of wealth and power in the energy, intelligence and defense sectors of the U.S. economy in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Phillips also presents thoroughly documented evidence of America's growing infatuation with royalty, wealth and dynastic families that would make Washington, Madison and Jefferson despair for our democracy. An added bonus are the fascinating side details about the 2000 election's recount in Florida, and how the Reeps completely outmaneuvered, outstaffed and outfunded the Dems, thereby handing the White House to George W. Bush, even though he had clearly lost the election.

That Kevin Phillips would take such pains to "out" the Bush clan and their shady dealings is a story in itself. He teamed up with Patrick Buchanan to chart Richard Nixon's successful course to the presidency in 1968. He brilliantly masterminded the Reeps' successful campaign to turn the American south from solidly Democratic to solidly Republican. So to see this entrenched Republican's scathing indictment of the Bush clan really gave me pause.

After reading American Dynasty in the spring of 2004, I was convinced that enough damning material about the Bush clan had emerged to ensure George W's defeat that November. While my finger is (obviously!) far, far removed from the pulse of the American body politic, I nonetheless highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history, American politics and this nation's scary shift away from some of the basic tenets of our democratic roots.

[Alethea Hammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more interesting aspects of growing old is that they write history books about stuff you remember seeing in the headlines. This is an excellent book spanning 5 generations of a wealthy and powerful American family. Many books have been written about them. Most are either shameless political puff pieces or hostile conspiracy minded exposes. This book is balanced, well researched and firmly grounded in historical context. The author is never afraid to digress a bit to give historical background and depth to an event or trend that he writes about. That being the case you get a lot of major historical figures appearing in the book as background. This is a book I would highly recommend. Especially now with another Bush running for president again.

[Eric Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bush Empire was in the making 100 years before Bush I was coronated President, and while we "slept" grew stronger to coronate Bush II. Those that read books like this are what stand between us and the coronation of Bush III. The problem with this book is that it tries to do far too much in terms of documenting not just the long Bush Dynasty in and out of office, but also the dynastic proclivity of our system of government, the continued rise of the neo cons, the religious right, etc, which muddles and confuses the every day reader. But still, Bully!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author doesn't hold back...he tells all and includes a 'damning assessment of the family's machinations to gain the White House and to subvert the very core of American democracy: government by and for the people'. If you dislike W now, read this and you'll despise his whole family and have good reasons for doing so.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed after reading the title that it wasn't easy potshots at the world's most worthy target, but rather a fact-based, rather dry account of the last century's rise of dynasty, military-industrial complex, and of course 4 generations of Bushes' feeding frenzy on said trends. But call me lazy.

[Ely]

The Bush/Walker family has played an immense role in the history of the 20th century both nationally and internationally. Kevin Philips is a thorough and impressive historical voice concerning American history. Power takes an interesting form when you know the right people, and you are part of the greater plan and one of a thousand points of light.

[Loretta · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is so wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!you are an idiot.. what do you think osoma, oops i meen obama.. not realy there is no difference in the two... obama took sooo long in coming out to tell us because he had to stop crying about having to kill his best friend... obama is nothing but lie after lie and u want to talk deceitful?

[Len Egan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From this book I learned just how corrupt the Bush family is. The extent of it amazed me. I'm certainly glad that I never voted for him, and am sad that Gore did not pursue the Florida recount with more tenacity.

[Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview of four generations of Bushes and Walker and how they have used banking, intelligence, oil, and institutional / academic connections to maintain power over the last century. Strongly focuses on the origins of the military-industrial complex from the turn of the 19th/20th century.

[Robin Haueter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the story of how the Bush family got into and perfected making money out of the nexus of government and business.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early anti-Bush book, a little too alarmist on the dynasty thing. Ignores historical corollaries in that regard.

[Lobstergirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man those Bushes are deceitful.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle tells the tale. Facinating family and political history. Pushing a political agenda for personal profit is a family trait.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most thorough, well-documented and well written texts that explains so much about the US democracy, and especially its limits.

[Sean Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the Bush family and the difference between their perceived patriotism versus their selfish avarice.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

5-ish/5-ish/2.5-ish for 3.25 overall, rounded down, after initially considering 3.5 rounded up.

The first 5-ish is for content. Kevin Phillips has the goods on multiple generations of the Bush and Walker families, including their ties not only to the Saudis et al, but past ties to the Nazis, including after the start of WWII, and ties to Imperial Germany up to or after the start of WWI.

The second 5-ish is for style. Phillips' often slyly acerbic observations are always good reading.

The 2.5-ish? The book's thesis is not only dated today but was not justifiable at the time.

Let's look at American history.

Adamses? Father and son presidents. Charles Francis a Representative and diplomat. After that, the Adamses peter out of elected politics.

Harrisons? William Henry's grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence, and Benjamin like him was president. Any Harrisons running around in Congress or gubernatorial mansions in Ohio, Indiana or Virginia after that?

Alphonso Taft? AG. William Howard president and his son twice sought the GOP nomination. Any Tafts today risen above Ohio state-level politics?

Kennedys? Brainworm Bobby just officially became Wasted Space. And, like the "dynasties" above, not a single Kennedy in Congress or a governor's mansion other than the totally unrelated nutter in Louisiana.

And, while one Kennedy was in the House, and Ted in the Senate, at the time this book was written, the other "dynasty" families were already off the stage. Phillips should have known better.

But, if there's one big failing Phillips has as a historian, it's to overpush a thesis. His recent "1775" book is a good example.

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a slog! Written around the time of Bush Jr’s second term, it lays out how the election of George H.W. and then George W. Bush indicates the beginning of a new dynasty style American electoral system, and all the issues this represents. I think this is a valid point, particularly after Hillary Clinton’s run for office, and all the comments made about Ivanka Trump eventually running for the office currently held by her father. But how the argument is laid out feels rather conspiracy theory-ask and its so long and convoluted and confusing that I grew more and more bored with each page, and I had to put it down often. I also found the structure quite hard to follow and sometimes i'd have to re-read a whole page to follow the name of an individual randomly mentioned (and sometimes I still couldn’t work out how they fit in!). It just made the whole read rather painful, which is a shame, because I think the topic is not only important, but could have been very interesting in different hands. I’d probably only recommend it those seriously invested in American politics, and with a very good handle on the military industrial complex - certainly not for casual readers!

[River James · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star for the heartless bastards they’re proud to be. 5 stars for Trumpy, Bill and Rush fully exposing themselves like it's Times Square in the 70's.

Tell Newt to Shut Up
The Art of the Deal
American Dynasty
The No Spin Zone
See, I Told You So

Choosing to read these books was based on advice from "The Godfather": keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. And "The Art of War: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

My paradigm shift alarm signaled a new game was being played, a zero sum game and one which closely mirrored the fall of that famous republic in Athens. Newt, Trumpy, W, Bill O'Reilly and drug addled Rush were securely in the drivers seat. Contract with 'merica, a stolen election, and a war under false pretenses made it paramount I figure out what this paradigm shift was all about. Turns out that small minded, greedy people with no heart are proud of their sorry little power plays. Convicted by their own words and actions.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly readable, and full of information. The Bushes are a fascinating family, not quite as drab as Jeb looked on the campaign trail in 2016.
This is perhaps Kevin Phillips finest book. What really stood out to me here was the shady back round of Prescott Bush, the father of George Herbert Walker Bush #41, and his role with Union Banking and Brown Brothers Harriman in their trading with and supplying the Nazis right up to WWII.. Then you have the long time relation ship of #41 and the C.I.A, which he later becomes director of. Of course the Bush families ties to the Saudi royals is covered, including their dealings with the powerful bin Laden family.