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The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite History & Biography (2012)The Presidents Club, established at Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration by Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover, is a complicated place: its members are bound forever by the experience of the Oval Office and yet are eternal rivals for history's favor. Among their secrets: How Jack Kennedy tried to blame Ike for the Bay of Pigs. How Ike quietly helped Reagan win his first race in 1966. How Richard Nixon conspired with Lyndon Johnson to get elected and then betrayed him. How Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter turned a deep enmity into an alliance. The unspoken pact between a father and son named Bush. And the roots of the rivalry between Clinton and Barack Obama.
Time magazine editors and presidential historians Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy offer a new and revealing lens on the American presidency, exploring the club as a hidden instrument of power that has changed the course of history.
Time magazine editors and presidential historians Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy offer a new and revealing lens on the American presidency, exploring the club as a hidden instrument of power that has changed the course of history.
641 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2012
1135 people are currently reading
12053 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Gibbs
17 books49 followersNancy Gibbs is the author of nearly 100 TIME cover stories, including four "Person of the Year" essays and dozens of stories on the 1998 impeachment fight and the 1996 and 2000 presidential campaigns. She wrote TIME's September 11th memorial issue as well as weekly essays on the unfolding story and its impact on the nation. Ms. Gibbs's article "If You Want to Humble an Empire..." won the Luce Awards' 2002 Story of the Year and the Society of Professional Journalists' 2002 Sigma Delta Chi Magazine Writing Award.
Ms. Gibbs joined TIME in 1985, first in the International section. She then wrote feature stories for five years before joining the Nation section.
She graduated in 1982 from Yale, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and also earned a degree in politics and philosophy from Oxford University. In 1993 she was named Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, where she taught a seminar on Politics and the Press. Her writing is included in the Princeton Anthology of Writing, edited by John McPhee and Carol Rigolot.
Ms. Gibbs joined TIME in 1985, first in the International section. She then wrote feature stories for five years before joining the Nation section.
She graduated in 1982 from Yale, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and also earned a degree in politics and philosophy from Oxford University. In 1993 she was named Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, where she taught a seminar on Politics and the Press. Her writing is included in the Princeton Anthology of Writing, edited by John McPhee and Carol Rigolot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,139 reviews
March 4, 2013
First, this is a great book!
Secondly, I feel personally entitled to recommend it.
I covered the Presidency first for UPI, then Time Magazine from the Kennedy inaugural in 1960, through the end of the Clinton Presidency.
As a photographer I saw them up close, through the lens of my camera, traveled many thousand of miles with them around the world ten times over.
Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs are former colleagues and friends, who shared these experiences with me.
I can tell you that they are spot-on with their observations. Perceptive and open-minded they offer vivid portraits of the relationships between these men.
I did not cover Eisenhower, and this book left me with a whole new appreciation of his role in the world during a massive transformation of American society. As a result of reading this book, I now think that Ike was one of our greatest presidents of all time. The relationship between
Eisenhower and Nixon explains a lot of things that I only guessed at at the time. I agree that Richard Nixon , despite his humiliating resignation deserves to be honored as the great man he always wanted to be. His trip to China changed the world. In the last month of his administration, he made two major international trips to
Russia and the Mideast that had major impact on those areas, and the future of our relationships.
The continuing story of our presidents is a fascinating one, and
I can't imagine being a student of political history without having
this book in a permanent place on their bookshelves.
Secondly, I feel personally entitled to recommend it.
I covered the Presidency first for UPI, then Time Magazine from the Kennedy inaugural in 1960, through the end of the Clinton Presidency.
As a photographer I saw them up close, through the lens of my camera, traveled many thousand of miles with them around the world ten times over.
Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs are former colleagues and friends, who shared these experiences with me.
I can tell you that they are spot-on with their observations. Perceptive and open-minded they offer vivid portraits of the relationships between these men.
I did not cover Eisenhower, and this book left me with a whole new appreciation of his role in the world during a massive transformation of American society. As a result of reading this book, I now think that Ike was one of our greatest presidents of all time. The relationship between
Eisenhower and Nixon explains a lot of things that I only guessed at at the time. I agree that Richard Nixon , despite his humiliating resignation deserves to be honored as the great man he always wanted to be. His trip to China changed the world. In the last month of his administration, he made two major international trips to
Russia and the Mideast that had major impact on those areas, and the future of our relationships.
The continuing story of our presidents is a fascinating one, and
I can't imagine being a student of political history without having
this book in a permanent place on their bookshelves.
June 16, 2012
When Bill Clinton defeated George W.H. Bush after only one term in office, the elder man was completely devastated. To say that he disliked the young upstart is an understatement. So it may come as a surprise that, as the years passed, these two men became the closest of friends. In fact, H.W. once said he felt like the father Clinton had never had. Such was the respect and esteem, and yes, the love, between these two former Presidents - one a Democrat, the other a Republican; one who suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the other.
This is one of the more moving relationships profiled in the The Presidents Club, a book that examines the bonds between sitting Presidents and those who held the top job before them. It is extraordinary how the former Presidents, as a result of their shared experiences, are able to cross party lines to support the man in office. After all, no one else knows what it's like to face the pressures of the job, understands the complexity of the decisions that need to be made, and feels the loneliness of a sitting President.
When Harry Truman faced a huge crisis around famine in post World War II Europe, he called on former president Herbert Hoover, who did a stellar job and in the meantime rehabilitated his own legacy which had been devastated by the Great Depression. The two most unlikely partners forged a deep friendship that lasted the rest of their lives, and together they succeeded in convincing a reluctant congress to redefine and strengthen the powers of the presidency.
Of course, it doesn't always work out this way. A young President Kennedy would have been wise to seek the counsel of President Eisenhower, but he was too determined to make a "fresh start" to give the old man much attention. Then there's Jimmy Carter, who comes across as opportunistic and self-centered, always looking out for himself - a man who couldn't be trusted by many of the sitting Presidents he was "helping." The account of Richard Nixon's manipulative relationship with LBJ is almost painful yet fascinating to read.
The Presidents Club is a unique book that provides new insights into each of these Chief Commanding Officers, and a better understanding of how their relationships can impact the course of history. After reading this book, I'll be watching Bill Clinton's activities during Barack Obama's bid for re-election with a whole new perspective. The relationship between these two men will make an interesting new chapter for the next edition of this excellent book.
This is one of the more moving relationships profiled in the The Presidents Club, a book that examines the bonds between sitting Presidents and those who held the top job before them. It is extraordinary how the former Presidents, as a result of their shared experiences, are able to cross party lines to support the man in office. After all, no one else knows what it's like to face the pressures of the job, understands the complexity of the decisions that need to be made, and feels the loneliness of a sitting President.
When Harry Truman faced a huge crisis around famine in post World War II Europe, he called on former president Herbert Hoover, who did a stellar job and in the meantime rehabilitated his own legacy which had been devastated by the Great Depression. The two most unlikely partners forged a deep friendship that lasted the rest of their lives, and together they succeeded in convincing a reluctant congress to redefine and strengthen the powers of the presidency.
Of course, it doesn't always work out this way. A young President Kennedy would have been wise to seek the counsel of President Eisenhower, but he was too determined to make a "fresh start" to give the old man much attention. Then there's Jimmy Carter, who comes across as opportunistic and self-centered, always looking out for himself - a man who couldn't be trusted by many of the sitting Presidents he was "helping." The account of Richard Nixon's manipulative relationship with LBJ is almost painful yet fascinating to read.
The Presidents Club is a unique book that provides new insights into each of these Chief Commanding Officers, and a better understanding of how their relationships can impact the course of history. After reading this book, I'll be watching Bill Clinton's activities during Barack Obama's bid for re-election with a whole new perspective. The relationship between these two men will make an interesting new chapter for the next edition of this excellent book.
April 9, 2018
A marvelous overview of the interactions of previous and present Presidents beginning after WWII when Harry Truman asked Herbert Hoover for his assistance and Hoover willingly gave it. From that beginning, the interactions grew and all Presidents have participated, sometimes in surprising ways. Imagine Bill Clinton calling Richard Nixon for advice and, beyond that, for comfort.
One result of reading this book, for me, was a greater appreciation for the value and humanity of the Republican Presidents. Unfortunately, what is utterly impossible to imagine is the dolt in the WH today asking for the help he so clearly needs.
One result of reading this book, for me, was a greater appreciation for the value and humanity of the Republican Presidents. Unfortunately, what is utterly impossible to imagine is the dolt in the WH today asking for the help he so clearly needs.
June 23, 2012
Very much enjoyed the book. The most important thing I learned: No matter how much you think you know about politics and what is happening, you have no idea.
This book was a great review of history, but it also was gossipy enough to give it another dimension.
I also think the authors stuck to the initial premise of the book. That is, it is about the complex relations between the presidents; it did not wander into other areas of history.
This book was a great review of history, but it also was gossipy enough to give it another dimension.
I also think the authors stuck to the initial premise of the book. That is, it is about the complex relations between the presidents; it did not wander into other areas of history.
October 20, 2012
Sycophant. I've read a lot of autobiographical works by people who are quite proud of themselves, Jim Rogers, Ray Kroc and Sam Walton all come to mind. There's something nauseating about the author's infatuation with everyone who served as an American President, post WWII. The constant "but 'The Club' will save the day" refrain was used so frequently your eyes may not stop rolling.
One Amazon reviewer wrote that "If one is interested in Presidential history, this is a new and refreshing angle on this well worn path." If you've a 'POTUS FAN' then this is a fan book right up your alley. If you're interested in new ideas, in change, in the great leaders and great lessons of history, avoid this book. If you would like to learn more about the presidency, or more about the men who get elected president, I suggest searching for some other books.
That said, 656 pages can't be written completely without value, and there were some interesting stories that are worth bringing to your attention:
- After WWII, Hoover helped Truman get food aid to 100 million starving in Europe
- Nixon helped extensively after office and his foreign affairs thoughts were well regarded by Clinton and others.
If I had the sense to glance at the reviews, I would have known this is a book target A) POTUS FANS and B) NOVEL READERS.
Skip it.
One Amazon reviewer wrote that "If one is interested in Presidential history, this is a new and refreshing angle on this well worn path." If you've a 'POTUS FAN' then this is a fan book right up your alley. If you're interested in new ideas, in change, in the great leaders and great lessons of history, avoid this book. If you would like to learn more about the presidency, or more about the men who get elected president, I suggest searching for some other books.
That said, 656 pages can't be written completely without value, and there were some interesting stories that are worth bringing to your attention:
- After WWII, Hoover helped Truman get food aid to 100 million starving in Europe
- Nixon helped extensively after office and his foreign affairs thoughts were well regarded by Clinton and others.
If I had the sense to glance at the reviews, I would have known this is a book target A) POTUS FANS and B) NOVEL READERS.
Skip it.
December 28, 2012
Wow, what a great reading roll I've been on for the past couple of weeks. I enjoy politics and reading about life behind the scenes at The White House. But I had no idea when I picked this book up that it would move me to tears several times.
Beginning with the Hoover administration and following all the way through to Obama's first term, you will go behind the scenes and look at the struggles of the men who have sat behind the big desk in the Oval Office. You will see how they lean on and support each other, and even how they disappoint and embarrass each other.
I found this book surprising, enlightening, and extremely well-researched and written. I will say also that it leans a bit to the right. For me, this is a good thing, as I have developed a whole new respect for some men that my dad cursed quite a lot about as I was growing up.
I was greatly moved by those Presidents who crossed party lines, who took trips to the other side of the world while feeling ill because the Commander in Chief needed them, who joined forces to help disaster victims, I could go on and on. This book covers a lot of ground. The best part, for me, is I am once again swimming in American politics, and thoroughly enjoying myself.
I was particularly surprised by some things I learned about Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush 41 and Bush 43. I was extremely moved by relationships Bill Clinton developed, crossing party lines nearly every time, although those weren't the only stories that brought tears to my eyes. This book has shown me that I definitely need to read biographies about Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Bush 41 and Carter.
It's easy to become disillusioned by American politics, but reading this book really left me with a feeling of hope. Hope in the office, hope that my country will find its feet again, hope for a better day once more, and really a new respect for each of our presidents, whether I loved them or not, voted for them or not. I highly recommend this book. It was quite a journey.
Beginning with the Hoover administration and following all the way through to Obama's first term, you will go behind the scenes and look at the struggles of the men who have sat behind the big desk in the Oval Office. You will see how they lean on and support each other, and even how they disappoint and embarrass each other.
I found this book surprising, enlightening, and extremely well-researched and written. I will say also that it leans a bit to the right. For me, this is a good thing, as I have developed a whole new respect for some men that my dad cursed quite a lot about as I was growing up.
I was greatly moved by those Presidents who crossed party lines, who took trips to the other side of the world while feeling ill because the Commander in Chief needed them, who joined forces to help disaster victims, I could go on and on. This book covers a lot of ground. The best part, for me, is I am once again swimming in American politics, and thoroughly enjoying myself.
I was particularly surprised by some things I learned about Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush 41 and Bush 43. I was extremely moved by relationships Bill Clinton developed, crossing party lines nearly every time, although those weren't the only stories that brought tears to my eyes. This book has shown me that I definitely need to read biographies about Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Bush 41 and Carter.
It's easy to become disillusioned by American politics, but reading this book really left me with a feeling of hope. Hope in the office, hope that my country will find its feet again, hope for a better day once more, and really a new respect for each of our presidents, whether I loved them or not, voted for them or not. I highly recommend this book. It was quite a journey.
February 18, 2013
I am a political junkie and when this book came to my attention, I just HAD to read it! This book is about one of the most exclusive clubs in the United States... the Presidents' Club. Authors Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy did a spectacular job of researching this club made up of former presidents and the current president, of course. Starting at the Inauguration of President Eisenhower, Presidents Harry Truman and herbert Hoover formed the club. The book begins with the ups and downs of the Hoover Administration (mostly 'downs') and continues through to the early days of the current administration of President Obama. Full of fascinating behind the scenes 'goings on', this book was impossible to put down.
What struck me while reading was that despite the fact that these men (so far!) were often bitter rivals while campaigning and were from different political parties and ideological backgrounds; once the campaign was over and the 'new guy' was elected, the former presidents gathered around and welcomed him into the club.... sharing advice and stories from their own presidencies. Generally speaking, the members of the club try to never publicly criticize the new president. The main goal of the club seems to be to preserve and protect the integrity of the Office of President of the United States. All members of the Presidents' Club seem to agree that the Office of the Presidency is far bigger than the current occupant of the white House.
Reading about presidents that I have always admired..and some I have not had high opinions of... was a learning experience for me. By the end of the book, I found that I didn't have the strong opinions I had held before starting... both positive AND negative opinions. I came away feeling infinitely more sympathetic and understanding of some of the presidents that I had previously judged harshly. Being President of the United States, although the most powerful position a person can hold with many, many perks... is also the most difficult position and as President Lyndon Johnson said.... also the most lonely.
Wonderfully informative book about our Commanders-in Chief!
What struck me while reading was that despite the fact that these men (so far!) were often bitter rivals while campaigning and were from different political parties and ideological backgrounds; once the campaign was over and the 'new guy' was elected, the former presidents gathered around and welcomed him into the club.... sharing advice and stories from their own presidencies. Generally speaking, the members of the club try to never publicly criticize the new president. The main goal of the club seems to be to preserve and protect the integrity of the Office of President of the United States. All members of the Presidents' Club seem to agree that the Office of the Presidency is far bigger than the current occupant of the white House.
Reading about presidents that I have always admired..and some I have not had high opinions of... was a learning experience for me. By the end of the book, I found that I didn't have the strong opinions I had held before starting... both positive AND negative opinions. I came away feeling infinitely more sympathetic and understanding of some of the presidents that I had previously judged harshly. Being President of the United States, although the most powerful position a person can hold with many, many perks... is also the most difficult position and as President Lyndon Johnson said.... also the most lonely.
Wonderfully informative book about our Commanders-in Chief!
June 28, 2012
This book is thoroughly researched and provides incredible (how in the world did the authors find this out?) and fascinating details -- all told as a highly readable story by two TIME writers. It covers the relationships current presidents have with their predecessors and how they help each other behind the scenes and in public.
You learn how much LBJ depended on Eisenhower as he conducted the war in Vietnam. (Eisenhower is described as practically his Chief of Staff.) You learn that Nixon wrote Clinton a letter that he still rereads every year. No one likes Carter. And much, much more. Truman and Hoover started the Presidents Club. The book takes us from these two presidents through to Obama.
If you have any interest in presidential history, this book is for you.
You learn how much LBJ depended on Eisenhower as he conducted the war in Vietnam. (Eisenhower is described as practically his Chief of Staff.) You learn that Nixon wrote Clinton a letter that he still rereads every year. No one likes Carter. And much, much more. Truman and Hoover started the Presidents Club. The book takes us from these two presidents through to Obama.
If you have any interest in presidential history, this book is for you.
February 19, 2013
When President Truman needed someone to run the food program to feed the devastated starving Europeans in the aftermath of WWII he called on the hero of feeding the masses of starving Europeans following WWI. That man was a former President from a rival party who was vilified by Truman’s predecessor. Herbert Hoover was living in seclusion following his loss of the presidency. Franklin Roosevelt used the clever ploy of blaming the Great Depression on Hoover. Truman was a different kind of man as president. He reached out to a 72 year old Hoover in 1946 to head the European War relief effort. In doing so Hoover saved millions of starving Europeans. He also became an original member of the President’s Club.
Hoover and Truman became close. Truman asked for advice many times from Hoover. Truman would continue the tradition after Hoover’s death and when Eisenhower was elected he offered similar types advice. He would offer even more advice to John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. In fact, all the presidents became friendly with each other from Truman to Obama.
Nixon would show his genius as a former president and a member of this club. President Nixon recognized Ronald Reagan’s potential star power. He also recognized Reagan's threat to his own future. So Nixon (as President) sends Reagan (as governor of California) on diplomatic missions to divert his intentions. When Reagan became President Nixon gave him salient advice. For example, Nixon told Reagan to never give speeches outside this diminished Reagan's effective voice. He also told him to only debate in the election when third party candidate John Anderson is allowed. I am not sure why but Reagan won the debates. When Clinton became President Nixon told him to master foreign affairs because that is what makes or breaks a president. He also predicted the rise of radical Muslim fundamentalism.
George Bush became great friends with the man who defeated him - Bill Clinton. In fact, President Bush was seen as a father figure to Bill Clinton. He was always there for Clinton when Clinton needed him.
To wrap this great book up I am going to give a brief description about each of the presidents who were members of this unique group.
Truman- down-to-earth, no nonsense, common sense
Eisenhower- calm, experienced excellent role model
Kennedy- charismatic, great vision
Johnson- legislative master,
Nixon, political promulgator, devious and cunning
Ford – steady
Carter- arrogant, sympathetic
Reagan- conviction minded, confident
Bush- the nicest of the presidents
Clinton- adaptable, persistent
Bush- swaggering confidence
Hoover and Truman became close. Truman asked for advice many times from Hoover. Truman would continue the tradition after Hoover’s death and when Eisenhower was elected he offered similar types advice. He would offer even more advice to John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. In fact, all the presidents became friendly with each other from Truman to Obama.
Nixon would show his genius as a former president and a member of this club. President Nixon recognized Ronald Reagan’s potential star power. He also recognized Reagan's threat to his own future. So Nixon (as President) sends Reagan (as governor of California) on diplomatic missions to divert his intentions. When Reagan became President Nixon gave him salient advice. For example, Nixon told Reagan to never give speeches outside this diminished Reagan's effective voice. He also told him to only debate in the election when third party candidate John Anderson is allowed. I am not sure why but Reagan won the debates. When Clinton became President Nixon told him to master foreign affairs because that is what makes or breaks a president. He also predicted the rise of radical Muslim fundamentalism.
George Bush became great friends with the man who defeated him - Bill Clinton. In fact, President Bush was seen as a father figure to Bill Clinton. He was always there for Clinton when Clinton needed him.
To wrap this great book up I am going to give a brief description about each of the presidents who were members of this unique group.
Truman- down-to-earth, no nonsense, common sense
Eisenhower- calm, experienced excellent role model
Kennedy- charismatic, great vision
Johnson- legislative master,
Nixon, political promulgator, devious and cunning
Ford – steady
Carter- arrogant, sympathetic
Reagan- conviction minded, confident
Bush- the nicest of the presidents
Clinton- adaptable, persistent
Bush- swaggering confidence
December 27, 2012
A short history of the modern Presidency from Hoover to Obama, told entirely in stories about the interactions between presidents, ex-presidents, and future presidents. The stuff you'd expect is here—Ford's pardon of Nixon, former president Carter's rogue diplomacy in North Korea, the disaster relief team of George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton—but there's a lot of hidden history, too: Nixon's deliberate interference in the Vietnamese peace talks of 1968, stalling any peace settlement until it could no longer benefit the Democrats; Clinton's late night phone calls to Nixon, getting foreign policy advice; Ford and Carter's strong mutual distaste turning to a grudging appreciation in the course of an overseas trip; Clinton's surprising adoption into the Bush clan as a "Brother of Another Mother." As I read all these stories, gathered mostly from memoirs, presidential papers, and interviews with staff who were there, my impressions of all these men widened as they grew more human. If you're interested in the intersection of personality and politics, there's a lot of material here for you.
March 24, 2025
The President's Club is about the relationship between former presidents and the current presidents. The book begins with Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover. After World War II, then President Truman reached out to President Hoover to help feed and rebuild Europe.
I learned some new facts regarding the presidency. I did not know, for example, that JFK reached out to Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, and Vice President Nixon after the Bay of Pigs debacle for advice. Truman and Ike hated each other for many years but reconciled after JFK's death. When LBJ was president, he reached out to Ike for advice about Vietnam, and Eisenhower came to the White House and practically led the meeting while LBJ stood by. He also invited Truman and even offered the former president the Lincoln Bedroom, but Truman was too old at the time. The stories go on, but I do not wish to ruin the book for you, and I think you will enjoy the troves of anecdotes in this book.
The stories were interesting, and Nancy Gibbs wrote an engaging narrative. She did her research and presents an original piece of work. It is not written like a textbook, and she makes history a pleasure to read. You read about statesmen from different political parties working together.
I learned some new facts regarding the presidency. I did not know, for example, that JFK reached out to Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, and Vice President Nixon after the Bay of Pigs debacle for advice. Truman and Ike hated each other for many years but reconciled after JFK's death. When LBJ was president, he reached out to Ike for advice about Vietnam, and Eisenhower came to the White House and practically led the meeting while LBJ stood by. He also invited Truman and even offered the former president the Lincoln Bedroom, but Truman was too old at the time. The stories go on, but I do not wish to ruin the book for you, and I think you will enjoy the troves of anecdotes in this book.
The stories were interesting, and Nancy Gibbs wrote an engaging narrative. She did her research and presents an original piece of work. It is not written like a textbook, and she makes history a pleasure to read. You read about statesmen from different political parties working together.
February 7, 2017
This book has been sitting in my "to-read" pile for a while. I kept putting it off because I usually don't history books that tell a bunch of stories from a bunch of different times in history, and I assumed that's what this was. I also assumed I had already heard most of what would be in here. I was incorrect on both counts.
Here is a quick list of some of the fascinating stuff that I had never heard about
- How Jimmy Carter, though he drove them nuts and wasn't nice to them, was instrumental in executing some of George HW Bush and Bill Clinton's foreign policy. He was a genius at marching into a tricky foreign situation and getting good results. The stories of his trips to Panama and Haiti are great.
- How Bill Clinton did the same thing for George W Bush on a mission to China.
- That Clinton and W went on a world speaking tour together.
- How when Bush 1 was honored at the Kennedy Center and Clinton gave the keynote speech, afterward the Bush family got together for a family picture and insisted Bill Clinton join them and stand with all the brothers and sisters - that's literally how close to the family he had become.
And that's just the stuff off the top of my head. All of it was great, and I knew nothing about the Truman/Ike relationship or how important Ike became to JFK. Even if you are familiar with the Nixon/LBJ problems and the Nixon/Ford hand-off there is still a lot here about that that will surprise you. Gibbs and Duffy were able to interview many of the presidents themselves which means a lot of stuff here is new. The reason I finally picked up the book is because I kept seeing other writers refer to it for their own books!
Anyway, if you enjoy presidential history you'll enjoy this. I wish I hadn't put it off as long as I did.
Here is a quick list of some of the fascinating stuff that I had never heard about
- How Jimmy Carter, though he drove them nuts and wasn't nice to them, was instrumental in executing some of George HW Bush and Bill Clinton's foreign policy. He was a genius at marching into a tricky foreign situation and getting good results. The stories of his trips to Panama and Haiti are great.
- How Bill Clinton did the same thing for George W Bush on a mission to China.
- That Clinton and W went on a world speaking tour together.
- How when Bush 1 was honored at the Kennedy Center and Clinton gave the keynote speech, afterward the Bush family got together for a family picture and insisted Bill Clinton join them and stand with all the brothers and sisters - that's literally how close to the family he had become.
And that's just the stuff off the top of my head. All of it was great, and I knew nothing about the Truman/Ike relationship or how important Ike became to JFK. Even if you are familiar with the Nixon/LBJ problems and the Nixon/Ford hand-off there is still a lot here about that that will surprise you. Gibbs and Duffy were able to interview many of the presidents themselves which means a lot of stuff here is new. The reason I finally picked up the book is because I kept seeing other writers refer to it for their own books!
Anyway, if you enjoy presidential history you'll enjoy this. I wish I hadn't put it off as long as I did.
May 18, 2012
An inside look at the membership of the most elite club in America...our living ex-Presidents. Gibbs & Duffy reveal how our sitting and former Presidents from Hoover to Obama have needed, used, impeded or helped one another to deal with the stresses of the job, the adjustment to life after the power of the office has faded, the crises, and the gaps in their strengths and weaknesses. A thoroughly interesting book that reinforced other political works I’ve read recently while adding new ground. And now it’s time to get off the political merry-go-round and begin some lighter fare.
May 18, 2012
An inside look at the membership of the most elite club in America...our living ex-Presidents. Gibbs & Duffy reveal how our sitting and former Presidents from Hoover to Obama have needed, used, impeded or helped one another to deal with the stresses of the job, the adjustment to life after the power of the office has faded, the crises, and the gaps in their strengths and weaknesses. A thoroughly interesting book that reinforced other political works I’ve read recently while adding new ground. And now it’s time to get off the political merry-go-round and begin some lighter fare.
July 17, 2012
This book gives us a very unique inside account of the presidents' relationships with one another. I never realized how much they actually rely on one another for guidance even if they do battle politically. I love the layout, it's chronological and begins with Truman and Hoover, where "the club" was technically born and goes up to the present. So far I'm enjoying it and HIGHLY recommend it to those who love presidential history, it's a smooth and very interesting read so far and I'm only a chapter in :)
May 17, 2012
What touches me most while reading this book is how the former Presidents would assist the man occupying the office at the time regardless of their political leanings. Hoover the Republican helped Truman the Democrat just as Ike advised Kennedy and Clinton became Obama's envoy (okay, they're are on the same side politically but Clinton didn't like Obama taking away the Presidency from his wife Hillary).
It is touching to a Malaysian because I simply do not see that happening in this country. Malaysia has never had a Prime Minister from a different party yet (I'm writing this in mid-2012 when that possibility might just happen) but we have had changes at the State level and Hell would freeze over before an outgoing Chief Minister would advice the incoming one on how to govern the state just because they're from rival parties. Immature, much?
It's not all chummy of course. Nixon and LBJ literally played with lives, both American and Vietnamese, just to one-up the other in the name of power and Ford didn't like Reagan much at first. But overall the former Presidents are more than willing to safeguard their fellow 'frat brother' and guide him through the labyrinthine corridors of power because they've been there and know the tough decisions the President has to make.
Except for Nixon. He just wanted to be loved after Watergate.
It is touching to a Malaysian because I simply do not see that happening in this country. Malaysia has never had a Prime Minister from a different party yet (I'm writing this in mid-2012 when that possibility might just happen) but we have had changes at the State level and Hell would freeze over before an outgoing Chief Minister would advice the incoming one on how to govern the state just because they're from rival parties. Immature, much?
It's not all chummy of course. Nixon and LBJ literally played with lives, both American and Vietnamese, just to one-up the other in the name of power and Ford didn't like Reagan much at first. But overall the former Presidents are more than willing to safeguard their fellow 'frat brother' and guide him through the labyrinthine corridors of power because they've been there and know the tough decisions the President has to make.
Except for Nixon. He just wanted to be loved after Watergate.
November 2, 2015
Gibbs and Duffy delve into the much-complicated relationships between and among current and former presidents, beginning with Hoover and Truman in the mid 1940s. This was a fun book to read - to see how all of the ex-presidents would typically put party politics behind to assist whoever happened to be in the office at that particular time.
I did see a few flaws: the authors mention that Truman was eligible to run for a third term in 1952 because he had only served part of Roosevelt's final term. Not quite correct. The 22nd Amendment, limiting a President to only two lifetime terms, specifically excluded Truman as it was enacted during his presidency. Also, when Nixon was getting ready for a February 1994 trip to Russia, the authors talk about him meeting with some of Clinton's aides on March 4, 1994 to go over what the administration wanted him to do during his trip. Obviously they meant February 4.
I found the most interesting thing to be the almost-deal between Reagan and Ford at the 1980 Republican convention where Reagan was going to, in essence, agree to allow Ford to be a co-president. We can only wonder how that would have worked out had Ford agreed to it. Also, the complicated relationship between LBJ and Nixon, specifically concerning the 1968 Paris peace talks, really makes Nixon look bad.
I did see a few flaws: the authors mention that Truman was eligible to run for a third term in 1952 because he had only served part of Roosevelt's final term. Not quite correct. The 22nd Amendment, limiting a President to only two lifetime terms, specifically excluded Truman as it was enacted during his presidency. Also, when Nixon was getting ready for a February 1994 trip to Russia, the authors talk about him meeting with some of Clinton's aides on March 4, 1994 to go over what the administration wanted him to do during his trip. Obviously they meant February 4.
I found the most interesting thing to be the almost-deal between Reagan and Ford at the 1980 Republican convention where Reagan was going to, in essence, agree to allow Ford to be a co-president. We can only wonder how that would have worked out had Ford agreed to it. Also, the complicated relationship between LBJ and Nixon, specifically concerning the 1968 Paris peace talks, really makes Nixon look bad.
February 11, 2013
I have always been fascinated by our Presidents,past and present.What makes someone want to assume that mantle of power and responsibility?And once there, do they wonder what the hell they are doing there?This book answers those questions and so much more. There are jaw dropping revelations that will rouse a variety of emotions in the reader, from anger and disgust, to empathy, wonder and respect.
The book is well researched and written is an approachable fashion. Each president has his day so to speak but the concentration is mainly from Truman on to Obama. Of course,Mr. Obama has yet to really take his place in the club and history. His legacy is still in the making.
What I found most interesting and heartening, was that despite the at times extreme differences in opinion,philosophy and moral code, to a man they share and respect the brotherhood of the presidency.This has generated deep friendships between bitter political enemies.It gives me a little hope that we will see our way through this very divisive time in American history and come out the other side stronger and more united.
The book is well researched and written is an approachable fashion. Each president has his day so to speak but the concentration is mainly from Truman on to Obama. Of course,Mr. Obama has yet to really take his place in the club and history. His legacy is still in the making.
What I found most interesting and heartening, was that despite the at times extreme differences in opinion,philosophy and moral code, to a man they share and respect the brotherhood of the presidency.This has generated deep friendships between bitter political enemies.It gives me a little hope that we will see our way through this very divisive time in American history and come out the other side stronger and more united.
June 2, 2015
Wow, this was a great read. The best political book I've read since Game Change. I know those around me have been sick of hearing interesting Presidential trivia over the past few weeks. This book is all about the transfer of power and how those who have held the office of the President of the United States hold a unique position to help and understand the pressures, joys and frustrations that come with the job. It focuses on how these relationships have formed over the decades and how Presidents have either ignored them or used them to their advantage. This book doesn't drag at all and is full of interesting facts starting with Hoover and ending with Obama. I really didn't expect to be so moved and entertained by this book group selection. Highly recommend.
August 10, 2016
This is a multi-generational history of the relationships between every U.S. president from Truman to Obama, and surprisingly, most of them, including former opponents, were quite friendly. George H.W. Bush is particularly close with Clinton, the man who unseated him, and Ford and Carter were also able to forge a partnership after a bitter campaign against each other, though it only happened after five years of silence. That’s not to say that all the relationships were friendly; Truman and Eisenhower began as friends but fell out over Eisenhower’s choice not to take a public stand against McCarthy, a man he personally disliked. They did not reconcile until the funeral of another member of the presidential club, J.F.K. Ford and Carter’s thaw also came about at a post-assassination funeral: Sadat’s. There’s nothing like death and crisis for sorting out priorities.
The most scathing revelation in the book, unsurprisingly, was about Nixon. The book states that he undermined peace talks at Hanoi and prolonged the Vietnam War to make the Democrats look bad, thereby insuring his own election. Johnson knew he did this because he had bugged Nixon, which is why he didn’t come forward with this information. That means that Nixon’s claim during Watergate that “everybody does it” may have been true, but if you ask me, undermining peace for personal gain is even worse than the crimes at Watergate.
The book is detailed and complex and I learned a lot from it. The most important lesson is this: after all the mudslinging, theatrics, and moral posturing that is modern politics, the men who have occupied the top office are able to put their differences aside and judge each other with more sympathy than the public and media do. Only they know the unique pressures of sitting in the top seat of America. So if they, after saying who knows what about each other, can join together to work on worthy causes like fundraising for victims of Hurricane Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti, can’t we also focus less on what divides us and more on what unites us? Amidst the red state/blue state divide, can’t we all just get along?
The most scathing revelation in the book, unsurprisingly, was about Nixon. The book states that he undermined peace talks at Hanoi and prolonged the Vietnam War to make the Democrats look bad, thereby insuring his own election. Johnson knew he did this because he had bugged Nixon, which is why he didn’t come forward with this information. That means that Nixon’s claim during Watergate that “everybody does it” may have been true, but if you ask me, undermining peace for personal gain is even worse than the crimes at Watergate.
The book is detailed and complex and I learned a lot from it. The most important lesson is this: after all the mudslinging, theatrics, and moral posturing that is modern politics, the men who have occupied the top office are able to put their differences aside and judge each other with more sympathy than the public and media do. Only they know the unique pressures of sitting in the top seat of America. So if they, after saying who knows what about each other, can join together to work on worthy causes like fundraising for victims of Hurricane Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti, can’t we also focus less on what divides us and more on what unites us? Amidst the red state/blue state divide, can’t we all just get along?
November 1, 2012
Amazing book about the history of American Presidents since Hoover. This book describes the interactions between presidents and ex-presidents, and sometimes ex-presidents with each other. This is not a part of history that is often discussed in textbooks or in documentaries. It allows the reader to see the human side of the presidents in a very real and unedited version. There is a contrast between this and the more conventional stories of the lives of presidents and their various achievements. Eisenhower is usually thought of as a war hero, a strong leader, the guy with the reassuring smile, and the guy who warned about the industrial military complex. All of those are true, but this book explains how he worked with Truman as a military leader and private citizen and then stabbed him in the back during his first presidential campaign while running as a Republican. Eisenhower was hard to deal with as a person and it made him seem a little like current Republican leaders like Tom Delay or John Boehner. It's so amusing to hear the stories of ex-presidents interacting with each other. Nixon, Carter, and Ford traveled together for the funeral of Sadat in 1981. Then before they left Nixon unexpectedly went AWOL to take his own tour of the middle-east leaving Ford and Carter to fly home together in a much more relaxed atmosphere without the shadow of Nixon hanging over everything. Presidents after Eisenhower seemed to rely closely on ex-presidents for advice and support. According to this book, during the Watergate scandal Nixon actually said, "I have nobody to talk to anymore now that old Harry Truman is gone." It was also interesting to read about what a troublemaker Reagan was to the Nixon and Ford administrations. There are so many great stories contained in this book and it is a must read for anyone interested in modern presidential history.
November 5, 2012
The Presidents Club by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy is a must read for all amateur presidential historians. For those who've had the luxury of reading a biography of each president since Hoover, it contains interesting reminders of each president’s interactions with fellow members of the club that are documented elsewhere.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to study each president, the book is a sumptuous gathering of amuse bouches from which to choose your next object of study.
Gibbs and Duffy pull no punches: both Nixon and Carter are accused of treason, and Clinton is thoroughly scolded (by Ford) for his indiscretions with Lewinski. As in real life, Johnson comes off as an ass.
We learn that members of the club become more forgiving and generous to one another following their stint in the White House (except, maybe, Carter) and are eager to find some meaningful outlet for their talents and skills.
I enjoyed the book, but upon reading it I am even more cynical about the presidency. The lies, double-dealing, corruption of money and just plain evil in politics is taking away my enjoyment of reading about the men who have lived and suffered at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to study each president, the book is a sumptuous gathering of amuse bouches from which to choose your next object of study.
Gibbs and Duffy pull no punches: both Nixon and Carter are accused of treason, and Clinton is thoroughly scolded (by Ford) for his indiscretions with Lewinski. As in real life, Johnson comes off as an ass.
We learn that members of the club become more forgiving and generous to one another following their stint in the White House (except, maybe, Carter) and are eager to find some meaningful outlet for their talents and skills.
I enjoyed the book, but upon reading it I am even more cynical about the presidency. The lies, double-dealing, corruption of money and just plain evil in politics is taking away my enjoyment of reading about the men who have lived and suffered at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
June 2, 2013
"The Presidents Club" is a fascinating history of 20th century America through the lens of the Oval Office, focusing on how sitting presidents call upon the expertise and knowledge of their predecessors...or don't. Since the "club" of ex-presidents really started with Truman, little of the first half of the century is covered. But authors Nancy Gibb and Michael Duffy go into great detail, with great insight, as to the workings of the White House thereafter, all the way up to the current president, Barack Obama. Anyone who has a particular president they either idolize or loathe may take occasional exception with the way the men are drawn here: everybody is depicted with warts as well as beauty marks. Nixon and Carter, being the two most problematic of the Presidents Club, probably get the fullest and most objective treatments, and out of Presidents 31 through 44, the only one to emerge from these pages as someone you would actually like to know and invite over for dinner sometime is Ford. But anyone interested in history, particularly recent history, should love this book.
October 7, 2022
Phenomenal. I closed this, stood up, rushed to find the nearest fellow human, and declared: That was so good.
This book is a concept of genius - I can’t believe I haven’t read something like it sooner. Better yet, the execution surpasses those hefty expectations. Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy do a remarkable job injecting the reader into the intimacies of the Presidencies by telling the stories of the complex, conniving, convoluted, and compassionate relationships between their mantle holders. I wasn’t anticipating the structure or approach, and now that I’ve finished (and learned so so much) I can’t imagine capturing this history in any other way.
“[Presidents] are the jurors who will not pronounce a verdict, because they know they have not heard all the evidence — and they are predisposed to be merciful.”
I left this book humbled by how absolutely none of us can understand what it’s like to be POTUS, unless you’ve actually done it.
This book is a concept of genius - I can’t believe I haven’t read something like it sooner. Better yet, the execution surpasses those hefty expectations. Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy do a remarkable job injecting the reader into the intimacies of the Presidencies by telling the stories of the complex, conniving, convoluted, and compassionate relationships between their mantle holders. I wasn’t anticipating the structure or approach, and now that I’ve finished (and learned so so much) I can’t imagine capturing this history in any other way.
“[Presidents] are the jurors who will not pronounce a verdict, because they know they have not heard all the evidence — and they are predisposed to be merciful.”
I left this book humbled by how absolutely none of us can understand what it’s like to be POTUS, unless you’ve actually done it.
December 4, 2019
Wow this was great. The length was a little daunting (the audio book was 22 hours!), but once I got started I really didn’t want to stop. If you have an interest in modern American history and a complete fascination with the presidency and Oval Office (like I do), this book will fly by. I wish there was a bit more on Obama (the presidency I have the strongest memories of), but you can tell that many of the revelations in this book come from a generous amount of time and perspective, so it just hasn’t been long enough to know as much about his presidency as other past presidents. (Also just realized this book was written in 2012, so he hadn’t even finished his first term yet.) But such a cool perspective to learn about some other modern eras that I didn’t know as much about as I thought. Highly recommend.
July 8, 2018
I hate politics.
But I love history.
Which makes evaluating a work of political history difficult.
The book is certainly worth reading if you find the subject matter interesting. It is well-researched, copiously cited, reasonably even-handed, overly long, and, like a lot of journalist-turned-historian writing, works better in short bursts than as a sustained thesis.
Anyone not interested in politics or recent history will find it long, boring, and repetitive.
I found it interesting enough to finish, but it was a bit of a grind to get through.
But I love history.
Which makes evaluating a work of political history difficult.
The book is certainly worth reading if you find the subject matter interesting. It is well-researched, copiously cited, reasonably even-handed, overly long, and, like a lot of journalist-turned-historian writing, works better in short bursts than as a sustained thesis.
Anyone not interested in politics or recent history will find it long, boring, and repetitive.
I found it interesting enough to finish, but it was a bit of a grind to get through.
March 22, 2022
INCREDIBLE READ! I loved reading how presidents have interacted with former presidents, specifically from Hoover to Obama. There were lots of stories of cooperation, error, faults, and friendships. I admire George HW Bush and Clinton’s friendship a lot more now. They kinda painted my guy Jimmy in a bad light, but it was understandable. However, overall this was a refreshing read about the presidency and how men who have held the office help to uphold the integrity of it when they are retired. Highly recommend!
August 18, 2024
4.5 audiobook
August 28, 2025
This was a great read, pulling back the curtain on a group of men that have taken on a task more mentally (often physically) challenging than most of us could endure. Regardless of politics, the interpersonal conduct and interactions between the Presidents and their predecessors are fascinating to read about. This book ends with Obama, and I could only imagine the next couple of chapters... updated edition in 2029?
June 15, 2014
I saw a feature on this topic on “CBS Sunday Morning” a few months ago and was intrigued about such a group; so I got the audiobook out of the Library and spent the next couple months listening in my car (18 discs). I indeed did find this book intriguing and there were plenty of surprises. The main tenet of this work is that nobody really knows what is asked of a President, what stresses he’s under, more than former presidents. While such former presidents have given advice to the current holder of the office since the beginning, it was never formalized until Harry Truman and his old archrival Herbert Hoover rode together at FDR’s funeral. After that, Truman not only sought Hoover’s advice but also capitalized on Hoover’s strengths and appointed him to posts and offices that would give Hoover sort of a “second start” after being President. Apparently no one could have predicted this relationship at all! The book is full of such stuff, and makes for fascinating reading, including how there is an apartment across from the White House where these meetings take place, and how all of these current and former presidents are extremely concerned with the office of the presidency, even though their own personal or political opinions may be in contrast to their actions in doing so.
The book contains a great deal of information, so I won’t summarize all of it here. However, I feel compelled to speak of some of the more prominent figures and events. For example, Dwight Eisenhower exerted influence long after he left the presidency, in part because his long military history made him invaluable as far as discipline, strategy and the “long view.” His advice was actively sought by Kennedy, especially regarding the Bay of Pigs (Kennedy tried to blame Eisenhower for the bungling; indeed, Eisenhower had advised against it) and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Eisenhower was a respected personage till the end of his life, and his reputation continues.
And here are a couple of surprises: Richard Nixon was extremely helpful to Bill Clinton, especially relating to foreign policy. It is related that Nixon wrote a letter to Clinton regarding Russia, which Clinton has described as brilliant and extremely insightful, and which he re-read every year he was in office. On the other hand, Jimmy Carter is described as sort of a grump and as not only unhelpful at times but actually sabotaging some of his successors’ efforts. Nonetheless, he was recruited, along with Ford and Nixon, to attend the funeral of Anwar Sadat, and during the long flight they all formed a much closer relationship and teamwork. Of course, of more popular knowledge is the relationship that developed between George Busch, Sr. and Bill Clinton, one that Clinton described as Mr. Busch being the father Clinton never had. And of course the family dynamics between the elder and younger Busch is also fascinating.
I found this book to be intriguing and educational, and would strongly recommend it, although some of the descriptions can become tedious at times (well, after all, it is about politics). The narration, by Bob Walter (an award-winning producer and narrator of audiobooks) was quite good and never flagged. Five enthusiastic stars.
The book contains a great deal of information, so I won’t summarize all of it here. However, I feel compelled to speak of some of the more prominent figures and events. For example, Dwight Eisenhower exerted influence long after he left the presidency, in part because his long military history made him invaluable as far as discipline, strategy and the “long view.” His advice was actively sought by Kennedy, especially regarding the Bay of Pigs (Kennedy tried to blame Eisenhower for the bungling; indeed, Eisenhower had advised against it) and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Eisenhower was a respected personage till the end of his life, and his reputation continues.
And here are a couple of surprises: Richard Nixon was extremely helpful to Bill Clinton, especially relating to foreign policy. It is related that Nixon wrote a letter to Clinton regarding Russia, which Clinton has described as brilliant and extremely insightful, and which he re-read every year he was in office. On the other hand, Jimmy Carter is described as sort of a grump and as not only unhelpful at times but actually sabotaging some of his successors’ efforts. Nonetheless, he was recruited, along with Ford and Nixon, to attend the funeral of Anwar Sadat, and during the long flight they all formed a much closer relationship and teamwork. Of course, of more popular knowledge is the relationship that developed between George Busch, Sr. and Bill Clinton, one that Clinton described as Mr. Busch being the father Clinton never had. And of course the family dynamics between the elder and younger Busch is also fascinating.
I found this book to be intriguing and educational, and would strongly recommend it, although some of the descriptions can become tedious at times (well, after all, it is about politics). The narration, by Bob Walter (an award-winning producer and narrator of audiobooks) was quite good and never flagged. Five enthusiastic stars.
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