Goldwater

by Barry M. Goldwater, Jack Casserly (Collaborator)

An elder statesman of the Republican party recounts his long, colorful career, offering insights into the famous figures he has known and the events he has witnessed, as well as proposals for positive change

Genres: Biography, Politics, Autobiography, History, American History, Nonfiction, American

414 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1988

About the author

American politician Barry Morris Goldwater as senator of United States from Arizona from 1953 to 1965 and from 1969 to 1987 ran unsuccessfully for president in 1964; people credit him with founding the conservative movement that came to dominate the Republican Party.

This businessman stood as candidate.

In 1964, rights and fiscal sanity based his militant campaign against Communism.

Goldwater most often sparked the resurgence in the 1960s. He also a substantial affected the libertarians.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_G...

Reviews

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Clint Eastwood he came from the west and through his thick black rim glasses they shared the same captivating silent stare. Former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater’s autobiography in classic form is full of politics and sets the record straight.

With a Jewish father and a Christian mother he attended an Episcopal Church, always believing one’s religion was private. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” he proudly served our nation during World War II as an Air Force pilot. Retailing and the Goldwater stores were not in his blood, but rather national politics as he rose to become a prominent U.S. senator. One of his favorite books was “The Road to Serfdom” published in 1944 when he was 35 years old.

Senator Goldwater did not wish to run for president in 1964, but an up swell of 20-30 year old republicans successfully petitioned a draft movement that created a glowing spark that led to a blaze. He was a breed apart from most politicians and the fact that he did not have a college degree did not diminish his confidence as he boldly objected to the politics of the old guard republican establishment many from the Ivy League with country club backgrounds. His conservative campaign was pitted against the more liberal republican candidates, Richard Nixon, William Scranton, George Romney and Nelson Rockefeller. His simple message was less government and he kept alive the statement that “Any government which can promise you everything you want can also take away everything you have.” He had a distain for lobbyists and the overall Washington, D.C. culture. While on campaign he would occasionally slip into the cockpit to fly the 727 aircraft with reporters on board. The Arizona senator looked forward to a very cordial presidential factual debate against his dear friend President John F. Kennedy. When JFK was assonated on November 22, 1963 Goldwater’s heart sank to a very low level as he would now be facing the manipulative Lyndon B. Johnson, a man he never trusted. Goldwater's stand on civil rights was often misunderstood as he believed in freedom of all individuals from all walks of life and he formed a true bond of friendship with the Native Americans within his state. All of this is explained within the book.

Goldwater was soundly defeated in the 64’ election. To many he was considered ahead of his time and historically he is credited with the modern day birth of the conservative movement. Personally he would continue on as a leading U.S. senator viewing LBJ as a vey weak commander-in-chief for setting disastrous rules of engagement during the Vietnam War. Goldwater, who through the reserves rose to become a USAF major general, was strong on defense and his position was win the war or get out. His dislike of Johnson’s character traits was trumped by future president Richard Nixon within his own party, stating “He was the most dishonest individual I ever met in my life.”

In the final month of 1986 as the senator’s public service was winding down, he was given a heartwarming farewell ceremony at the Pentagon complete with the Marine Corps band and honor guards from all branches of military service. Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger summarized Goldwater’s legacy with three lasting lessons for America.

“1. Do not become involved in a war unless you intend to win.
2. Government regulation of our lives becomes regimentation of liberty.
3. Despite all her faults and shortcomings, it’s perfectly all right to love America.”

The autobiography of one of America’s foremost conservatives, complete with an array of black and white photos, is a great piece of history.

[Lukasz Pruski · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Society has become more selfish and, as a result, less dedicated to the common good. Millions hail a culture that is now more concerned with money and appearances than genuine accomplishment."

Strange as it may seem Senator Barry M. Goldwater played a role in shaping my youth in Poland, behind the Iron Curtain. In early fall of 1964 I was beginning my high-school education in Warsaw and I clearly remember the hysteria the Polish media (all six of them: the only TV channel, the two radio stations, and the three newspapers, all strictly controlled by the so-called Communist party) created about Sen. Goldwater candidacy for the President of the United States. According to the media this was the man who would inevitably start the global thermonuclear war to have all the peace-loving children in the world annihilated. I could not sleep and had nightmares of nuclear catastrophe. I was 13, the age when one tends to believe what one sees/listens to/reads in the media. Over fifty years later my connection with the late Sen. Goldwater is still strong. I chair a committee at my university that helps students apply for and succeed in getting the famous Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship - the most prestigious math, science, and engineering scholarship in the country - which the U.S. Congress had established in honor of the senator's 30-year career in Congress.

Goldwater (1988) is an autobiography of the senator, co-written with Jack Casserly. Already from the beginning pages I learned about my further connections with the senator. His grandfather was actually born in Konin, Poland, not that far from my place of birth. And Prescott, Arizona - one of my favorite towns in the States - was the senator's usual place to launch his numerous political campaigns.

The autobiography is an interesting read marred by meandering, chatty, and sometimes long-winded style; the authors are not always able to ignore immaterial details and focus on the crucial issues. Some readers may be put off by Mr. Goldwater's tendency to seek vengeance on his many political enemies. Just to mention a few: about R.M. Nixon the Senator writes: "the most dishonest individual I ever met in my life." Goldwater's utter contempt for L.B. Johnson is clear: "master of manipulation," "epitome of unprincipled politician," and "a hypocrite." The critique of R. McNamara and his policies in the times of the Vietnam War almost reaches the level of a charge of treason, for his incompetency and lies. J.F. Kennedy is characterized as "not a profile in courage." Senator Church's alleged political misconduct is dwelled on.

Senator Goldwater is an epitome of a conservative politician. The main motif of this autobiography is his unabashed support for the conservative movement and his deep pride of the progress the conservative ideology made in the 1970s and 1980s. Since Goodreads is not a place to proselytize about politics, let me just point out one aspect. While it would be ridiculous to characterize my views as in any way conservative, there are several areas that I agree with the senator: on uncontrolled growth of government, on honesty in politics, on the catastrophic influence of money and media on the political discourse, and the disastrous attempts of the religious Right's to legislate morality. The late senator would be horrified to see what Internet has done to destroy the truth in politics and human relations in general. And while I still disagree with him on most things, in particular on the role of government in all dimensions of progress and on Roosevelt's New Deal, having read the biography I gained strong respect for the senator for his honesty and straightforwardness. And I actually do believe that he never veered from his hierarchy of values: politicians should put the interests of the country first, then the interests of their state, and only then those of their own and their family. Hard to find politicians of this caliber today.

Three stars.

[May Ling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a part of the box of random books purchase of 2008. I actually knew nothing about Barry Goldwater before I read this book. I recommend this book regardless of one's political views. For the most part it seems more an account of one man's very senior experience in politics, what happened, why it happened from his point of view, and why he feels that things were either fair or unfair.

Goldwater is not nearly as preachy as his modern contemporaries, instead, telling his side of the story as he acknowledges that which is opposite and why that opposite might be legitimate point of view. His anecdotals of various personalities bring to life an otherwise boring subject for non-history folk. He addresses the issues but adds a human element; at once showing his political and social savvy and knowledge and a certain humility situations that require very hard decisions.

You get the sense that regardless of his views, he is a man where moral judgment and right - as difficult as it sometimes may be to identify, stand at the heart of his reasons for going into politics. You sadly, also get the sense that times are changing. In this regard, politics is moving from the altruistic desire to make this nation great to a self-serving state.

As we enter the new era with a new President and new possibilities it will be interesting to see the degree to which the austerity of politics is brought back into sight.

[Dennis Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and don't remember a lot of specifics. I do however remember being engrossed by it and the writing style of the author. I don't know how much was written by Goldwater or by co-author Jack Casserly but there were parts of the book that were obviously the plain spoken honest words of the Senator himself. Whether you agree with Goldwater's politics or not there is little doubt that we would be far better off today if we had a lot more politicans with the integrity of Barry Goldwater.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very educational and usually an interesting read. Goldwater comes across as a very principled man in the book and allows you to peer into the inner workings of parts of the government through his eyes.

Three stars because his whining was very grating at times, especially in the first chapter which made it very hard to get started with the book. Plus, he seems to lack a certain sense of self-awareness; he would’ve invaded Cuba during the Bay of Pigs and invaded North Vietnam in the Vietnam War but doesn’t seem to grasp how that would lead to nuclear war.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in a Little Free Library but I really loved it. Surprisingly timely on media, political parties, Russia...

[Niyaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read.! Special attachment to this book. Exciting book.

[Judy]

I forced myself to read this book because my Father sent it to me. I figured it was just a conservative line, but it was a very good book in spite of the conservative line.

[Monte Lamb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book that covers the life of Barry Goldwater. You really get to understand how direct and straight forward he was in his political dealings. He didn't pull many punches with his opinions of so many fellow politicians. The final chapter which discusses the future of the GOP is remarkably accurate as to how the coalition would have problems. Reading this book 30 years after its writing, he foresaw a lot of what we are seeing today with the party. You might not agree with him and I didn't on many issues, but I sure did come away from reading the book respecting this man.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

well-written thanks to a co-author who keeps Barry on track and syntactically clear. He outlines his anti-establishment philosophy and his key role in transforming the Republican party to accord with this philosophy. He recounts with glee the destruction of the liberal wing of the Republican party. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the role of the key player in rise of the modern conservative movement

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barry Goldwater's autobiography is, as you would figure with a politician, pretty self-serving. But I figured I should know more about the most influential conservative in American politics besides Reagan.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an easy read.so wise, but i certainly did not agree with all of his opinions about other people. i still remember hearing his acceptance speech at the republican convention and still think he was right. could his presidency have prevented the death of so many ? ????

[Cws]

973.92

[Craig Bolton]

Goldwater by Barry Goldwater (1988)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of a great American. Duty, honor, country.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story about an interesting man and his family. Still, it seemed a bit contrived and stiff.

[Pat Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I barely remember reading this. He goes through his life and it allows the reader to see him as a person not a controversial politician.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Goldwater” is the entertaining, educational, no holds barred autobiography of a Conservative American Icon. It begins with its subject’s assessment of the changes- for the worse- in Congress before turning to his lifelong love affair with Arizona: its land, its history, his family’s role in it and his own appreciation of its sights and people.

Goldwater’s youth was spent with a father who managed the family department store, a mother who took the children camping and to California for the summer and his brother and sister. His introduction to the military took place when he enrolled as a student at Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. His greatest disappointment was that his goal of attending West Point was dashed when he returned home to manage the family store after his father’s death.

In his time, Goldwater played many parts. He was a merchant, Air Force officer, City councilman, spark of the Arizona Republican Party, United States Senator, author, Presidential nominee, husband, father, pilot, ham radio operator and others.

Goldwater shares his views with his readers. He tells of his friendship with Jack Kennedy and their plans for the 1964 race and his reluctance to take on Lyndon Johnson, who he described as a “dirty fighter.” He shares his impressions of Dwight Eisenhower, Nelson Rockefeller, Hubert Humphrey, Richard Nixon, et al. Readers are flies on the wall of campaign strategy meetings, events leading to the Nixon resignation and pardon, his last campaign and the crowning triumph of his Senate career, the passage of the military reorganization bill.

My appreciation of this book increased page by page. The early chapters seemed like the rambling anecdotes of a senior politician trying to humor the audience. As the book progressed and it delves into the politics of the 50s to 80s with the rise and triumph of the Conservative movement it became much more interesting and informative. I recommend it for any student or fan of the Republican Party or Mid-Twentieth Century American political history.