The Amateur

by Edward Klein

It’s amateur hour at the White House. So says New York Times bestselling author Edward Klein in his new political exposé The Amateur. Tapping into the public’s growing sentiment that President Obama is in over his head, The Amateur argues that Obama’s toxic combination of incompetence and arrogance have run our nation and his presidency off the rails. “Obama was both completely inexperienced and ideologically far to the left of Americans when he entered the White House,” says Klein. “And he was so arrogant that he didn’t even know what he didn’t know.”

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

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Edward J. Klein (born 1937) is an American author, tabloid writer and gossip columnist who is a former foreign editor of Newsweek, and former editor-in-chief of The New York Times Magazine (1977-1987). He has written about the Kennedys, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Donald Trump.

Klein is the former foreign editor of Newsweek and served as the editor-in-chief of The New York Times Magazine from 1977 to 1987. He frequently contributes to Vanity Fair and Parade and writes a weekly celebrity gossip column in Parade called "Personality Parade" under the pseudonym "Walter Scott." (The Walter Scott pseudonym had originally been used by Lloyd Shearer, who wrote the column from 1958 to 1991.[3]) He also writes books, many of which have been on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Edward Klein

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book that I know going in will be disliked by some before they ever pick it up (actually they'll never pick it up, so...). Only a few days ago I accidentally got into a "discussion" here. Someone was informing others that President Obama was really a moderate. He used the phrase, "right of center". I tried to be diplomatic but had to answer (knowing I was probably about to ignite a fire storm) that the President was anything but moderate. He had one of most liberal or left wing voting records in congress (when he did vote). He'd made it clear that he supported partial birth abortion, believed in redistribution of wealth and had moved all before him to install a social medical or single payer state medical system.

This was not greeted well...I was called names and accused of being a listener of Glenn Beck (what a horrible accusation). I said I thought we'd simply have to agree to disagree. I was called some more colorful names. I didn't follow up.

This book like another I've read and reviewed here simply runs down the facts of the President's regime. He did in the last campign present himself (and was presented by others) as a moderate. That really won't hold water anymore (for many of us it never did). While this book is more openly an expose' of the president and sets out to show the negatives (more than some others that were simply lists of facts) it still deals in facts. It also reports the outcome of interviews of those who know and have known the president. It shows a portrait of a man who'll gladly ditch friends and supporters if it's convenient and to his advantage. It shows a picture of a president who is an amateur (the word from Bill Clinton among others) yet supremely arrogant and ambitious.

I'd like to see people read this book with an open mind, but I know up front many won't be able to. Still I'd recommend it. Don't listen to that voice that keeps saying, "ignore the man behind the curtain". No, I'd suggest we take a look at the Barack Obama that's behind that curtain, behind the front put up by the politician, his staff, his people and a willingly supportive print, TV and other media(so called) news core that are and have been clearly in his corner from the start.

[Margitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barack Hussein Obama II is an American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He is the first African American to have served as president. ~ Wikipedia.

So much irony fostered in Barack Obama's presidency. He was black and white, in both genes and culture. He was greeted with some of the most challenging events in world history. While dancing with his lovely wife at a inauguration celebration, fifteen Republicans congregated in a nearby hotel, promising to become the biggest obstructionists in human history. But wait, the big irony was that those fifteen conspirators were Christians, yes, who went out to fight and protest and block the teachings of their Jesus, namely respect and human rights for all in our common humanity that bind us together. In their Bible, basic human rights were noble as long as they preech it. When Obama tried to make it part of the American psyche through legislation, it was called communism.

Now for the big irony: the principles for which Jesus stood and died, made him the world's first biggest liberator; yes, their God was in effect the first communist who ever lived, judged in today's political landscape, who's teachings should be opposed if it was taught by a socialist such as Obama. In their church it is fine. Show, don't tell, was as absent in their political rhetoric as a tsunami in the desert. Words. And words only. Don't practise what you preech. Not in politcs. Blasphemous, Barack Obama! Go home and be quiet.

Okay, that was not all. Beside Nelson Mandela, and Ghandi, few political leaders were glorified as the son of God(which God, in postmodern terms?) as Barack Obama. He was expected to be the saviour of the world. He had no other choice but to act like God to make those voters happy. But was he ready to be God?

The young Obama, the articulate orator who presented himself as a peacemaker, a mediator, a conciliator, who promised to heal the rift between red and blue in American politics, had a long road ahead of him. In 2016 a much older man came out on the other side of eight years in the White House, had no illusions left of what humanity really was and aspired to be. A much wiser man.

Published in 2012, the author aimed to answer a few questions he set out before writing the book. Barack Obama was up for re-election and the pressure was on to have him ousted. This book was a contribution to the anti-Obma rhetoric. Ed Klein wanted to discover the dark side of Obama's moon that was so well concealed to the outside world. (from a Mark Twain quote in the book)

Introduction

I have learned as a journalist that if you look long enough and hard enough and carefully enough, most truths are discoverable. As you will see in the pages that follow, I chose to launch my investigation in Chicago, where Obama first donned his disguise as an ideological wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“Ever since I’ve known him, Obama has had delusions of grandeur and a preoccupation with his place in history,” one of his oldest Chicago acquaintances told me. “He is afflicted with megalomania. How else can you explain the chutzpah of an obscure community organizer who began writing his autobiography before he was thirty years old—and before he had any accomplishments to write about? And how else can you explain the chutzpah of a first-term United States senator, who believed he was qualified for the most difficult job in the world—the presidency—even though he had never held a real job in his life?

“You can explain it with any number of words: arrogance, conceit, egotism, vanity, hubris,” this person continued. “But whatever word you choose, it spells the same thing—disaster for the country he leads.”

This book is a one-sided account of a president's life. No objective approach to history here. No historian in the text. It's a journalist's take on someone he did not like. He made a point in obscuring the other side, often attributing personality weaknesses to this president that is simply not true. It is evident in a multitude of articles proving the opposite.

For instance, Obama got blamed for agreements made by George W Bush. The latter announced the withdrawal of troups from Afghanistan and Irak - on paper - signed, sealed and photographed. It was the genesis of ISIS. That agreement started the biggest threat to world stability. Obama inherited that very agreement which had to be honored. The killing of Osama Bin Laden, was the cherry on the cake. (This perspective is not in the book) In fact, the author claimed that Obama did nothing, accomplished nothing, was a failure. That Obama was viciously apposed in everything he tried, is not rendered in this tale. It would have defeated the purpose of this publication.

Trying to find a compromise spurred the use of drones instead of American troups(too many lost their lives) in the Middle East. George W. Bush used drones first. Obama was critisized for that and became known as the drone president. Saving people's investments by bailing out the banks, did not go off well. Bailing out the car factories to save jobs, got negative responses. Only a communist would do what he did. He was the president who tried to move America closer to the European-style socialist welfare state, according to his opponents. What would Trump have done in that situation? Or all of these situations. Those situations were neither created, nor made possible by Barack Obama, yet he had to take the blame for it. What would Trump have done? And what would Bush, Bill Clinton, or Trump have done, standing at several schools where innocent children got killed by crazy people? Would they defend the right to own semi-automatic rifles by ordinary citizens, and hug the grieving parents in an effort to score political ratings? Would they have gone to those schools in the first place and face those parents? Man, I'm still so mad I can puke fire myself!!!! The irony at the time was that the biggest teachers unions invested their pension funds in ammunition factories. If that doesn't make you livid, what in God's name will?

The author bashes Obama as far and wide as possible. Some might even call this effort an exposé. He accuses Obama of being vainglorious and thin-skinned, suffering from a messianic complex, and having a kumbaya style to his dreams of saving the world.

DRINKING THE OBAMA KOOL-AID

Obama’s acolytes in academia, the media, the churches, and the world of entertainment encouraged this dangerous delusion. Micah Tillman, a lecturer in philosophy at the Catholic University of America, said: “Barack Obama is the Platonic philosopher king we’ve been looking for for the past 2,400 years.” At a campaign rally in South Carolina, Oprah Winfrey had referred to Obama as “The One,” a reference to both Jesus Christ and Neo from the movie The Matrix. The New York Times called his election “a national catharsis.” His hometown newspaper, the Chicago Sun-Times, wrote, “The first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review has a movie-star smile and more than a little mystique. Also, we just like to say his name. We are considering taking it as a mantra.” Obama’s political apostles never seemed to tire of coming up with fresh examples of his divinity. Some examples:

MSNBC’s Chris Matthews: “I’ve been following politics since I was about 5. I’ve never seen anything like this. This is bigger than Kennedy. [Obama] comes along, and he seems to have the answers. This is the New Testament.”

Newsweek editor Evan Thomas: “In a way Obama is standing above the country, above the world. He’s sort of God. He’s going to bring all the different sides together.”

Film director Spike Lee: “You’ll have to measure time by ‘Before Obama’ and ‘After Obama’.... Everything’s going to be affected by this seismic change in the universe.”

Jonathan Alter in his book, The Promise: President Obama, Year One:
Rabbi David Saperstein, reading from Psalms in English and Hebrew, noticed from the altar that the good men and women of the congregation that day, including the Bidens and other dignitaries, had not yet stood. Finally Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the African Methodist Church asked that everyone rise. At that moment Saperstein saw something from his angle of vision: “If I had seen it in a movie I would have groaned and said, ‘Give me a break. That’s so trite.’” A beam of morning light shown [sic] through the stained-glass windows and illuminated the president-elect’s face. Several of the clergy and choir on the altar who also saw it marveled afterward about the presence of the Divine.

The absurd, not to say blasphemous comparison of Obama to the Almighty became so embarrassing that Vice President Joe Biden couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease the president about his messiah complex. Speaking at the 2009 white-tie Gridiron Club Dinner, Biden said. “[President Obama] can’t be here tonight because he’s busy getting ready for Easter. He thinks it’s about him.”

Doris Kearns Goodwin (the author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln ) felt she was “in the presence of someone with a really spacious intellect.” And Michael Beschloss (Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789–1989) described Obama as “probably the smartest guy ever to become president,” which appeared to put Thomas Jefferson in his place. Like their liberal counterparts in academia, the media, the mainstream churches, and the entertainment industry, the historians had drunk deeply of the Obama Kool-Aid.

..."He is the living, breathing apotheosis of the American melting pot,” enthused David Axelrod, who privately coined a nickname for his boss: “Black Jesus.”

The author described these accolades as a 'chorus of hosannas.'

Years later, dillusioned liberals would describe Obama as the 'failed messiah'.

Michelle Obama is the next 'character study' in the book. Infamous for kicking Oprah out of the White House, where she clearly wanted to stake a claim. I thought Michelle was brave. She did the right thing. Oprah overstepped her welcome. Ed Klein is of the opinion that Oprah then raged (according to eyewitness accounts - yeah right): “Michelle hates fat people and doesn’t want me waddling around the White House!"

----- I hope I don't hear any giggles right this minute! Shoosh!

But wait for Michelle's (alledged) response: "Oprah, with her yo-yo dieting and huge girth, is a terrible role model. Kids will look at Oprah, who’s rich and famous and huge, and figure it’s OK to be fat."

------Now, if I hear one more sound ...! Yawellnofine.......Kitty! Kitty! Dammit, snigger and get it over with, okay? I'm soooo embarrassed with you right now. Oy! Ok, I laughed too. So there.

So yes, there's enough dirt in this book. Plenty of negative thoughts on a president who tried his best. A million reasons why you should not respect this man. Bill Clinton called Obama 'an amateur'. Yes, it's in here.

Well, the Jewish population of America did not expect a messiah and did not buy into Obama's idea of solving the Jewish-Palistinian conflict. Obama had a mea culpa waiting in their presence.

And then there was the highly-respected James Logan Jones, retired four-star marine Corps general. He called Obama's Chicagoan imported political team, "the water bugs", "the Politburo" and "The Mafia". Ed Klein calls them the 'inbred claque of Obamans'. According different source, Obama did not welcome anyone's ideas which did not correspond with his own of America as a less predominant power in a multipolar world.

Next was the disillusionment of the Kennedys. The political stronghold who felt entitled to special favor and treatments as America's most prominent family. Oh the plot thickens...

The military intervention in Libya. It was allegedly about oil, the book says, and deposing of the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi. But the murder of Gaddafi was actually about the latter's aim to move back to the gold standard for foreign trade and establishing a United States of Africa, to throw out foreign powers in Africa and to destroy America's hold on the world economy by dropping the dollar. It would ultimately have destroyed America. Gaddafi was a major threat to the American dollar and western interests. Not mention in the book. It probably could have been mentioned for more balance.

Although the intent with the book is quite clear from the start, it was really well written and compelling, with many historical information lighting up the tale for a novice like yours truly.

I believe that history should be written by more than one author to counterbalance the one-sided nonsense that is prescribed in schools. For this reason I was willing to read this book as well. I read many controversial books as you know, and watch just as many documentaries from different world perspectives. We always need balance.

Several books is referenced, such as:
Eugene Robinson: Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America;
Shelby Steele: A Bound Man;
David Remnick: The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama;
Bernard Goldberg: Love Affair: The True (and Pathetic) Story of the Torrid Romance between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media;
Michael Beschloss: Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789–1989;
Doris Kearns Goodwin: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln;
Jodi Kantor: The Obamas;
Craig Robinson: A Game Of Character (memoir);
Kate Betts: Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style
Randall Kennedy: The Persistance of the Color Line;
Bob Woodward: Obama's Wars;
Samantha Power: 1. A Problem From Hell and 2. Chasing The Flame;
Robert Kagan: The World America Made.

I want to suggest though, that this book should be read with other books bringing more understanding of the historical mileu of this presidency. Perhaps consider reading Obama's own books, Dreams From My Father- A Story of Race and Inheritance and The Audacity Of Hope . Then you will find real balance. You won't find it in this book.

Let me tell you one thing though: I am very glad I am not God. Can you imagine that busy office up there? People blaming God for being obese, black, white, democrat, republican, ugly, hungry, lost, in a midlife crisis, soiled, and what  not...hellooooo! Be thankful I am not God, trust me on this one. Obama was not God, but boy, did he try to sort out a mess and got kicked in the stomach time and time again. Every single president of any country did what they thought was right in the moment.

This book just made sure you won't forget to despise one of the most outstanding Americans who ever lived. You might not agree with me, but history might prove me right. I hope so.

AFTERMATH: Well, okay, Hilary just blew everything with the latest scandal - the Uranium One deal. And those phony files on Trump. Obama's in the mix. And then there's the stolen election, which will be reverberating though history. It is exposed in Donna Brazile's book Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns that Put Donald Trump in the White House (to be published 7th November 2017). Read this article: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Secret Takeover of the DNC - When I was asked to run the Democratic Party after the Russians hacked our emails, I stumbled onto a shocking truth about the Clinton campaign. By DONNA BRAZILE November 02, 2017.

Never rains, but pours, right? Still, I will always honor and respect any president who tried to bring goodness to the people and a better future to humanity. I knowwww, right? A little bit naive. However, this book did not convince me otherwise. He was a good man. Period. Now bite me, then go away. And be quick! We will simply have to agree to disagree at the outset.

PS.
Love Pat Caddell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKXSB...

Obama's Legacy (CNN)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyh2t...
This is actually an excellent documentary. Kudos to CNN, for once!

And another one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0h45... - CNN. A good balance, and relevant to the current news about Russia's involvement.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to Ed Klein, President Obama's White House is run by amateurs and those hungry for power. This easy to read book is like a soap opera without the sex. I do admit that while reading, I feel like a rubbernecker that can't look away from a horrible accident. It is the juiciest gossip a conservative could hope to find. It also seems so believable; perhaps because I want to believe it.

While Klein interviewed many on the right and left, and the book contains a bibliography, I am researching the web for denials from the people involved. Some of the stories, quotes, allegations are from off the record sources...so they may be true or not. I like real names.

Here is an example of the fighting in the White House sandbox:

"Shortly after the 2008 presidential election, Oprah Winfrey traveled to Washington, DC, to nail down an interview for O, The Oprah Magazine with Michelle Obama. Oprah expected the president-elect and his wife to give her a reception fit for visiting royalty, and for the occasion, she took along Gayle King, the magazine’s editor-at-large and her constant companion."

"More than a year and a half had passed since Oprah announced that she was throwing her support behind Barack Obama in his primary race against Hillary Clinton. The endorsement had represented a calculated risk for the queen of daytime television. It was one thing for her to recommend a book or launch the career of Dr. Phil, but it was quite another for her to back a political candidate."

"As it turned out, a sizable chunk of her audience took offense and stopped watching her show. No sooner had Oprah hit the campaign trail, appearing beside Obama at one primary rally after another, than her personal favorability ratings began to slide, falling from 74 to 66 percent. Her unfavorable ratings suffered an even worse fate; they jumped from 17 to 26 percent."

Although Oprah picked up on negative vibes once Obama was elected (phone calls not returned; Oprah forced to communicate with the Obama's low level staff), "Oprah expected the president-elect and his wife to give her a reception fit for visiting royalty, and for the occasion, she took along Gayle King, the magazine’s editor-at-large and her constant companion."

"As the person who controlled access to the first couple, Valerie Jarrett saw Oprah as a potential threat to her power. If Oprah went unchecked, she would bypass Valerie and go directly to the president and first lady. What good was it being the gatekeeper if you couldn’t lock the gate when you wanted? And so Valerie set about turning Michelle against Oprah. Oprah was too close to the president... Oprah was acting like she was the first lady... Oprah didn’t know her place... Oprah was a bad influence... Valerie advised Michelle to “distance herself” from Oprah and cut her out of the White House inner circle."

"It didn’t take much to convince Michelle. As Michelle knew only too well, her husband had a compelling need to win the approval of strong women like Oprah...."

"There was another reason for Michelle’s negative attitude toward Oprah. "Michelle is very jealous, I would say unusually so," said someone who was very close to Oprah. "Most people after years of marriage have trust and don’t follow their husbands around and check on them."

"Michelle doesn’t seem to trust Barack at all. She insists on knowing his every movement and drops in on him at all kinds of odd times. It’s been the buzz of the White House. Oprah has gossiped about it and giggled about how obsessive Michelle is. This is what she hears from her friends who work in the East Wing, and, believe me, she has some good sources."

The book claims that Oprah then raged: “Michelle hates fat people and doesn’t want me waddling around the White House!"

According to the book Michelle told her staff: "Oprah, with her yo-yo dieting and huge girth, is a terrible role model. Kids will look at Oprah, who’s rich and famous and huge, and figure it’s OK to be fat."

According to the book: two of Michelle’s advisers, Valerie Jarret and Desiree Rogers, were unhappy with Oprah’s influence, saying she had a plan to redecorate the Lincoln bedroom. Oprah also "had ideas about how Michelle could put more zing into White House social events." Such things would never occur to me, so it seems unlikely to me that Oprah would, but then again, she is not shy about her opinions.




Sure they are smiling, but not genuine smiles, just the smirky kind and they certainly don't look so happy to be together in this picture:


On Rev. Wright:
"After the media went ballistic on me, I received an e-mail offering me money not to preach at all until the November presidential election.”

“Who sent the e-mail?” I asked Wright.

“It was from one of Barack’s closest friends.”

“He offered you money?”

“Not directly,” Wright said. “He sent the offer to one of the members of the church, who sent it to me.”

“How much money did he offer you?”

“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” Wright said.

“Did Obama himself ever make an effort to see you?”

“Yes,” Wright said. “Barack said he wanted to meet me in secret, in a secure place. And I said, ‘You’re used to coming to my home, you’ve been here countless times, so what’s wrong with coming to my home?’ So we met in the living room of the parsonage of Trinity United Church of Christ, at South Pleasant Avenue right off 95th Street, just Barack and me. I don’t know if he had a wire on him. His security was outside somewhere."


I found the chapter about the Kennedys fascinating. Here is a sample:
"Caroline Kennedy, who supported Obama over Hillary Clinton, about Obama 'I can't stand to hear his voice anymore. He's a liar, and worse.'"

The chapter "Valerie V. Rahm" left me laughing, but it is believable when you think of these strong controlling personalities gripped in a power struggle.

Don't miss the chapter on General James Jones, Obama's National Security Adviser for “19 torturous months” . It begins with a quote from his wife, Diane Jones, speaking about Barack Obama's inner circle: "They're a bunch of Chicago thugs." We already knew that, but it I don't mind reading it again. Klein borrowed from the book Obama's Wars to write this chapter.

Speaking of Gen. Jones, Klein says, "He’s served this country for decades as a trusted military man and as a trusted adviser to both Democrats and Republicans. As I write in the book, within months of his being appointed, he became a victim of a bunch of snarky, Obama-ites in the White House who resented the fact that he wasn’t a member of the inner circle."

Some verifiable quotes:
Chris Matthews (MSMBC): I've been following politics since I was about 5. I've never seen anything like this. This is bigger than Kennedy. Obama comes along, and he seems to have the answers. This is the New Testament."

Evan Thomas (Newsweek Editor): "In a way Obama is standing above the country, above the world. He is sort of God. He's going to bring all the different sides together." Really? He seems polarizing.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

This should be an easy book to rate. People on the right will love it as a factual expose', and people on the left, if any even bother to read it, will dismiss it.

In my case, this book just wasn't what I was looking for. I was really interested in an independent assessment and review of the Obama performance to date. By the title, it was clear that it would be critical of the Obama Presidency, and that was fine with me. There are many valid reasons one can find to be critical of this President, whether your political leanings are on the far left, the far right, or anywhere in between.

However, what I was NOT looking for, was the book equivalent of a TV Political campaign add. Everyone claims to be turned off by political campaign adds, which both major Political Parties rely on, and which deliberately take things out of context, distort records, misquote, and mislead to make the opponent as undesirable and unlikeable as possible. As the 2012 election draws near, people on both sides of the political spectrum will be inundated with more and more of these adds. But as annoyed as I and others may be by these political adds, campaign advisors know they're effective, and they will continue to be aired. And while I may be subconsciously influenced by one or more of them, I will never choose to watch the adds, and try to simply avoid them.

In the same light, in retrospect, I would have avoided this book if I had known more about it or the author. Just as I avoided Vincent Bugliosi's book "The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder", I would avoid taking time to read ANY book when the author has a known agenda. What I didn't realize when I picked up the book was that Edward Klein has just co-authored a novel titled "The Obama Identity: A Novel (Or Is It?)", which was a self-published compendium of Obama conspiracy theories. I also later found that book reviews from mainstream (now known as "liberal" news outlets) papers dismissed his books. The Boston Globe called him "an author devoid of credibility", the NY Times described him as "sleazy", the LA Times called his work "bio-porn", and the Tucson Citizen referred to it as "the literary equivalent of a backed-up septic tank".

Criticism like that may make the book all the more appealing to some, but I found it too much rhetoric, too many suspicious quotes or opinions, and too much like a campaign add released close to a Presidential election meant more to inflame than enlighten.

[Trekscribbler · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE AMATEUR: A Top Notch Expose

If only for the sake of the argument, let’s put aside one’s political ideology for the moment, and let’s simply take a good long look at temperament. If President Barack Obama’s temperament as discussed in great detail here in Ed Klein’s stellar political portrait, THE AMATEUR, is only on display one-fifth of the time, then that’s twenty percent too often for the leader of the free world. Whether you’re Conservative or Liberal – Republican or Democrat or even Libertarian, for that matter – I would think we could all agree on that.

Now – the real question here then becomes: does that political immaturity make one an ineffective President? I’d have to argue that it isn’t necessarily so, though it certainly means the man is going to have an uphill battle throughout much of a four-year term, not to mention whether or not he can get re-elected in such a heated political climate. However, what dramatic deepens the situation is the fact that Obama appears to have surrounded himself with aides, czars, associates, and cronies who, debatedly, are as ill-prepared for their jobs as he might – I said “might,” you political trolls! – be for his, and that’s the worst ‘amateur’ decision he could have made.

As a reviewer, I don’t feel the need to ever necessarily justify my particular take on any piece of film, art, or book. I think it relevant that I have an opinion of the work, and I strongly believe that what I write should fully support why I take my own unique position. Consequently, any reader of my reviews is free to scan what I’ve written, and he or she can discern my political leanings. (Yes, I’m far more Conservative than Liberal.) When it comes to our current Commander-in-Chief, I’m no fan of the celebrity aspect it appears he’s so strongly embraced. No, I don’t believe he’s a political amateur – surely, one can’t go as far as Obama’s gone without cutting his teeth on politics – but I’d have to strongly agree that, so far as it comes to serving in Washington, Mr. Klein’s spot on in his analysis here.

THE AMATEUR is full of stories based on hundreds of interviews conducted by the author. As such, I think too many folks have been all too quick to dismiss it as a ‘cultural potboiler’ or ‘politically veiled trash talk’ detailing the behind-the-scenes exploits of the first African American president. That’s a disservice; what else is quality journalism if not the careful documentation of events – the people, places, and things that comprise the activity at the White House? In that regard, I would think people of any political ideology could embrace what he’s done, as I thought Klein went to fairly great lengths to be as apolitical as he could throughout much of THE AMATEUR. In fact, I’d argue that he very strongly tried to keep his own perspective out of the narrative all the way until the very last chapter in which he laid down very specific steps that Republicans or Conservatives could take to unseat the current President. Alas, I trust that won’t be everyone’s take – as any reading of the reviews and their corresponding comments here show – but it is what it is.

As a matter of fact, Klein even rose to the respectable challenge of defining precisely why the term ‘amateur’ isn’t all that necessarily a bad thing when it comes to certain positions one can obtain in life. He may not go into great detail, but he tried to establish his bona fides as cleanly and as efficiently as he could before going into the stories told by so many, many folks within these pages. He’s even read quite a bit of what’s been published before – from Obama’s harshest critics to the slobbering media cohorts of the Democratic Party. To his credit, he doesn’t indict any of them; he simply uses their own words to underscore his premise: that the President’s chief failure is the fact that he was destined to struggle in this role because of his own world view, his own possibly warped morality, and his own deeply flawed decisions and convictions.

As much as one may want to brand Klein the villain here, it’s truly hard to do so if you read it with both eyes open. There’s no changing the facts of President Obama’s tenure; there’s only the influence of one’s ideology to allow (if not encourage) re-interpretation, however wrong or unhelpful that may be.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THE AMATEUR may not change the way one sees Barack Obama – there’s quite a bit here that only reinforces either narrative (historic or hysterical) – but it’s all told admirably well.

[Hillari DeSchane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel a little bit ashamed, admitting to you that I read this. It's like you caught me reading porn.

Oh, not because I'm a liberal offended by a hack job on 'my candidate.' Full disclosure here, I'm quite conservative, politically speaking. I've lived enough decades to embody the old saw of being a liberal in my youth and a conservative in my--let's call it--my 'seniority.

No, my embarrassment springs from knowing better and still buying and reading this. I had heard 'The Amateur' had more substance than most entries in this genre. If people were willing to go on the record, I reasoned, allowing their names to appear in print linked to their opinions and recollections, that argued for a greater likelihood of factual or at least verifiable material.

I reasoned wrong. 'The Amateur' is replete with the imaginings of, 'a few old friends,' 'one of Michelle's friends,' those who 'overheard' and the like. Most troubling to me is the apparent complete recall these friends and observers have, for pages of conversations are presented as quotations. The prologue of 'The Amateur' sets the tone: a multi-page recreation of a conversation between Bill and Hillary Clinton, at their New York home, observed by, 'a few old friends,' at least one of whom must have been wearing a wire and video camera. That is the only explanation for the multiple hundred quoted words accompanied by detailed visual descriptions.

Certainly there is sourced and credited material, primarily for material already available, public, with multiple witnesses or from disaffected persons. But the most personal, the most pernicious material ('were talking about divorce,' 'his friends worried that he was suicidal,') is uncredited. And therefore, at least to any persons aspiring to intellectual honesty, nothing more than gossip. Klein is at his best in presenting and analyzing Obama's policies and actions, and their effects, intended and unintended. He is particularly lucid on the topic of international diplomacy.

But let's be honest, you and I. We read, or are tempted to read, this kind of book to get the 'behind the scenes' story. The 'unvarnished,' 'things they don't want you to know' details. It's just that I prefer those details not descend to the level of intellectual porn: slick, professionally produced and vapid, degrading for all participants including the reader.

So I guess you did catch me, after all.

[Brian I. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will state upfront that I did not vote for Obama last time and I will not vote for him this time. I read this book to validate my original theory behind not voting for Obama because I felt that he was too inexperienced to be President and that his term in office would be amateur hour. So how could I pass up a book called "The Amateur"? The book pretty much validated my hypothesis. Obama has been a rank amateur and has surrounded himself with the same.
So why only 2 stars you ask? Let's start with the fact that almost everything in this book is either from a "reliable" source or an "unnamed" informant, etc. I don't doubt the veracity of the statements but I do want sources. Named, on the record sources. It's one thing to do a hatchet job on someone, whether you feel that they deserve it or not, it's another to do it mostly anonymously. While I doubt Obama or anyone associated with him would take the time to respond to the allegations, as it were, in this book, I do think that he should at least know who said what about him. Fair is fair.
Also, I find Mr Klein's writing style to be arrogant. He comes off as pompous and overbearing. It does not make for a pleasant read.
Overall I found the book to be short on sources, long on bravado and generally lacking the qualities that I look for in a good political hack job. I wish Klein had just stuck with sources willing to be quoted. It would have made for a more convincing arguement against President Obama.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the intellectual level and writing style found in this book is not nearly as polished as I'd've liked it to be, I will not count that as a negative at all, simply because the people who most need to read this are those who would most likely not understand, or at least endure, anything much deeper or much more sophisticated.

Why do I say that? Simply because much of the content in this book is readily apparent to any intelligent, open-minded, globally-aware, inquisitive person. It's those reflexive, unintelligent, or close-minded ideologues who would never otherwise find themselves faced with such a robust, consolidated indictment of facts against Obama—and that is exactly what this is: a clear, delineated, and organized account of Obama's many missteps, miscalculations, and mistakes, for all of which he refuses to acknowledge error, let alone learn from them.

At the very least, we—the voters—can learn from them, and make better decisions, as a result.

Yes, it's unconstitutional to make this required reading for all voters this November... but, what a much more educated electorate that would be, wouldn't it? At the very least, though, everyone should voluntarily open their minds enough to read and recommend this (again, it's not a difficult or redious read), and maybe—just maybe—it can make a bit of a difference.

[George Stankow · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know that I only have myself to blame for reading through this crapfest, but I didn't realize it was a Regnery book and thought it might have some level of objectivity to it. I was wrong. The sole redeeming feature of "The Amateur" was its display of how easy it is to spin anything -- anything -- into an attack. At various turns (some of them on the same page), this book excoriates Barack Obama for not letting go of his inner circle and elevating them far beyond their ability, while crying crocodile tears over Obama having dropped his former friends. No move that Obama -- or, as the author repeatedly calls him as a matter of faith, the most liberal president in history -- makes is free from scorn. First he cynically uses Oprah Winfrey for her influence, then he casts her out in the cold (of course, the author makes a point to take some shots across Oprah's bow as well). Obama uses his race, then ignores it, all for craven political purpose; except, of course, when he's ignoring politics by ramming Obamacare down the throats of the American people.

If you want 250 pages on why Obama sucks, this is your book. It even has a picture of Al Capone for no appreciable reason, other than to use "Chicago" as an epithet one more time. It even refers to Hillary Clinton solely by her first name, if that's the level of political discourse you're looking for. If you want an honest examination of the Obama presidency, read anything else. It doesn't even have to be about the Obama presidency -- "Charlotte's Web" is a more honest examination of the Obama presidency, and it was written a decade before Obama was born.

I am ashamed to have read this book, because now my local library probably has to add a tally to a list somewhere, and the idea that anyone has read this book worries me.

[Mike Crews]

This was a quick read on why Barack Obama is a failure as a president. Obviously it's written with an agenda, but it does make what I consider valid points. The best part of the book was the concluding challenge:

To win reelection in 2012, Barack Obama must divert the country’s attention from his record of incompetence and amateurism.
He doesn’t want to remind people that America lost its triple-A credit rating on his watch—a downgrade that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called a firing offense. Republicans will have to remind them.

Obama doesn’t want to remind people that he increased the national debt by nearly $5 trillion—the most rapid increase in debt under any president. Republicans will have to remind them.
Obama doesn’t want to remind people that he pushed through a bill that includes more than a trillion dollars in new healthcare spending and contains a 4.5 percent tax increase. Republicans will have to remind them.
Obama doesn’t want to remind people that Jon Corzine’s bankrupt financial company, MF Global, which is under investigation by a grand jury for misusing clients’ money, was one of the top sources of contributions to Obama’s reelection campaign. Republicans will have to remind them.
Obama doesn’t want to remind people of his erratic stand on illegal immigration, which has swung wildly between fast-paced deportations—removing nearly 400,000 illegal foreigners in each of the last three years—to a policy of virtual amnesty. Republicans will have to remind them.
Obama doesn’t want to remind people of his inconsistency on environmental regulation—first pushing through burdensome, anti-business rules to toughen air-quality standards, then suddenly scrapping those rules to win over campaign supporters in the business community. Republicans will have to remind them.
Obama doesn’t want to remind people that he was for lower taxes before he was for higher taxes; that he was for forcing Catholic-affiliated institutions to provide contraceptive and abortion insurance before he was against forcing them to go against their religious principles; that he was for removing terrorists from Guantanamo before he was against it; that he was for bringing the country together before he was for dividing it; that he was for a grand bargain with the Republicans over the debt ceiling before he was against it; that he was for energy independence before he rejected the Keystone Pipeline; that he was in favor of extending an olive branch to the mullahs in Iran before he was against it.... Republicans will have to remind America that Barack Obama is The Amateur.

Klein, Edward (2012-05-14). The Amateur (Kindle Locations 2657-2677). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.

[wally · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.newsmax.com/US/Klein-Amate...
Ed Klein: We Don't Need Mainstream Media Any More

Friday, 01 Jun 2012 08:41 PM

By Jim Meyers....at newsmax

if any more evidence is needed that the media is behind obama, and has been since before he was elected to the senate, the story above is it.



begins:
introduction
the dark side of obama

a quote from Mark Twain: every man is a moon and has a [dark] side which he turns toward nobody; you have to slip around behind if you want to see it.

begins:
"this is a reporter's book.
during the past year and a half, i have interviewed nearly two hundred people, both inside and outside the white house. many of these people have known barack obama for more than twenty years--from his earliest days in chicago. some of them were positive about obama, others were negative, but the stories they told me had a remarkable consistency.

bound in dozens of four-inch-thick three-ring notebooks, my transcribed notes run for almost a thousand pages and tell the story of a man who is at bottom temperamentally unsuited to be the chief executive and commander in chief of the united states of america. here in these interviews we come face to face with something new in american politics--the amateur--a president who is inept in the arts of management and governance, who doesn't learn from his mistakes, and who therefore repeats policies that make our economy less robust and our nation less safe. we discover a man who blames all his problems on those with whom he disagrees ("washington," "republicans," "the media")..."

interesting beginning, one that is easy to agree with, for we have seen since before he was elected that the list of those in the wrong--"the previous administration"...continues to grow day by day. who among us has he not blamed for his failure to lead? the man sounds more like the playground bully than a president.

there is a prologue: as bill sees it
and in august 2011 bill wanted hillary to make a run...a 'secret poll' is mentioned...obama/hillary...her numbers "are all positive" says bill, in on secrets. bill thought "obama had made a huge mistake by attacking wall street executives..." bill says at one point, "obama doesn't know how to be president. he doesn't know how the world works. he's incompetent..."
barack obama," said bill clinton, "is an amateur!" so that's one source of many for the title.

part 1 is called chicago, that toddlin' town

chapter one: hollow at the core
w/a quote from the


Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, from which the title of the chapter is taken...

david scheiner, md obama's doc. doc says he never really related to obama, never had the closeness with him that he had w/other patients...obama was too detached. one of scheiner's complaints about the healthcare program is there are no cost controls....obama never included anyone who practices medicine as this doc does, never included anyone like him on the team who planned the health program.

chapter 2: a ghostly presence
w/a quote from steve jobs...it's not about charisma and personality, it's about results...

chapter 3: "you keep out of this!"
obama, conspicuous by his absence...
there is a horror story, a real live true horror story included in this chapter, an illinois nurse named jill stanek discovered babies were being aborted alive.

obama is all into live birth abortion.

nobody has yet explained the paradox of those who think killing babies is okay, while simultaneously being opposed to a woman keeping and bearing arms for her self-defense. the world is rich in irony.

chapter 4 "you should know better when politicians make promises"
to do w/obama's challenge of bobby rush...2000....a bit to do with the fabled politician who makes promises (obama in this case) and fails to deliver...and the result is this judgement from a man: "what you have with barack obama is a lack of character."

chapter 5 the man who prepared obama for the presidency
jeremiah wright.

incredible...a man stands in a robe, a cross behind him, g-dams america, inspires hate, envy, greed....all those loving christian attributes... and catches some heat from the media...yet obama is elected...i spose to prove we're not racist.

imagine some cracker standing in a robe, a burning cross behind him, g-damming people for this that the other, imagine one associated w/this man running for office. who gets elected?

part 11 is called amateur hour at the white house

chapter 6 drinking the obama kool-aid
this chapter is a hoot...obama invites "like-minded liberal historians" to have dinner, june 30, 2009. nine historians who eagerly accept. evidence in this chapter of obama's megalomania...he can prevail by force of personality...thus spoke obama and it was so, etc.

axelrod coined a name, "black jesus"....oprah coined a term "the one"...drinking the kool aid, kids. move along, nothing to see here.

obama favors a "corporatist political system in which the economy would be collectively managed by big employers, big unions, and government officials..." more on that in this chapter...historical, this that the other.

chapter 7 bungler-in-chief
"calling barack obama an amateur can be tricky business." he learned politics, after all, in part in large part, in chicago chicago, that toddlin town.

makes use of
Safire's Political Dictionary...the idea that "the appearance of being an amateur, then, is something to be coveted; the act of doing political work amateurishly is something to be avoided."

valerie jarrett says obama is "just too talented to do what ordinary people do." (later, there's some chilling telling about vj, as she is known...as in, who is president? her? michelle? or obama?

there's some meat and potatoes here...some of obama's decisions...the sheikh...the prison in cuba...the oil spill in the gulf...

...birth control/catholics...guns/religion...

questions are raised: "what will obama bleed for? what will he go to the mat for? what does this guy believe in his core?"

chapter 8 clark kent

james baker is asked for an opinion on obama..."both inherited a terrible economic situation. but reagan set about focusing with laser-like intensity on economic issues."

obama did not and he got his ass handed to him in the 2010 elections.

a judgement here of obama "barack obama has the wrong temperament for the presidency."

chapter 9 ground zero
about valerie jarrett

"if it wasn't for valerie jarrett, there'd be no barack obama to complain about."

stories here about the snubbing of oprah winfrey...

a book is mentioned,
Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America from Eugene Robinson about five distinct black americas...mainstream middle, large abandoned minority poverty dysfunction, a small'transcendent' elite power wealth, individuals of mixed race, and recent black immigrant.

jarrett comes from the 'transcendent' elites.

chapter 10 valerie v. rahm
rahm lost.

politics trumps policy. the major goal is whipping your opponent...which is why obama always sounds like the playground bully rather than a president. when the man can show his bigotry and racism by calling the folk of pennsylvania 'clinging to their guns and religion'....and still get elected, something is screwy in denmark.

the one decision obama did not listen to val...he sent the seals to get that asshole...a year after intelligence said he was there.

chapter 11 the wrath of michelle

i mean, look at how she appears in public...her face is a portrait of contempt. enough said.

chapte 12 out to lunch
some details stories of the prez, out to lunch...megalomaniac...

part 111 with friends like these
chapter 13 oprah's sacrifice
yes. incredible. sad and disturbing.
for the naysayers, some of the facts are easy enough to check...michelle, appearing on one of the last oprah shows, arms folded across her chest for most of the show.

but then if you're sniffin that wicked cocaine, there are no facts that will get in the way of your view

chapter 14 snubbing caroline
more of same

chapter 15 the jewish problem with obama

update, finished, saturday morning 6:55 a.m. e.s.t. 2 jun 12

i'd thought i read in one review that "an anonymous source" is used often. that word or some variation appears a total of five times. a good read, if you enjoy all the connotations of anonymity is

Joseph Heller's Good as Gold...lbj: "i've got his pecker in my pocket."

i've read a few pieces about presidents, one about john adams, one about lincoln, one about reagan, there might be one other, and this one now. they have all been illuminating reads. this one is no different--the chapters about valerie jarrett are frightening...be afraid...be very afraid...this is a woman who by default has an inordinate amount of power at her fingertips...and has used it.

barack obama, the amateur...for those flattered by his speaking ability, who love the idea of a black man as president, (go and sin no more, so they pray in the street), odds are that nothing will influence or change their way of thinking....yet, in the 80s, whilst struggling to attend university, selling my blood plasma, being informed that that fellow over there is named wally, too...the blood bag already hooked up and draining...all those little hiv-s already present and screaming toward my heart...this is a different kind of orgasm...well, when one learns that 'double-dippers' are frowned upon...the first lady, taking a dim view of all the riff-raff out there in their fords and chevrolets...well...(recall the cock of the head)...well...i had a dim view of reagan.

that has changed over time and although i believe and question some of his policy decisions--the lady who worked in his education department--she too questioned him:

The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America: A Chronological Paper TrailCharlotte Thomson Iserbyt

consequently, when the dryer stops spinning and the clothes are folded and put away...is there any reason to suggest we as a people are any different from the tribes where the high priests called for blood and got it, time and again? hey, if they could call the time and day when the skies blacken, not to mention pulling the fabled rabbit out of their hat, who wouldn't hunker down in their seat and hope not to be noticed?

the book promises that this campaign will be dirty, that given obama's rank, he will take the low road.

where was i?

chapter 16...all in the family
begins w/a quote: this president runs from race like a black man runs from a cop. --michael eric dyson, an african-american professor of sociology at georgetown university.

we are told that "despite obama's failed economic policies, grievances between black leaders and the black president were kept under wraps for quite some time."

there is a chilling story here about a woman named sherrod...i was not "up" on it...perhaps you were. some right-wing blogger 'edited' her words to make it appear...obama thus spoke, thus acted. shit-canned sherrod...no trial, no defense, just action, he beheaded her...later, the truth comes to light. the shithead tries to amend. she says no thank you.

here is a nuts-and-bolts case that, like i said, i hadn't heard about...why pay attention....politics as usual.

one of the first acts of lbj after the assassination was to raise the debt ceiling...to something like $315 billion. obama added $5 trillion. for all this talk about "limited resources"
in the environment, limited this, limited that, those shitheads in washington and environs DO NOT have a clue...and the dumbed down america has little incentive to bother. "limited resources"? the media is really fucking us on this one, the media, the american academy, those assholes in hollywood, the list grows. if anyone needs evidence that america is clueless, here it is...an astronomical debt, and we're worried about fucking polar bears in the artic! WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE!

part iv the obama doctrine
begins w/a quote: the united states under barack obama is less assertive, less dominant, less power-minded, less focused on the american people's particular interests...

true, we're losing sleep over the fucking polar bears and worried if the arabs love us or not. polls indicate, the book says, should be easy enough to check...that they hate us more than before obama...3.5 a. o.

chapter 17 the war on general jones

a story about how experience was shot down for ineptness...a former executive and lobbyist is appointed national security advisor...has all that experience w/loans at fannie mae, after all. confidential files and such.

chapter 18 mind-meld
samantha power. heh! this is another story i've not heard/read/kept up with. i mean, why the fuck should i? the media has been protecting this clown since he was elected senator from illinois. what recourse do i have? the vote? i do.

chapter 19 the rise of the humanitarian vulcans
a bit about obama violating his own principles, libya.

why is it that he is/was given a free pass here...nothing said about weapons of mass destruction...nation-building...and well, syria?....r2p ..."responsibility to protect"...i spose that's why they allowed all those guns to cross the border into mexico...nothing, nothing in this book about that. one serious flaw, in my opinion.

part v a one-term proposition
w/a quote from "the one"....

chapter 20 the "new" obama

yeah, right.

chapter 21 in search of the real obama
w/a quote, what we've got here is a failure to communicate
given the facts that are readily available, that fdr's policies prolonged the depression, given that we are taught otherwise...i mean, what's the point? obama claims to have created 2 million jobs...he is adored. reagan created 15 million...he was vilified by the press...in new york, people searched for one who voted for him--he won landslide. so...what's the point?

there is no real obama.

chapter 22 the low road
about the election process to come, coming...

i suspect there is another train wreck coming, this one, like the bubble before the last election, designed to burst. i hope that little green man soon gets the part he needs so he can phone home.

there is an acknowledgements...this is his 8th non-fiction book...a long list of folk...there is a sources page, a long list of names...there is a bibliography...some interesting titles here....time...time...and an index....

[thewanderingjew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike Trickle Down Tyranny, by Michael Savage, which was an undisguised attack on President Obama and his usurpation of power (which unfortunately has since been borne out, not only by his own actions, but also by the recent decisions of the Supreme Court, which has given unprecedented power to tax, to a President who chose to intimidate them), this book is an unemotional analysis of the President, using a forum of in-depth interviews with people who knew and interacted with Barack Obama, Michelle and those who surround him in Washington DC, and in his former life as a community organizer in Chicago.

This is perhaps the first time that people, who both intimately and/or casually knew the President, provide actual examples of incidents that can broaden our knowledge about him. We are enlightened as to his background, the origin of his far-left beliefs, and also to his desire to convert the country to a European socialist-style economy. He seems to have a singular focus and purpose, to guide us all on his path, which he sincerely believes is the one right way for America. We experience his display of dismay and temper, his emotion or lack thereof, when he is either faced with a decision or he does not get his way. Yet, this book illuminates all of this in what appears to be an even-handed expose.

In addition to exposing Obama’s true character, as a man whose main effort has been, and still is, to sell himself, Ed Klein also explores the character of Michelle Obama. The couple’s portrayal, almost as Disney characters, by a mainstream media unwilling or unable, because of the White House pressure, to fully vet this President, is dismantled, and a better picture of who they are, and who they surround themselves with, emerges for all of us to see.

The book unravels the complex nature of the way his White House works and explains who has the most influence and access to the President’s ear. Demonstrating how Obama does not take kindly to any criticism or suggestions other than his own, the author gives several examples of situations in which this has occurred; the most notable one is probably the well known Netanyahu debacle. Klein illustrates how Obama’s initial naïveté, angered the Jewish community when he clumsily sashayed into the Middle East fray. In this instance, Israel’s head of state was subjected to extreme rudeness and left to languish in a room after being admonished and warned about his behavior by the President, who essentially treated him like a recalcitrant child who had better come to his senses if he wished an audience with him. The President excused himself and haughtily went to dine with his family, leaving Netanyahu and those who had accompanied him, unfed. When food was requested by them, kosher food for those who needed it was either not available or not provided. The Israelis were not treated as honored guests, but rather as interlopers interfering with his peace process, which however well intentioned was getting off to a very bad start. Obama was learning on the job, perhaps coming a bit late to the party, which is not necessarily the best route for a President to take and which may be an unprecedented approach.

The book also details and demonstrates, how the power of the media, with its strong, liberal bias, has promoted and supported the policies of the President in his initial run for office, and it also clarifies how the journalists continue to be an additional adversary, in addition to the President, for the Republican candidate who will be opposing him in this coming election. It is truly a succinct summary of the Obama White House and all the people who have gone through its revolving door and all the people who have remained. Many of the conclusions that Klein has drawn have come to be prophetic in recent days, as talking heads and government supporters and spokespersons, have actually mouthed the comments the author describes in the book, as the methods this administration will use and the direction it will take, in order to win the election. It does not bode well for anyone who hoped for a more civil, courteous campaign. It would seem that the American people prefer the cacophony produced by controversy and polarization, the two front running tactics of the Obama strategists.

The book is a really quick read. In one to two days, at most, you can have it finished. I listened to the audiobook in one day. I turned it off and simply had to turn it on again, until it ended. I suggest that everyone read it to discover just who they have put into the White House and in what direction he hopes to take the country. They will then be better equipped to decide whether or not they want to keep him there for another four years, since at that time, he will have no reason to even consider being bipartisan, unless, that is, by executive order, he decides to extend the number of times a President can run!

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Klein did a pretty thorough job interviewing a lot of people, both on and off the record, about Obama's thin skin, lack of experience, micro-managing (which compounds the lack of experience problem), close-mindedness, and megalomania. So, I give him and his book some credit for the in-depth approach to analyzing the president's personality. Doing so gives us a frame of reference to the president's ideology...which is useful knowledge. We can understand better the "why" behind much of Obama's craziness.

This book is for conservatives who already hate Obama and maybe for independents and progressives who've fallen out of love with our president. I don't know how many opinions this book will sway; it may just push Obama supporters to double down on their man.

I gave this book just three stars because it's basically one big ad hominem attack. With maybe for the exception of George Washington (and maybe Gerald Ford, since he was never elected), every president of the United States has been someone looking for power with the idea to remake the country in his image.

Attacking the personality of a person doesn't help us avoid the kinds of policies that have weakened our country. Bush 43, for as much as the GOP love him, is just as bad as Obama. Dubya signed No Child Left Behind and Medicare Part D into law. He started the bank bailouts, and sent us into two costly and pointless wars. My point is, to really help the U.S. remain a prosperous, free nation, we need to focus on the policy, not the person.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a lot of the content is what I already knew about from other sources, this was nicely organized and I did find many surprises that reinforce the idea that this administration is definitely in over their heads and are operating, even today after five years in office, like the amateurs of the book's title. Obama became president of the US after short and undistinguished periods as an Illinois state senator and then a US senator from Illinois. His main claim to fame at that point was his ability to make a good speech with the help of a teleprompter). Great book for anyone following politics and particularly Obama's supporters should read this. The main downside to me was that some of the material seemed to be repetitive after a while.

[Dachokie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaging ...

With political rants being published at an alarming rate, it is difficult to choose a political-themed book that is substantive, credible and non sleep-inducing. With THE AMATEUR being a mainstay on the non-fiction best-seller list for weeks and not even a squeak of opposition as to its content from anyone or anything of importance ... I gave it a shot. I was rewarded with an addictive page-turner that concisely presents a clearer picture of the media-generated façade that is the 44th President of the United States.

Looking back to 2008, the national media seemed more intent on vetting the qualifications of a relatively unknown Vice Presidential candidate based on a hypothetical scenario she could end up as President by default, while simultaneously ignoring the inexperience of a Presidential candidate that was consistently polling as the likely winner of the election. After the election, the population was still being fed a steady diet of "dirty laundry" from the loser's camp while a relative stranger with an obscure background, questionable contacts and no real leadership experience was taking the oath as President. The problem with political candidates is that they all have dirt somewhere and the media usually settles in with the latest, greatest equipment to find it and gleefully display its discovery. With THE AMATEUR, Edward Klein opens the closet doors, lifts the carpets and peeks under the beds to find the dirty little secrets about our 44th President, his dubious leadership qualities, the henchpersons of his inner-circle that pull the strings and all the smoke, mirrors and misgivings that comprise his administration. In other words, Klein finally delivers the vetting of a man that the media either willingly or more-willingly "forgot" to deliver in 2008. It's not flattering and it's not meant to be. To be honest, what Klein does more than anything is deconstruct the deity that swept into the Presidency to reveal a common man overwhelmed by the job he desperately wanted, but too self-absorbed to accept and admit his own short-comings and mistakes.

Sure, this book is going to irritate the President's loyal legions, as such books usually do. But, Klein doesn't really reveal too much more that what most either already know about or at least assumed; he clarifies things. We are always hearing about Valerie Jarrett, but few really know who she is or what she does ... well Klein does. We also see the President's tendency to be testy on occasion, but usually associate it as being job-related ... Klein, on the other hand, reveals that arrogance and petulance are simply a part of the man's personality. Readers will likely learn more about the man running the country after a few hours reading (yes, the book reads that fast) than the media has provided in the roughly eight years Obama has been spotlighted as a public figure. THE AMATEUR does deliver the juicy goods as well, as we learn of the manipulative nature of the President in his early political career, his relationship with Jeremiah Wright, his mistrust of virtually everyone, his difficulties with Bill Clinton and details about the First Lady's impact and involvement (a lot hides behind the beaming smile). Klein did his homework to provide intimate details that are well-sourced enough to silence even the loudest Obama-loyal pundits ... which says a great deal about the veracity of Klein's work. And while Klein is credited with writing the book, it is Bill Clinton who gets credit for the book's title ... as the juicy first chapter reveals.

I found THE AMATEUR to be a fascinating, informative and addictive and perfect for those who do not want to churn through a long-winded and boring essay on politics; it is short and sweet. The content is relative and Klein masterfully writes in a manner that sustains interest. The book is worth all the hype in my opinion as someone finally tells us who this man really is and what he is all about.

[Psipsipsi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read a non-fiction book and you are dependent on the skill, integrity, and nous of the author. Sadly Mr Klein comes across as a bit of a numpty and an anti-Obama troll.

There are so many examples of Mr Klein's bumbling, demonstrated ironically as he tries to stick to his theme of dubbing his victim as amateurish. So an Obama appointee refuses to agree that the US are chasing "Islamic fundamentalist terrorists" preferring the label "Al Qaeda" operatives. To Mr Klein this preciseness is an example of left wing Liberalism in action. Errr - doesn't it in fact show politeness and respect towards the followers of Islam. Biden goes to Israel, and on the day of his arrival the Israeli government announces that they are building more settlements in the environs of Jerusalem. The Israeli President apologises that it was a government mistake. Mr Klein is upset that Obama does not appear to believe Netanyahu. Klein sees this as an example of Obama's ant-Semitism. Then when Netanyahu visits Obama in the White House, Obama breaks off the stagnating meeting saying he's off to have a meal and will come back if Netanyahu wants to make any progress in their discussions. That had me cheering for Obama as much as it had Klein thumping on his keyboard in anger at Obama's amateurish rudeness. Oh, and to stick to Israel, according to Mr Klein the moslems have no rights to see Jerusalem as one of their holiest cities as Jerusalem is mentioned 10 times or so in the Bible and never in the Koran. That's sorted that one out then, according to the author.

And then rather embarrassingly an overweight television chat show host wants to muscle into an initiative from Michelle Obama to tackle the appalling obesity problem in children. Mr Klein considers the chat show host was rejected because Michelle did not want to be upstaged. Hmmm - so it was nothing to do with the chat show host being a terrible role model for healthy eating and lifestyle. At least that's what Mr Klein thinks.

Mr Klein hates academics and introverts - like Obama in Mr Klein's somewhat parallel universe. This is unfortunate, because I consider the best use for this book would be for students of writing to study. It is an outstanding example of how not to write non-fiction.

[Deborah Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be careful. I have friends and family on both sides of the political spectrum and it's not my desire to alienate any of them. That being said, I just finished reading The Amateur by Ed Klein (NY Times reporter). Based on hundreds of interviews with Obama insiders, friends, and foes, the Obama presidency is an unmitigated disaster. It wasn't Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity who labeled him as an amateur. That harsh rhetoric is Bill Clinton's summation of BHO. Clinton says that Obama's unwillingness to listen to anyone other than Valerie Jarrett and Rahm Emmanuel has been his undoing. Obama remains aloof, detached, and uninterested in old-style back-slapping politicking. His inability or lack of desire in building friendships in Congress has left even his cronies in the Democratic Black Caucus scratching their heads and wondering who this guy is. Complaints abound from all corners -- Chicago's uber-rich black businessmen who funded his early introduction to politics (and now say they won't give him a dime), the Kennedy family (once major supporters but no more), the infamous Rev. Jeremiah Wright (who admits to being paid off to shut up during the 2008 campaign), Oprah Winfrey whose very public endorsement and adulation of Obama led to her TV show's demise (and who now can't even get a phone call returned from the White House), the Jewish community who continue to be outraged by Obama's treatment of Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel, etc. etc. How could a man who managed to defeat the Clinton machine and grab the reins of power of the Democratic Party be in such a mess today? Mr. Klein says it's very simple: arrogance and narcissism which Obama possesses in abundance. While a little gossipy, the book was fascinating in its depiction of Michelle and Barack as the ultimate power couple using their friends until they couldn't squeeze anything else out of them. If you like politics, I recommend this.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in May of 2012 by Regnery Publishing

Edward Klein's The Amateur is reminiscent of the late Andrew Breitbart's vetting of the Barack Obama for the 2012 election. It is a job that many believe should have been done in 2008 but some in the media are finally getting around to it for the 2012 re-election effort. The title of the book comes from an argument between Bill and Hillary Clinton that happened in front of guests at their home in New York in August of 2011. Bill was encouraging Hillary to run for president against Barack Obama because, even after having been in office for 2 and a half years, Bill felt that Obama was still "an amateur."

Klein does not wander off into the fringes of this effort to vet the President. There is no "birther" talk or any of that. Instead, Klein interviews nearly 200 people that Barack Obama has worked with over the years. There are interviews with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, an historian that was invited to a special White House dinner for historians, insiders with the Kennedy family, White House insiders that witnessed the power struggle between Rahm Emanuel and Valarie Jarrett, members of the Chicago media scene and members of the Oprah camp who feel that she has been disrespected by the President and his staff.

Some of these interviews and clearly the normal "dirty laundry" type stuff that every administration generates due to bruised egos and the like. But,...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you happen to think that Barack Obama is doing a fine job and deserves to be reelected skip this book. Proceed instead to the ad hominem filled review in The New York Times (http://is.gd/Hehjki). If you're on the fence or over the fence this is a fascinating peek at the last four years. As noted in the NYT review there's lots of unsourced quotations (pace Bob Woodward et al) but there's lots of delicious White House gossip. This ain't no policy book but neither is it like the review. There are numerous questions as to whether what was done or not done was the most politic action. Interestingly, Klein used to be the editor of The New York Times Magazine which might explain the rancorous review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been a supporter of the policies of President Obama. I disagree with the big government approach to problem solving...i.e. all student loans are government issued, healthcare, EPA, GITMO, stimulus for government jobs only, bank bailouts, takeover of car industry. So if that discounts this review, you should stop reading. The title, The Amateur, is a name that President Bill Clinton gives to President Obama.

This book made me very sad for the Obama family and in some ways uneasy about the future of our country. If only fifty percent of this book is true, the media has protected this presidency over the distribution of news to this country.

I have no problem with Valerie Jarrett being the President's primary advisor. She is not the most qualified and most of his international and domestic SNAFUs are because of her, but she is the one he trusts and needs on his side. She is also the reason for the departure of many of key staff.

The truth of his character is with the President's actions...the historian dinner...treatment of General Jones...healthcare...Israeli-Palenstine conflict...the Obama Doctrine...treatment of staff and supporters...Project Labor Agreements...Shirley Sharrod...contraceptive mandate...the list could go on and on.

Just pick up the book and read the chapter 16...Harry Alford, CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce was interviewed about the government's role in business. President Obama's first Executive Order was to reinstate Project Labor Agreements. All government construction must be given to a labor union. President Bush eliminated PLAs because they discriminated against small businesses and minorities (this group is "underemployed" by the unions). Mr. Alford reports that President Obama's view on business is there should be a few major corporations which are totally unionized. The government should be massive and should be involved in every aspect of American Society. There is no longer an American Dream.

And if you think Barrack is not your cup of tea, wait til you meet Michelle. This book reports the viciousness of Michelle Obama. I do not care if she is a mean person, true or not, it makes no difference to me. Oprah and Caroline and Ethel Kennedy may think differently (don't miss reading those chapters). I think her get fit program is a good one. I do have a problem with her attending National Security Meetings. I think her input as a "co-president" is detrimental. Emmanual, Daley, Jones...they all left for a reason.

I have discovered that President Obama is arrogant and thin skinned. If you disagree with him, you become an enemy to the administration. That is what I learned about the man. His policies define him as a president.

As I said, I read books like this,.. i.e. GameChange, The Politician... with a grain of salt. But if is 50 percent is true...

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Klein interviewed 200 people who knew Barak Obama inside and outside the White House. Some had known him for over 20 years. Many comments about Obama were remarkably consistent. Essentially he is described as being out of his league, introvert, arrogant, egotistical, taking credit for the efforts of others, taking advantage of others, not willing to listen to others' points of view, disdaining Washington and conventions of modern politics, and casting aside those who thought they were his friends and contributors. I have a hard time believing that is totally true because of those people who were appointed positions after he became President. He sees himself as a serious intellectual but was not really interested in the process of government itself and some saw him as a political actor of sorts. His goal was described as one desiring to transform American into a European-style democratic-socialist welfare state. Some felt he was a good campaigner but a lousy President often conspicuous by his absence. When he says, "I am my own man!" he meant it. He feels he is the only one who really understands the issues. Some claimed he didn't know what he didn't know. He trusts very few people and those he trusted have actually undermined his credibility through their protection and their own biases. Essentially he appears to actually be in revolt against the values of the society he was elected to lead and to save American from itself. He desired to use government to intervene against the evil tendencies of American life (economic inequality, racism, sexism, corporate greed, neglect of the environment, etc.) He has a preference for a corporatist political system when the economy would be managed by big employers, big unions, and government officials at a national level. The government picks the winners and promotes economic growth. Romney described it best as "trickle-down government". Interesting book but if you actually believe in Obama's ambitions, Chicago-style politics, or his loyalty to American businessmen - you might be very disappointed and not desire to read this as their many voices portray an amateur and not a messiah.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Amateur is the best book I’ve read on how Barack Obama is wrecking our country. I urge everyone who cares about America to read Edward Klein’s eye-opening book.”
—Donald J. Trump


“This is a racy, entertaining, informative book that illuminates aspects of Obama and his team that have not been previously reported. A necessary antidote to the Obama worship that is sure to characterize the election debate.”
—Dinesh D’Souza, president of The King’s College and bestselling author of The Roots of Obama’s Rage


“All the horrors I predicted in Welcome to Obamaland have now been definitively proven true by Edward Klein’s rip-roaringly readable new book The Amateur, which uses great stories and great reporting to illustrate just how ideological, arrogant, and hapless Obama and his administration really are. An outstanding demolition job on the most overrated president of our time.”
—James Delingpole, columnist for the Daily Telegraph and the Spectator and author of Welcome to Obamaland


“A devastating indictment of the lethal combination of incompetence and radicalism that has made Obama into one of the worst presidents in American history.”
—Norman Podhoretz, former editor of Commentary magazine and author of many books, including most recently, Why Are Jews Liberals?

[Patricia Scholes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Klein interviewed over 200 people for this book, both liberals and conservatives. Both sides stated reasons for concern over Obama's handling of the presidency over the last three years, plus the fact that he has not seemed to learn from his mistakes. Klein mentioned Obama's thin skin when criticized, and that it appeared he always seemed to need to be right. He hesitated when he needed to act, and he acted inappropriately when he finally acted.

Klein did not ever come across as angry or bitter about Obama's amateurish leadership. He proved his point that Obama was not ready to take the leadership of this nation. Whether or not I agree with him, he backed up every statement with his interviews.

It was obvious that Klein's position is conservative, but he tried to be fair, listening to many sides, before making his claims. I believe he succeeded in his argument that Obama is indeed an amateur. He actually presented enough evidence to come across even stronger than that, but he didn't. I found it a very interesting read.

[Therifleman57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Amateur" is easy to read, especially for a current events book. Klein writes in a breezy style that anyone can enjoy, without getting bogged down in countless footnotes or references to obscure events. Barack Obama is described by those who knew, or know him, as "callow, thin-skinned" and "arrogant" among other things. Klein tells how Michelle Obama ended up keeping Oprah out OF The White House because she is overweight and is seen as a poor role model. Obama is also described as being uninterested in the actual day-to-day duties of being President. He prefers giving speeches to twisting arms in Congress or having to negotiate with his opponents. You'll see why Bill Clinton hates Obama and how he encouraged Hillary to challenge him in the 2012 Democratic primary.
Klein is a former foreign editor at Newsweek magazine, former editor-in-chief at New York Times Magazine, and editor at Vanity Fair, and is the author of numerous bestsellers.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read. I downloaded this on my Kindle right before take off. For 3 hours later we were landing and I couldn't believe I did not even finish my beverage. Not usually a fan of political opinions, but this was different. Most of the people interviewed used to be supporters of Obama and over the years have developed interesting opinions.

The book is filled with stories of rudeness, ignorance and depicts the President as an amateur. It is one thing to make a mistake and learn from it. It is a completely different thing to repeatedly make the same mistake.

With the election coming up- a must read for everyone.

Remember, get your news from several sources. Read, read and read and once you have gathered the facts formulate your own opinion and views.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the introduction of The Amateur, Edward Klein poses the question of whether or not the “Hope and Change” Obama of four years ago was only ever a figment of the American public’s imagination. The rest of the book sets out to prove Klein’s contention that while Barack Hussein Obama has donned different disguises throughout his political career, he is ultimately an “ideological wolf in sheep’s clothing”.

As per the book’s prologue, the moniker “amateur” (and ultimately the book’s title) was coined by none other than Bill Clinton, who referred to Obama as such. Klein details a quasi-private conversation between Bill and Hillary, during which Bill attempted to convince Hillary to challenge Obama for the Democratic nomination.

In “The Amateur”, interesting things are either learned or confirmed, including:

President and Michelle Obama are some catty b*tches when they want to be and won’t hesitate, when it suits them politically, to throw someone under the proverbial bus.
Bill and Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Ethel and Caroline Kennedy, and Jesse Jackson (among others), have been totally shut down by the Obamas and are still furious about it.
The Obama administration lacks cohesiveness and is characterized by infighting.
Obama initially wanted to call his administration “A New Foundation”, but was dissuaded from doing so based on the suggestion of the possibility of sounding like a women’s girdle company.
Obama favors a corporatist political system, and remains determined to foist it on the American people.
The election of 2012 may usher in America’s seventh political realignment (the first six occurring during the elections of 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932, and 1980).
It seems as if the most interesting parts of the book, save for a few, come from anonymous sources or from sources that Klein is unable or unwilling to specifically name. I can see credibility being an issue for an Obama acolyte, or for someone on the fence about him. However, this doesn’t affect the credibility of the book for someone like myself, who is already sold on its premise that Barack Obama is a malevolent narcissist with a Marxist agenda:

“Based on my reporting, I concluded that Obama is actually in revolt against the values of the society he was elected to lead.” (Klein)

Some of Klein’s sources are named, but many are not. Named sources include previously published authors or columnists who are alluded to. The upshot of this is that I am left wanting to read these books and pieces in addition to Klein’s book (i.e, Bob Woodward’s Obama’s Wars).

One named source is Elie Weisel. Having taught Night to high school students, I was especially interested in reading his thoughts regarding how badly Obama handles foreign policy with regard to Israel. However, Weisel comes across as guarded in his remarks to Klein, which I personally found disappointing.

Ultimately, Klein is able to clearly connect the dots between his contention and his evidence in a progressive manner that is easy to read.

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is most definitely an anti-Obama book. While I found a lot of the stories helpful in understanding President Obama, I’m naturally suspicious of any book that has really nothing positive to say about him. It doesn’t do anything to explain his appeal and how it is that he gained such a wide following and meteoric success as a candidate.

Here are a few excerpts form the book:

"Ever since I've known him, Obama has had delusions of grandeur and a preoccupation with his place in history," one of his oldest Chicago acquaintances told me. "He is afflicted with megalomania. How else can you explain the chutzpah of an obscure community organizer who began writing his autobiography before he was thirty years old—and before he had any accomplishments to write about? And how else can you explain the chutzpah of a first-term United States senator, who believed he was qualified for the most difficult job in the world—the presidency—even though he had never held a real job in his life?
"You can explain it with any number of words: arrogance, conceit, egotism, vanity, hubris," this person continued. "But whatever word you choose, it spells the same thing—disaster for the country he leads."

From an anonymous historian who attended a June 30, 2009 dinner with historians at the White House: "The American people have come to realize that, in Barack Obama, they elected a man as president who does not know how to lead. He lacks an executive sense. He doesn't know how to run things. He's not a manager. He hasn't been able to bring together the best and brightest talents. Not to put too fine a point on it, he's in over his head."

"There are always separate legislative and political operations going on in every White House," said Billy Tauzin, a veteran Washington lobbyist, who is often described as "a master of politics and policy." "In previous administrations," he said, "there's usually been a coherent meld of these two operations, some sort of broad strategy that was being managed. But that didn't happen in the Obama White House under Emanuel and Jarrett.
"I haven't seen such incoherence in the White House since Jimmy Carter," Tauzin continued. "Whenever the legislative team struck a clear path, a clear understanding and agreement with the leaders in Congress, the political team didn't bother to track it or know about it. They acted as if they were in a completely different paradigm. They ran on a totally different track. That's one of the reasons there's been such frustration among Democrats as well as Republicans in Congress. They don't sense any coherence. The only thing consistent in this White House is that politics always trumps legislative policy. The major goal is whipping your opponent."

[Brian Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In making a decision this election, it does come down to the REAL people running. While this particular book is focused on O'bama in a negative light, it does bring some salient facts about him to light. Romney was correct in a way, even though he did not state it very well, about where the outcome of the election does lie. It lies in the hands of those who are Independent or Undecided in the states where the electoral votes could go either way. It is becoming increasingly difficult for that group of people to decide based on the bias they see all around them. It is one of those situations where the livid 20% to 30% of likely decideds on both sides are consistently screaming at the top of their lungs at each other, the media and whoever will listen. The media outlets have joined in with an obvious slant on their coverage particularly lately. The only thing most have to rely upon is the record of what has actually been done and the real past of the candidates. What Romney says and has done are two different things to a certain extent. He stays mostly on the side of what he believes but he is a politician. Ryan is more clear. We know what he has proposed and actually done in Congress. Unfortunately, with O'bama, what he has done, what he has believed prior to his 2008 election as expressed in his own Autobiography, who his mentors were, how he interacts in crises, has largely been covered up or purposely avoided by the Press and his campaign. Ed Klein can be taken with a grain of salt. There is some obvious bias but there are things written in The Amateur that have never properly been exposed or vetted. The same goes for the movie: "2016: O'bama's America" and The Price of Politics by Bob Woodward. Woodward has not been known in the past to be partisan one way or the other and he is critical of all politicians in his book and their denial about the impending crash related to the deficit. The most striking feature about this book and related exposure media like 2016 and The Price of Politics is people emerge surprised about the extent of Barak O'bamas far Left tendencies. He makes Bill and Hillary look like Ronald Reagan. It became more obvious with the following record: O'bama Care, Israel disdain, terrorist embracing, appeasing and apologizing, stimulus propping up Unions instead of shovel ready jobs, etc. While most are in agreement that Romney is not very exciting, O'bama is a Marxist nightmare. The Amateur fairly exposes it and helps make the choice clearer for the Independent and the Undecided who can rely on the United States of America Free Press to only ensure O'bama's re-election by not exposing the REAL O'bama.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clearly, this author is not an Obama fan. The first half of this book is nearly unbearable as the author quotes from a mess of anonymous sources and unsubstantiated points. "Said a major Obama donor," Said someone who was present...," "Remarks a friend of the Obamas," "According to one of Baracks's closest confidants," "According to sources for this book," "One of Obama's severest black critics told me..." That's just a few.

He even has quotes conversations held in the Family Quarters after going on about how NO ONE but the family is allowed there.

Would "a friend of the Obamas," "one of Baracks's closest confidants" or "a major Obama donor" really broadcast such negative stuff? Why would they remain anonymous? Either they are who the author claims they are or they didn't say what he claims. It's hard to believe the opinion of anyone who has already been caught in a lie.

The second half of the book has some pretty good reasoning but, by the time you get there, the author has already brought in to question his own credibility. In my opinion, he would have had a much stronger book if he had only published the second half.

The claim that Obama is an 'Amateur' is ridiculous at the start as no president is beyond BEING an amateur when they enter the office; no one has ever voted for a professional president... outside of FDR.

The bottom line is that you either agree with this book going into it or you don't. It's not going to change anyone's mind about Obama.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched and written about the incompetence of our current President, Barak Housein Obama. There were few surprises in this book. But it was nice to read the proof of what most Americans are coming to believe and understand about Obama. Sorry, but I can't bring myself to call him President. He has certainly not earned the title. He was given it by default due primarily to the liberal media and all the other liberal politicians who have "drunk the Obama Kool-Aid." Now you know what I really feel and believe about the person presently sitting in the Oval Office. Believe me when I say I will everything in my power to make sure he is not reelected.
I highly recommend this book. It has been the #1 Best Seller on the New York Times book list for the past 7 or 8 weeks. There is a reason for thank ranking and the interest this book has generated.