Heroic Conservatism: Why Republicans Need to Embrace America's Ideals

by Michael J. Gerson

Michael Gerson, who worked with George W. Bush on his most inspiring speeches, is considered by many Democrats and Republicans to be the most influential White House speechwriter since the Kennedy administration. He was also more than a speechwriter, he was a trusted insider who helped shape policy. In Heroic Conservatism Gerson uses his own experiences in the upper tier of the Bush White House to show why America needs a conservatism that is heroic in its aspirations—including "compassionate conservative" proposals to confront global AIDS, combat poverty in America, and promote human rights and dignity abroad—initiatives that Gerson fought for during his time in government. Gerson has a unique ability to frame complex issues in a way that both challenges and inspires, and in Heroic Conservatism he delivers a new manifesto for the Republican Party and a fascinating memoir of a history-shaping Presidency.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2007

About the author

Michael John Gerson is an op-ed columnist for The Washington Post a Policy Fellow with the ONE Campaign, a visiting fellow with the Center for Public Justice, and a former senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as President George W. Bush's chief speechwriter from 2001 until June 2006, as a senior policy advisor from 2000 through June 2006, and was a member of the White House Iraq Group.

Reviews

[Joseph Sverker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting to follow someone from the inside of the Bush government. I am not a conservative myself so I thought I must read someone who I might be sympathetic with in other ways and it was very enlightening. I remember being incredibly upset with Bush, even though I am not American, and how he understood himself as Christian. Having read this, and also in light of Trump, Bush comes out extremely well one must say.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening assessment, candid even if odic at times. He opens a window on the tip of the tip of the iceberg of governing in a national and global context. Although published in 2007, his final chapter is prescient of politcal realites a decade later.

[Christian Hamaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Honest and inspirational, in a way that drives politically active people nuts. Gerson's argument is primarily moral, which doesn't go down easy in an area defined as "the art of compromise." But I find it difficult to argue with Gerson. I've read other critiques of his work, and those critiques are often thoughtful, scoring points at Gerson's expense, but fairly. Still, what a refreshing conviction Gerson brings to political problems, and what a great writer he is. I know his co-speech writers have attacked him in The Atlantic. That's unfortunate. It's clear that Gerson, who wrote this book and writes a column in the Washington Post, is a graceful essayist and opinion writer, even without the eloquent assistanced of others.

The Washington Post recently reviewed this book negatively. The review, written by a well regarded Reagan biographer, was utterly unconvincing.

I encourage everyone to pick this book up. You may hate it, you may passionately disagree with it, or, like me, you may love every word of it. But you won't find it listless or boring.

[Thomas Kidd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I became aware of Gerson in the 90s and had great hopes when he became speechwriter for President G.W.Bush. However, my increasing leanings toward libertarianism and anti-war politics caused me to reassess my appreciation of Gerson and Bush 43. This book did not change that reassessment totally, but it might have softened the edges of my criticism. I appreciate Gerson's desire that government be a force for good and his stated affirmation of Catholic Political Philosophy (and European Christian Democratic parties). I, too, came of political age with Jack Kemp and his rousing "bleeding heart conservatism". But, at this point in time, I do not share his optimism and instead desire government to be strictly limited - as it is the sphere that has aggrandized the most power. But, I am willing to change and enjoy (guiltily?) limited servings of idealism.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a good read, but an important book. Gerson calls for a humane American vision--one based upon our highest ideals. He is concerned for the dignity of women, the weak, and those that society's elites at both extremes would like to ignore.

He explains much of what George Bush accomplished and the motives behind those policy decisions. I believe that when and if sanity returns to college and university campuses and to American institutions that history will affirm as heroic and compassionate much of what Gerson and the Bush Administration attempted to do for people at home and abroad.

Worth your time--even if you don't agree with what you read. Good to at least hear something besides talking points.

[Francelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire Gerson's human perspective on politics and government. He is an idealist to the core. This book is reviving the idealist in me, and making me rethink my opinion of Bush and current and past U.S. government activities in the world.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wound up finishing it, and I would recommend it as an apologetic for the Bush administration. I didn't agree with all of Gerson's (or Bush's) positions, actions, or goals, but I certainly can have more respect for them as a consistent expression of a certain philosophy now.

[Wes Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at conscious conservatism that seeks social justice. Also one perspective on the Bush White House.