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On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump
From the editor in chief of The Atlantic comes a collection of essays examining Donald Trump’s corrupted notions of American "heroism" and "cowardice." An Atlantic Edition, featuring long-form journalism by Atlantic writers, drawn from contemporary articles or classic storytelling from the magazine’s 165-year archive.
From the editor in chief of The Atlantic comes a grave study of Donald Trump’s trenchant disdain for military personnel, a preoccupation that reveals the extent to which Trump is grossly unfit to serve. Jeffrey Goldberg draws upon decades of his own reporting, including key interviews with top officials such as John McCain, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley. In doing so, Goldberg paints a portrait of a president whose impulse is to dismiss acts of heroism in pursuit of dangerously undemocratic processes and ideals.
From the editor in chief of The Atlantic comes a grave study of Donald Trump’s trenchant disdain for military personnel, a preoccupation that reveals the extent to which Trump is grossly unfit to serve. Jeffrey Goldberg draws upon decades of his own reporting, including key interviews with top officials such as John McCain, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley. In doing so, Goldberg paints a portrait of a president whose impulse is to dismiss acts of heroism in pursuit of dangerously undemocratic processes and ideals.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 1, 2024
A powerful small book. Will instil TDS.
February 18, 2025
“Rome hasn’t fallen—yet.” - Mark Milley, Former Army General Appointee under Trump
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 91). Kindle Edition.
What a FANTASTIC read. I saw this at Kepler's books and didn't think too much of it--a pocket-book weighing in at 81 pages, I didn't see how much detail Goldberg could get into, and boy was I WRONG.
This is an assembled record of articles published, investigated, and presented by the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, who offers a phenomenal purview into Trump's first term in office. Through skillful prose and excellent pacing, Goldberg paints a picture on Trump's various skirmishes with violating the Constitution to offer a better outlook into why and how the military veterans of this country have turned on him.
He interviews senior military officials such as James Mattis, John McCain (✝), and Mark Milley, whose combined expertise and history serving the nation have lent them the perspective to hold Donald Trump accountable for attempting to weaponize the Constitution against the very people it's meant to protect--Americans.
An example of Trump's childlike meltdown at his own policy failures:
"Trump, inflamed by the sight of protesters so close to the White House, had been behaving especially erratically. 'You are losers!' the president screamed at Cabinet members and other top officials at one point. 'You are all fucking losers!'"
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 74). Kindle Edition.
Another preview into his genuine lack of empathy and understanding for war veterans:
"I reported the previously untold story of Trump’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day 2017 with his then–chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired Marine general whose son was killed in Afghanistan. Trump, while standing next to Robert Kelly’s grave, turned to his father[John Kelley] and said, 'I don’t get it. What was in it for them?'"
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 18). Kindle Edition.
And when Jeffrey Goldberg reported on Trump's previous remarks, he lashed out:
He accused me of fabricating the crucial story, in which he referred to American soldiers buried in a cemetery in France as “suckers” and “losers.” When a Fox News reporter, Jennifer Griffin, confirmed the story, he called on the network to fire her. Much later, John Kelly confirmed to CNN’s Jake Tapper the “suckers and losers” story I’d first reported. Suffice it to say that my sources knew what they were talking about.
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 18). Kindle Edition.
Anyways, phenomenal read, super short & engaging, and I would highly recommend it to anyone that wants better talking points if you want to start debating MAGAs.
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 91). Kindle Edition.
What a FANTASTIC read. I saw this at Kepler's books and didn't think too much of it--a pocket-book weighing in at 81 pages, I didn't see how much detail Goldberg could get into, and boy was I WRONG.
This is an assembled record of articles published, investigated, and presented by the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, who offers a phenomenal purview into Trump's first term in office. Through skillful prose and excellent pacing, Goldberg paints a picture on Trump's various skirmishes with violating the Constitution to offer a better outlook into why and how the military veterans of this country have turned on him.
He interviews senior military officials such as James Mattis, John McCain (✝), and Mark Milley, whose combined expertise and history serving the nation have lent them the perspective to hold Donald Trump accountable for attempting to weaponize the Constitution against the very people it's meant to protect--Americans.
An example of Trump's childlike meltdown at his own policy failures:
"Trump, inflamed by the sight of protesters so close to the White House, had been behaving especially erratically. 'You are losers!' the president screamed at Cabinet members and other top officials at one point. 'You are all fucking losers!'"
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 74). Kindle Edition.
Another preview into his genuine lack of empathy and understanding for war veterans:
"I reported the previously untold story of Trump’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day 2017 with his then–chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired Marine general whose son was killed in Afghanistan. Trump, while standing next to Robert Kelly’s grave, turned to his father[John Kelley] and said, 'I don’t get it. What was in it for them?'"
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 18). Kindle Edition.
And when Jeffrey Goldberg reported on Trump's previous remarks, he lashed out:
He accused me of fabricating the crucial story, in which he referred to American soldiers buried in a cemetery in France as “suckers” and “losers.” When a Fox News reporter, Jennifer Griffin, confirmed the story, he called on the network to fire her. Much later, John Kelly confirmed to CNN’s Jake Tapper the “suckers and losers” story I’d first reported. Suffice it to say that my sources knew what they were talking about.
Jeffrey Goldberg. On Heroism (p. 18). Kindle Edition.
Anyways, phenomenal read, super short & engaging, and I would highly recommend it to anyone that wants better talking points if you want to start debating MAGAs.
October 9, 2024
This is essentially a collection of different Atlantic Profile pieces (or cover pieces?) in the last several years stemming from the end of the Trump presidency into the early years of the Biden Administration.
Much like the excellent reporting you see in the Atlantic, you get pieces that are obviously well researched by a reporter who has spent many many periods of time with each subject. Through these stories you hear not only directly from the subject and their interactions with Mr. Goldberg, but also Mr. Goldberg's conclusions drawn from the numerous people who also know and interact with the subject profile; the central premise being these were all men who displayed enormous amounts of courage both to their professional lives and personal reputations.
While all of the pieces were excellent in their depth, my favorite was his cover story on General Milley. He had the usual recipe of background research, person time spent with the subject, and other sources from people who worked Milley. But the subject matters and questions asked were also very prescient for a (at the time) soon-t0-be former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You get reporting of his actions at Lafayette Square and through the January 6, 2021 incident and his efforts behind the scenes. Plus theres's a good bit of reporting about his thoughts of the close of the Afghan war. Nonetheless, it is chilling to think of today as the November 2024 election looms, what kind of repercussions someone like General Milley or others could face if a certain Orange haired, oranged tanned, individual returns to the White House.
While these profiles of courage are inspiring, it reminds me of an oft joked quote in political science circles about how the original "Profile in Courage" book by JFK was so short. It's not lost on me this series is fairly short and an overall quick read. And as a former active duty Army officer and current reservist, I am proud these individuals were all in the military, I would hope to see more profiles such as these from non-military public figures as well.
Much like the excellent reporting you see in the Atlantic, you get pieces that are obviously well researched by a reporter who has spent many many periods of time with each subject. Through these stories you hear not only directly from the subject and their interactions with Mr. Goldberg, but also Mr. Goldberg's conclusions drawn from the numerous people who also know and interact with the subject profile; the central premise being these were all men who displayed enormous amounts of courage both to their professional lives and personal reputations.
While all of the pieces were excellent in their depth, my favorite was his cover story on General Milley. He had the usual recipe of background research, person time spent with the subject, and other sources from people who worked Milley. But the subject matters and questions asked were also very prescient for a (at the time) soon-t0-be former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You get reporting of his actions at Lafayette Square and through the January 6, 2021 incident and his efforts behind the scenes. Plus theres's a good bit of reporting about his thoughts of the close of the Afghan war. Nonetheless, it is chilling to think of today as the November 2024 election looms, what kind of repercussions someone like General Milley or others could face if a certain Orange haired, oranged tanned, individual returns to the White House.
While these profiles of courage are inspiring, it reminds me of an oft joked quote in political science circles about how the original "Profile in Courage" book by JFK was so short. It's not lost on me this series is fairly short and an overall quick read. And as a former active duty Army officer and current reservist, I am proud these individuals were all in the military, I would hope to see more profiles such as these from non-military public figures as well.
January 13, 2025
This should be called On Bravery rather than heroism. Goldberg describes acts of bravery on the parts of John McCain, James Mattis, and especially Mark Milley. In Milley's case, Goldberg operates as a character rebuilder to help burnished the tarnished reputation of a man who got caught up in the political machinations of Trump.
The stories and anecdotes are examples of bravery but heroism. I say this because none of the men engage with the moral and ethical ramifications of their interactions. They all defer to 'protocol' or 'loyalty' to position rather than bravely stand for moral or ethical conviction. When, and if they do, it is later, well after the 'threat' of standing up for what one believes has passed.
I say this should be called On Bravery because in two specific examples, less bravery and in fact cowardly men, Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio, are shown forsaking any moral conviction in order to avoid exile and or stay close to power. Theyvare examples of cowardice, in turn McCain, Mattis and Milley can be described as heroic when in truth their actions are only brave.
What could have helped would have been Goldberg defining what he means by Heroism rather than attempting to call acts of bravery as examples of heroism.
In my mind and in definition, heroism are "great acts of bravery'. I don't know if the examples are great acts because they are not sufficiently examined against moral and ethical acts of heroism.
The stories and anecdotes are examples of bravery but heroism. I say this because none of the men engage with the moral and ethical ramifications of their interactions. They all defer to 'protocol' or 'loyalty' to position rather than bravely stand for moral or ethical conviction. When, and if they do, it is later, well after the 'threat' of standing up for what one believes has passed.
I say this should be called On Bravery because in two specific examples, less bravery and in fact cowardly men, Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio, are shown forsaking any moral conviction in order to avoid exile and or stay close to power. Theyvare examples of cowardice, in turn McCain, Mattis and Milley can be described as heroic when in truth their actions are only brave.
What could have helped would have been Goldberg defining what he means by Heroism rather than attempting to call acts of bravery as examples of heroism.
In my mind and in definition, heroism are "great acts of bravery'. I don't know if the examples are great acts because they are not sufficiently examined against moral and ethical acts of heroism.
June 30, 2025
Suppose that you are going to be an important and pompous information officer, a tool of Hasbara and the NSC, and in some sorts a "writer" nonetheless, one who who makes being "embedded" his grail, to the point of working from within the tightest colonic coils of the security state. Yes, suppose that you are Jeffrey Goldberg. Well at some point, to maintain "cover" you will need books. But you have a busy schedule. They are letting you guest ride in a stealth bomber in the "mission commander"seat" on Tuesday , then the same week cocktails at NORAD in Colorado with a side trip to ski Aspen. Don't worry, the people who own you will cobble some crap together, one of those formula books, what about "Profiles in /courage". Oh is that title taken. What about "On Heroism". What? That title isn't taken? And away we go.
December 28, 2025
Jeffrey Goldberg was the journalist who was accidentally included on a Signal chat being used by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to plan a military strike in Yemen with a group of advisors and top security officials. Goldberg is the editor in chief of the respected Atlantic magazine and even before what’s come to be called Signalgate, he’s been using his position to speak truth to power as do the top military officials he interviewed for the essays in this book.
September 17, 2024
Lest we forget.....which half of America has.
It boggles the mind, at least mine, why people idolize Trump. I just do not, can not, and will not understand it. Indeed, if reelected by the American people, we will get destroyed and, therefore, what we deserve to paraphrase Senator Lindsay Graham's tweet of May 2016.
It boggles the mind, at least mine, why people idolize Trump. I just do not, can not, and will not understand it. Indeed, if reelected by the American people, we will get destroyed and, therefore, what we deserve to paraphrase Senator Lindsay Graham's tweet of May 2016.
September 29, 2024
Jeffrey Goldberg has it RIGHT!
An interesting yet terrifying story of how our country sits on the precious of disaster by someone who has exactly no clue about America is about. I doubt that he has ever read the Constitution, U.S. history, and how the true American system works. All that he is only concerned with himself, potential power, and becoming the new Hitler.
An interesting yet terrifying story of how our country sits on the precious of disaster by someone who has exactly no clue about America is about. I doubt that he has ever read the Constitution, U.S. history, and how the true American system works. All that he is only concerned with himself, potential power, and becoming the new Hitler.
October 17, 2024
Good summary of the way Trump challenges democracy
Goldberg reports his conversations with some great Americans, who, while not without flaws nor immune to mistakes, demonstrate clearly the threat Trump poses to the established liberal democratic world order. It’s a warning to the USA.
Goldberg reports his conversations with some great Americans, who, while not without flaws nor immune to mistakes, demonstrate clearly the threat Trump poses to the established liberal democratic world order. It’s a warning to the USA.
November 9, 2024
The free press may be the most important tool to keep our civilization, but our goals differ; how we saw this in Nov. 2024! With clarity, documentation, and often amusement Jeffrey reminds us of what it takes to be a heavy-weight lifter. What we are left with is us pondering on the whys in this albeit imperfect democracy egoism towers over reason
December 15, 2024
On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump is a superficial and self-congratulatory critique that lacks depth and originality. Jeffrey Goldberg reduces complex figures and issues to cliched moral judgments, offering little more than predictable condemnation of Trump while failing to provide meaningful analysis or new insights into leadership or heroism.
September 12, 2024
Pay ATTENTION AMERICA
I am a 25 year USAF Veteran. I was court-martialed for doing my duty because some generals and colonels got caught up in politics. Read: Prisoner of Peace by Lt. Col. Wm. T. Hanson.
I am a 25 year USAF Veteran. I was court-martialed for doing my duty because some generals and colonels got caught up in politics. Read: Prisoner of Peace by Lt. Col. Wm. T. Hanson.
September 15, 2024
Excellent detail of the choice of heroism
This book details how a hero thinks if others first. Something that Trump is incapable of and the insanity and instability he brings to office.
This book details how a hero thinks if others first. Something that Trump is incapable of and the insanity and instability he brings to office.
December 10, 2025
Fantastic
I wish I'd read this sooner after it's publication. Well, I wish EVERYONE had read this before it was too late - before the last elections. Maybe, just maybe we wouldn't be seeing what looks like the end of the nation our Founders gave us now.
I wish I'd read this sooner after it's publication. Well, I wish EVERYONE had read this before it was too late - before the last elections. Maybe, just maybe we wouldn't be seeing what looks like the end of the nation our Founders gave us now.
January 5, 2025
Scary and sad
May 1, 2025
A very easy, quick read. Lived the journalistic first-hand perspective. Scary stuff!
June 9, 2025
eaten in one sitting getting a haircut my hair was all wet and sticking to my face and i was squinting at my phone like “…what can i sayy what can i sayyy 🤔😳😓” also sooo funny this is the groupchat guy
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews