Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance

by Jean Becker, Tom Collamore

Two former staffers to President George H. W. Bush bring together the most harrowing and hilarious stories behind presidential events over the past sixty years—from the Rose Garden to Air Force One, foreign trips to the campaign trail—detailing the art of preparation that goes into these delicate, high stress operations and revealing how they have often been one step away from disaster.

Featuring a foreword by Jon Meacham

Don’t Tell the President is a collection of the greatest tales of triumph and near-crisis in presidential advance. Behind every seamless campaign appearance and presidential affair lies the meticulous work of event planners and advance teams—the little-known professionals who transform political logistics into carefully choreographed performances.

Here are illuminating first-hand accounts from dedicated employees who worked for every modern-day president from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama, a few First Ladies, a few vice presidents, and a few wannabes.

Experience some of the most searing events from behind the scenes, including:

Memorable moments from the campaign trail, including Lyndon Johnson’s 1960 trip to Boston as John Kennedy’s newly minted running mate and Barack Obama’s first rally appearance with Oprah.
Riveting accounts from the advance team with President Reagan on the day he was shot to the terrible hours on 9/11 from someone who was on Air Force One with President Bush.
Those hectic and often historic foreign trips including Vice President George Bush’s cloak-and-dagger trip in Communist Poland; President Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech in Berlin; and President George W. Bush’s secret trip to Iraq on Thanksgiving Day.
And a few stories when the foreign dignitaries came to visit us, including Queen Elizabeth’s famous “talking purple hat” speech on the South Lawn of the White House.
And an all-star team of advance contributors - many who went on to be political figures themselves including former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; radio host and CNN contributor Michael Smerconish; and former Senator Rob Portman. Also, a first-hand account from former Secret Service agent Barbara Riggs who had to deal with inappropriate advances of Manuel Noreiga.
And yes, the regrettable and now infamous gaffes, when Bob Dole’s campaign event turned into a photo op with Woody Woodpecker, Frankenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Mae West; and when a pig relieved himself on Vice President George Bush on a farm in Iowa.
Allowing us to witness presidential history and politics from a new angle, Don’t Tell the President brings together the hilarious chaos of Veep and the grandeur of The West Wing. It is a memorable and at times laugh-out loud funny look at how many presidential events happen—and how many almost went awry.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Humor, Politics, Biography Memoir, Biography

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up. Jean Becker and Tom Collamore were staffers for former US President George H.W. Bush. Their 2026 book Don't Tell the President is a series of choppy anecdotes from their experiences as well as those of other aides, staffers, and advance personnel under various US Presidents, Vice Presidents, those running for elected office, and families of elected officials over the last several decades, though purposely omitting stories from the Trump and Biden administrations from 2016 onwards (though there is a Mike Pence story included). Much of the book focuses on the behind-the-scenes work these staffers to make their boss' visit go smoothly -- including scouting out locations, booking and preparing venues, anticipating and mitigating security threats, navigating language barriers and sociocultural issues (sometimes clumsily) and physically being present in locations days in advance to troubleshoot any potential issues before the boss arrives. As other reviewers point out, these stories overwhelmingly make their bosses look good -- hardly surprising since the job of these staffers is to make their bosses look good!

I've read a number of peeking-behind-the-curtain books on US Presidential administrations; this one was unfortunately one of my least favorites because of how fragmented and abrupt each story is -- some context is given for most stories but few go into enough depth and background info to truly contextualize things. I think for those who are already in this world, the stories in this book would land well as the type of riveting tales you'd exchange over drinks in the bar at the end of a long day; for the rest of us, we'll likely have lingering questions. The story where two post-presidency Clinton aides committed breaking and entering into a private residence around Oxford to inter a former Clinton classmate's cremains in the backyard without getting the current property owner's permission is especially appalling.

Further reading: behind the scenes of presidential administrations
Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You by Capricia Penavic Marshall | my review (one of Marshall's stories is also included in this book)
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
Unlimited Access : An FBI Agent Inside the Clinton White House by Gary Aldrich
The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower

My statistics:
Book 96 for 2026
Book 2402 cumulatively

[Steve Peifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

How bad is this book? I’m the market for this; majored in political science, involved in campaigns, avid reader of the genre.

It’s still February, but it’s already a contender for the worst book of the year. In fact, if I read a worst book in 2026, I will fast books for a month and just interact with coloring books.

Why is it so bad? No one involved in this book would recognize a punchline if it bit them. After a dozen or so stories that fell flat, I wondered if it was intentional. It wasn’t; they are just bad writers.

The self importance that these luggage handlers ascribe to their work is the only source of amusement in this book, although it is unintentional.

There is no dark side shown; all the stories show their masters in the finest light. An honest book might be worth your time; this isn’t.

[Susan Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book, and I'm still so moved. While I thought it would be a humorous account of lighter stories from presidential advance team members (which it was), I found myself crying during many chapters.

Hearing from those who stood so close to these leaders, I was struck by the genuine compassion they showed to the people they met while in office.

​A few moments:
= ​President George W. Bush, after 9/11, standing in silence with rescue workers as a massive American flag was unfurled over the wreckage. It was such a moment of pride and emotion in the middle of smoldering metal and heavy loss.
​
= In the moment that defined his presidency, President Bush climbed atop a crushed fire truck, using a bullhorn to talk to the crowd. When they yelled that they couldn't hear him, he assured them that not only did he hear them, but "the rest of the world hears you!"

= ​President Obama traveling to Newtown to offer "quiet strength" to a shattered community, meeting privately with every single family to share in their immense grief. The description of the visceral pain in the room as he slowly read the names of the schoolchildren and staff lost was extremely emotional.

= ​I was very moved by the story of a non-citizen veteran who volunteered to risk his life for a country he loved, even when that country hadn't yet claimed him as its own. When he faced bureaucratic hurdles to his citizenship, President George W. Bush personally intervened to ensure he received the benefits of Executive Order 13269.

​This 2002 order designated the time after 9/11 as a "period of hostilities," decreeing that if you are willing to serve honorably on active duty during a time of war, you have earned the right to bypass residency requirements and become a citizen immediately.

Remarkably, this order has never been rescinded; it remains the law of the land today. It stands as a permanent, legal reminder that sacrifice and devotion to this country should be met with the highest level of respect and gratitude, regardless of where you were born. If you are willing to bleed for this flag, you have the right to be a citizen here.

​Each of these accounts sheds an even brighter spotlight on how far removed the current person who holds this position is from the respect of (and respect for) the office he holds.

​It's a shame, really. If only he and those who surround him would listen to the lessons learned by those who faithfully upheld the duties of the office, this country might be in a much different place right now.

Excellent read, highly recommended.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic book of anecdotes about the people who get the U.S. President and Vice President different places. It's not "written" as much as just a series of very short stories grouped by flimsy themes from over 50 advance people. There's little that's controversial here and instead seems very carefully stitched together to make everyone look good while upholding the politicians as great guys.

And, the authors warn us up front, they didn't include anything about Trump nor Biden as president (he's only in it as V.P.). That is pretty disappointing.

This could have been so much better--see "Movie Nights with the Reagans" by Mark Weinberg or
"Riding with Reagan" by John Barletta for great examples of how to turn private stories of presidents into intriguing narratives. This is mostly just a bunch of random one to five paragraph summaries, none of them detailed or revelatory, that might pass time on an airplane ride or at the beach but isn't worth devoting much time to.

Don't tell the presidents that this book, no matter how hard it tries, doesn't negate from the negative images many of them possess.

[Rae Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Tell the President is a lively, behind‑the‑curtain tour through six decades of presidential advance work, told with the kind of wry affection and white‑knuckle detail only seasoned insiders could deliver. Becker and Collamore stitch together stories that swing effortlessly between hilarious logistical misfires and near‑catastrophic diplomatic close calls, revealing just how often the smooth public face of the presidency is held together by improvisation, grit, and a little luck. What makes the book shine is its humanizing lens—these aren’t just tales of motorcades and state dinners, but of the people who quietly keep the country’s most visible office from tipping into chaos. It’s an engaging, surprisingly warm reminder that history is often shaped not only by presidents, but by the unseen hands working frantically just out of frame.

[Liz Paruch · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Don’t Tell the President" by Jean Becker and Tom Collamore felt more like a bunch of short stories loosely strung together than a fully put-together book. I kept waiting for it to feel cohesive, but it never quite got there and ended up feeling a little disjointed.

I listened to the audiobook, and honestly the narration didn’t help, it was pretty flat and made it harder to stay engaged. There were a few moments that were genuinely funny or entertaining, which helped break things up a bit, but not enough to fully carry it.

Overall, it was okay, but not one I’d go out of my way to recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics aside, Don't Tell the President is a must-read for anyone who loves a good 'how it’s made' story. Covering administrations from LBJ to Obama, it pulls back the curtain on the advance teams who travel the globe to ensure every presidential visit goes off without a hitch.

The anecdotes range from unbelievable and hilarious to deeply nostalgic, grounding major historical events in a way that feels personal. It’s a high-stakes world where a 'small' mistake is anything but. The audiobook’s multiple narrators were a fantastic touch, making every new perspective feel fresh and authentic.

[Shannon Heaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oral history of presidential advancepeople's attempts to arrange and make perfect the perfect-looking international and out-Washington trips for the President, Vice President and First Lady. It was a fun read, I did want to hear more from Democratic advancepeople, but it made sense given that the authors both worked for Bush the Elder and probably knew many more contacts on the Republican side. I don't think it necessarily made the book less effective, it's just something I noticed.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a Giveaway. I expected something full of gossip, political problem solving, and weird out-takes, but instead it was plodding and mostly uninteresting. I kept trying to care, but it was just such a boring book for something that was promoted as being gossipy and thrilling. I was very disappointed.

[Max Bye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of short stories about the adventures of advance agents. It started off not very well, but I really got into it. I especially liked the story about the agents who, thinking it was a Russian bug, took apart a chandelier that crashed onto the floor below. Enjoyable, if somewhat superfluous, reading.

[Seth Parmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I thought it was solid. I really like Jean Becker’s books about 41. The way she writes makes it seem like she’s right there telling us a story. This one, the stories from many other people. While most are entertaining, some fall kinda flat and the stories do not flow as well if they were written by one or two people.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories woven into a book, the story has first hand accounts of all it takes to go into working with the President. Interesting accounts told by people who were there and involved. I passed this book onto my son to read as he is a huge history buff and he loved it as well.

Many thanks to Goodreads for an ARC.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this book after attending a talk by its editors at the San Antonio book festival. Reading it felt like being at a cocktail party - loads of great anecdotes. Including so many voices poses challenges for tone and narrative, but overall the book gave a great view of the successes and gaffs - kind of like hearing a series of interviews on a talk show.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how some of the biggest events in a presidents career is put on? Look no further than this book! In this book, we hear from multiple people from the office of advancement across multiple presidential administrations describe the work it takes to put on these events!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I might. The book leans heavily on the Bush family but there are still stories from other administrations to balance it out. Lots of good stories- some funny, some tearful. This was a good read, especially for those who like history.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining stories to read about!! Unbelievable what really happens and all of the work that goes into being part of the advance team!!

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny look at the people that make the Presidents look good and the problems they face doing it!

[Cliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very well written book with a unique perspective of the inside details of planning trips for vice presidents and presidents. text a book for people who love politics.

[Matthew Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great collection of stories here. reminds me of the show west wing. a great reflection on a large group of our countris past leaders through a human view.

[Dan Wolter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun compilation of stories from presidential advance staff. Good read for any politico or modern history buff.

[Jeanann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at advance work. It's nice to read stories from a fellow worker bee.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was terrific and so much fun!!! Can't wait to read the next one!!!

[Julie Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a look behind the curtains.

[Steven Beningo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really good stories in this book, but overall the book is underwhelming.

[Tim Patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read - learned about all that goes into presidential advance.