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Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America
A new book by former Vice President and #1 New York Times bestselling author Dick Cheney and Liz Cheney.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
60 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Dick Cheney
16 books31 followersRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States (2001-2009), under George W. Bush.
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but was primarily raised in Sumner, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations, where he served the latter as White House Chief of Staff. In 1978, Cheney was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming; he was reelected five times, eventually becoming House Minority Whip. Cheney was selected to be the Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, holding the position for the majority of Bush's term. During this time, Cheney oversaw the 1991 Operation Desert Storm, among other actions.
Out of office during the Clinton presidency, Cheney was chairman and CEO of Halliburton Company from 1995 to 2000.
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but was primarily raised in Sumner, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations, where he served the latter as White House Chief of Staff. In 1978, Cheney was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming; he was reelected five times, eventually becoming House Minority Whip. Cheney was selected to be the Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, holding the position for the majority of Bush's term. During this time, Cheney oversaw the 1991 Operation Desert Storm, among other actions.
Out of office during the Clinton presidency, Cheney was chairman and CEO of Halliburton Company from 1995 to 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 1, 2015
Holy chowder this book was really exceptional. <(^.^<)
I need to spend sometime here setting the table at first. I have read plenty of books that take on the topic of "American Exceptionalism", non have been that good. They invariably focus on Tocqueville for what seems like a third of the book. Somehow in the end they fail to simply state that it means America is the exception in human history, truly unique in that the government is subservient to the people, that we established the state to serve us, not the typical history of a ruler imposing his will on a conquered mass.
REVIEW
I've struggled with how to begin this review. There is so much covered here I don't know where to start. One thing that I don't think can be understated is how important a topic this is. With that Cheney supplies an understanding and insight few people working in intelligence could match.
For the sake of keeping the review short I won't pour over specifics from the book. What I really want to capture in my review is how fulfilling of a book this was. Often people do well at addressing issues but fail to supply any solutions, in conclusion the former Vice President does not shy away from this.
Before spoiling the ending let me bring focus back to the start. At first they highlight historic feats of American military leadership. The writing here is really superb reminding me of great writers like David McCullough and Joseph Ellis which I find more entertaining than the best novels. Again they explore often untouched yet very important pieces of US history, [maybe my appreciation has to do with not one mention of Taco cause it feels like I've read his accounts more than 5 times although I've never once began to read them.]
As important as this book is now it will always serve as window to the challenges we face today.
For critics of the Bush doctrine, Cheney defends his administration.
Those ignorant of the world stage as it plays out today are in for a rude awakening at the terror and potential horrors the Obama doctrine.
Anyone critical of American leadership in the world would do well to re-examine our contributions to liberty and importance of our strength in securing freedom.
I usually come up with a new title for books as I read them. This could also be called "Where the Left Went Wrong." I bestow that title as an homage to Patrick Buchanan's "Where the Right Went Wrong." Truly great books that anyone seeking to unravel modern history must give their full attention.
I need to spend sometime here setting the table at first. I have read plenty of books that take on the topic of "American Exceptionalism", non have been that good. They invariably focus on Tocqueville for what seems like a third of the book. Somehow in the end they fail to simply state that it means America is the exception in human history, truly unique in that the government is subservient to the people, that we established the state to serve us, not the typical history of a ruler imposing his will on a conquered mass.
REVIEW
I've struggled with how to begin this review. There is so much covered here I don't know where to start. One thing that I don't think can be understated is how important a topic this is. With that Cheney supplies an understanding and insight few people working in intelligence could match.
For the sake of keeping the review short I won't pour over specifics from the book. What I really want to capture in my review is how fulfilling of a book this was. Often people do well at addressing issues but fail to supply any solutions, in conclusion the former Vice President does not shy away from this.
Before spoiling the ending let me bring focus back to the start. At first they highlight historic feats of American military leadership. The writing here is really superb reminding me of great writers like David McCullough and Joseph Ellis which I find more entertaining than the best novels. Again they explore often untouched yet very important pieces of US history, [maybe my appreciation has to do with not one mention of Taco cause it feels like I've read his accounts more than 5 times although I've never once began to read them.]
As important as this book is now it will always serve as window to the challenges we face today.
For critics of the Bush doctrine, Cheney defends his administration.
Those ignorant of the world stage as it plays out today are in for a rude awakening at the terror and potential horrors the Obama doctrine.
Anyone critical of American leadership in the world would do well to re-examine our contributions to liberty and importance of our strength in securing freedom.
I usually come up with a new title for books as I read them. This could also be called "Where the Left Went Wrong." I bestow that title as an homage to Patrick Buchanan's "Where the Right Went Wrong." Truly great books that anyone seeking to unravel modern history must give their full attention.
October 6, 2015
This is a good book that probably none of my liberal friends will not read. The Vice President and his daughter make a good case for American Exceptionalism. They rehash the necessity for the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (at the end of WWII). In recent years some on the left have argued that there was an alternative to dropping two atomic weapons on the two cities. Had we not taken that, there might have been an additional 500,000 American casualties in trying to fight the Japanese on their own territory. They also argue, I think correctly, that we reneged on commitments at the end of the Vietnam war.
Dick Cheney is an experienced political figure. He has never been reluctant to advance his point of view and to vilify his opponents. At the same time, the vilification that most of the left of his integrity has been nonsense.
The Cheney's make a good case that the current Administration has made significant errors in four key theaters in world affairs. They detail the issues that the Administration's reset on Russia, China and Iran and their almost complete inability to recognize the threat of ISIS. (We are reminded that the President once called ISIS the "Jayvee" team. They also argue that sequestration and the Administration's attempts to fund a domestic agenda have compromised our defense readiness. Again, I think that is correct.
From my perspective much of the historical analysis of is spot on. But I also have concerns about whether the alternatives proposed by the authors reflect a realistic approach to the current setting of the world. I personally was offended by the President's "apology" tour in 2009. And yet the last several years of disappointing our friends and emboldening our enemies, this Administration should leave with an apology tour. Ultimately, despite the current Administration's reluctance to admit it, America has a special position in the world. And we should not be apologetic for that role. At the same time however we have amply demonstrated that some of the neocons' assumptions about building democratic regimes were misguided.
Dick Cheney is an experienced political figure. He has never been reluctant to advance his point of view and to vilify his opponents. At the same time, the vilification that most of the left of his integrity has been nonsense.
The Cheney's make a good case that the current Administration has made significant errors in four key theaters in world affairs. They detail the issues that the Administration's reset on Russia, China and Iran and their almost complete inability to recognize the threat of ISIS. (We are reminded that the President once called ISIS the "Jayvee" team. They also argue that sequestration and the Administration's attempts to fund a domestic agenda have compromised our defense readiness. Again, I think that is correct.
From my perspective much of the historical analysis of is spot on. But I also have concerns about whether the alternatives proposed by the authors reflect a realistic approach to the current setting of the world. I personally was offended by the President's "apology" tour in 2009. And yet the last several years of disappointing our friends and emboldening our enemies, this Administration should leave with an apology tour. Ultimately, despite the current Administration's reluctance to admit it, America has a special position in the world. And we should not be apologetic for that role. At the same time however we have amply demonstrated that some of the neocons' assumptions about building democratic regimes were misguided.
November 28, 2015
I was fortunate to meet both the former Vice President and his daughter, Liz, at a booksigning in Gillette, Wyoming about 6 weeks ago. They were gracious and appreciative of my support of their book and also of the Bush-Cheney ticket in 2000 and 2004. I was very excited to get their new book "EXCEPTIONAL" signed for my library.
In their book, the Cheneys provide a sweeping overview of the exceptional courage, strength and honor that our country's leaders have displayed in the 20th and start of the 21st centuries. There were little nuggets of history that I wasn't aware of, but most of their historical writing I was already familiar with. Then they sharply contrast the country's past leadership with the current occupant in the White House, President Barack Obama. They point out his many failures as commander in chief and then end the book with a concrete list of steps that the 45th president will need to take to make this country exceptional again.
In their book, the Cheneys provide a sweeping overview of the exceptional courage, strength and honor that our country's leaders have displayed in the 20th and start of the 21st centuries. There were little nuggets of history that I wasn't aware of, but most of their historical writing I was already familiar with. Then they sharply contrast the country's past leadership with the current occupant in the White House, President Barack Obama. They point out his many failures as commander in chief and then end the book with a concrete list of steps that the 45th president will need to take to make this country exceptional again.
December 16, 2015
Exceptional read. Great source of information. Some of the items were familiar to all of us, but some of the details and explanations about policies, decision and historical or eventual near future outcome of those was excellent. Former Vice President and his daughter deliver facts based opinions and recommendations for solutions, before it is too late.
Dick Cheney, even before becoming a household name as a former VP for President Bush, held several very high level positions in our government. His daughter is a very knowledgeable contributor and political pundit, who always provides fact based opinions. Together they deliver a very interesting and important read. Why is this nation exceptional? What does this nation stand for in the world? Why both democrats and republicans fought for this nation and protected America the best that saw fit throughout history and then, how did we get here. What has current Obama administration done to reverse many years of true exceptionalism, true progress and why it is important for America to lead the world, as oppose to fundamentally changing this great nation as Obama said and done. Solid book and I would recommend to anyone, who needs to hear what our nation stands for and why we, as a beacon of freedom, need to lead the world, because if we don't, then the vacuum of leadership will be filled by someone else, someone who does not share our views of freedom and democracy.
Dick Cheney, even before becoming a household name as a former VP for President Bush, held several very high level positions in our government. His daughter is a very knowledgeable contributor and political pundit, who always provides fact based opinions. Together they deliver a very interesting and important read. Why is this nation exceptional? What does this nation stand for in the world? Why both democrats and republicans fought for this nation and protected America the best that saw fit throughout history and then, how did we get here. What has current Obama administration done to reverse many years of true exceptionalism, true progress and why it is important for America to lead the world, as oppose to fundamentally changing this great nation as Obama said and done. Solid book and I would recommend to anyone, who needs to hear what our nation stands for and why we, as a beacon of freedom, need to lead the world, because if we don't, then the vacuum of leadership will be filled by someone else, someone who does not share our views of freedom and democracy.
October 14, 2015
The descriptions of America as a good force in the world covered in the first half of the book were nice to read. The delusional justifications for the Iraq war and then the unrelenting diatribe against Obama's foreign policy in the second half of the book, not so much. While I personally agree with much of the criticism, Cheney I think would enact a policy in which 90% of the Earth's land mass was conquered and occupied by the US. Perhaps not surprisingly, writing was rather dry.
November 22, 2015
If you're ready to get off of the politically correct train that likes to demonize Dick Cheney, you will find the first three-fourths of this book very interesting. Dick and his daughter, Liz, do a very good job reciting the United States history starting at the beginning of World War II, through to the present day. Their chronology is very well documented citing references in the last 40 pages of the book.
Their premise is, the United States is "exceptional": exceptional in accomplishment; exceptional in achieving freedom and prosperity in an unparalleled level; exceptional in spreading the merits of freedom across much of the world. Attending these exceptional accomplishments is the attending responsibility of leadership and strong in preserving the best aspects of our civilization.
If you're a big fan of President Obama you're not going to like the last part of the book. Cheneys makes a lot of good points but they are very aggressive in their posture regarding foreign relations.
They don't leave much room for negotiated approaches with potential and real adversaries. Whatever the approach, they make good arguments for doing so from a position of superior military strength. The lessons of history are on the side of this argument and we are in a serious decline in our military strength and preparedness.
The human genome has produced many monsters (Hitler, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Stalin, etc.) and there is no good reason to believe we won't have to deal with more like characters.
Like Dick Cheney or not, this is a well-written, informative read.
Their premise is, the United States is "exceptional": exceptional in accomplishment; exceptional in achieving freedom and prosperity in an unparalleled level; exceptional in spreading the merits of freedom across much of the world. Attending these exceptional accomplishments is the attending responsibility of leadership and strong in preserving the best aspects of our civilization.
If you're a big fan of President Obama you're not going to like the last part of the book. Cheneys makes a lot of good points but they are very aggressive in their posture regarding foreign relations.
They don't leave much room for negotiated approaches with potential and real adversaries. Whatever the approach, they make good arguments for doing so from a position of superior military strength. The lessons of history are on the side of this argument and we are in a serious decline in our military strength and preparedness.
The human genome has produced many monsters (Hitler, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Stalin, etc.) and there is no good reason to believe we won't have to deal with more like characters.
Like Dick Cheney or not, this is a well-written, informative read.
November 1, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It offered a great review of American history from mid 20th century to the present, as well as focusing on American's participation in the world during the same period. A nice break from the current trend of focusing only on the perceived and real faults of America, it offered the reader a chance to learn (for the first time) or revisit historic moments when American intervention helped save the day. I particularly enjoyed reading the stirring excerpts of speeches from many of our former presidents including Truman, Kennedy and Reagan. The second half of the book offered a hard look at our current position in the world and how our decreased world presence affects our safety and the safety of our allies. Lastly, a plan is proposed to regain our strength and to once again be the exceptional nation that many nations in the world have counted on in difficult times. For anyone serious about how their decision on selecting a new president affects our nation's safety this is a must read.
January 12, 2016
Dick and Liz Cheney set themselves a set of critically important tasks: to explain the need for a powerful and assertive United States, to give examples of the turning points of the past, to describe the devastating failures of the Obama administration to continue that tradition, and finally, to recommend first steps toward retrieving the situation. For their efforts to bear fruit, the authors needed to reach beyond the proverbial choir. It is therefore unfortunate that the book frequently lapses into defending the actions of the Bush-Cheney administration, undercutting its credibility among those who might otherwise be more open to its arguments.
Much of the prose is compelling, and its impact very sobering indeed. We need more -- and more uncompromised -- calls to arms along these lines.
Much of the prose is compelling, and its impact very sobering indeed. We need more -- and more uncompromised -- calls to arms along these lines.
November 2, 2015
From the jacket cover I was expecting a book to learn why America was right at the battle of Midway, right to drop bombs on Hiroshima, and right to establish the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and NATO..but this isn't what this book was about.
Rather than a history lesson of what the GOP stands for and what makes America Exceptional--it was a string of talking points discrediting the Obama Administration's foreign policy. While I agree with much of the arguments made by the Cheneys..the book didn't represent the title or cover.
Rather than a history lesson of what the GOP stands for and what makes America Exceptional--it was a string of talking points discrediting the Obama Administration's foreign policy. While I agree with much of the arguments made by the Cheneys..the book didn't represent the title or cover.
November 3, 2015
The first section of this book talks about the difficult decisions that American leaders made that led to victory in WWII and the Cold War. The preservation of the lives of American solders s as well the enemy solders and civilian were influences on USA leaders. The second section lays out how poor bad decisions and indecisions have weakened the USA. Last of all the Cheney's give solutions that if implemented would strengthen America.
October 25, 2024
Very Informative. Pretty jam packed with stuff, but overall a good listen. They are clear about what they think was managed incorrectly, but it is also evident that the Cheneys are determined to be as objective and as matter of fact as possible.
January 16, 2016
This book gives insightful looks into America's past and how our exceptionalism helped bring an end to World War II and maintained the balance of power during the Cold War. This came about because of the strength of the United States.
However, under the Obama administration, the strength of the United States has been greatly reduced, either by design or by ignorance on the part of President Obama. His naive plan is to reduce our military strength believing that doing so will cause the other nations to follow suit. This has not worked.
We now face threats from the Middle East, Russia, China, and other nations and have a military force that is only able to deal with a single threat, not multiple threats. Some of our military forces are at levels below those prior to WWII.
Dick and Liz Cheney provide detailed suggestions for what America and the next President must do to bring America back as a powerful nation which the world needs.
This is one of the most impressive books I have ever read and is something that everyone who believes in a strong America must read.
However, under the Obama administration, the strength of the United States has been greatly reduced, either by design or by ignorance on the part of President Obama. His naive plan is to reduce our military strength believing that doing so will cause the other nations to follow suit. This has not worked.
We now face threats from the Middle East, Russia, China, and other nations and have a military force that is only able to deal with a single threat, not multiple threats. Some of our military forces are at levels below those prior to WWII.
Dick and Liz Cheney provide detailed suggestions for what America and the next President must do to bring America back as a powerful nation which the world needs.
This is one of the most impressive books I have ever read and is something that everyone who believes in a strong America must read.
Read
March 21, 2016Excellent historical context and future prescription
The Cheneys lay out a clear historical basis for the argument that the USA must continue to be a superpower in a world of increasing chaos and dissect what the Obama administration has done to make us more vulnerable than at any time since before WWII.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of a lack of a clear argument of how to engage the culture with a winning argument.
The Cheneys lay out a clear historical basis for the argument that the USA must continue to be a superpower in a world of increasing chaos and dissect what the Obama administration has done to make us more vulnerable than at any time since before WWII.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of a lack of a clear argument of how to engage the culture with a winning argument.
April 1, 2016
I would very much like to give this book a higher rating, but I'm so saturated with political hype in this election year, that it's almost impossible to digest another fact about America's strengths and weaknesses. I highly admire both Cheneys and they make very strong points throughout the book regarding our current world standing. Just wish I had read this last year before all the candidates started their blabbering.
June 23, 2016
I always find it refreshing to read what Dick Cheney has to say because his perspective, which used to be so pervasive, is now almost entirely absent from American politics. This book is sort of an extended policy paper with a decent account of postwar American history tacked onto the front. Its not the most exciting read, but it is solid analysis and it makes convincing and concise arguments.
December 1, 2015
The first part was great. Then he got into Iraq and it became his view and total ignored the Sunni/Shiite part of the conflict. The last part was how Obama is doing everything wrong. But I do believe nuclear weapons KEEP the peace because they are so powerful nobody will use the bomb. No two countries that have the bomb have ever gone to war with each other.
March 16, 2016
I'll save you a lot of time here. The summary of this book is "Obama Sucks". While I believe that is a true statement, this book doesn't present any new ideas or policy position. Not really sure why the Cheney's wrote this book. Even if you are a staunch Obama hater, this book isn't going to add anything new to your knowledge base. Don't waste your time or money here.
March 16, 2016
Good summary of America's influence in the world, and our generous help to our allies, from WWII forward. Much of the book details their views about how the Obama administration has weakened America's strength internationally, and our defense at home. An extra plus was having the audio version read by the authors.
August 31, 2016
First chapters condense an interesting summary of world events and lessons learned, starting with Hitler and continuing through Obama. Then the book presents a chilling evaluation of our reduced capacity for national defense in a world of increasing foreign threats..This book is informative and provokes thought, especially in this presidential election year.
Read
September 10, 2016Dick Cheney makes a pretty compelling case for a strong military, and also a strong indictment of how poorly our current commander-in-chief has done in fulfilling one of the few iterated constitutional tasks he should perform. I do not feel safe against Russia or China or radical Islam. We are woefully unprepared if all Mr. Cheney says is true.
September 16, 2015
مهمٌ أن ترى العالم بعيون طغاته!...
هذا الكتاب مهم لفهم جزء من التركيبة المعقدة للسياسة الخارجية الأمريكية. من لن يقرأ هذا الكتاب يمكنه قراء توصيات (تشيني) للرئيس الأمريكي القادم في الفصل الأخير من الكتاب.. (ملاحظة: تقييمي ٤ نجوم هو لأهمية المحتوى وليس لاتفاقي مع مضمون المحتوى بالطبع!)
هذا الكتاب مهم لفهم جزء من التركيبة المعقدة للسياسة الخارجية الأمريكية. من لن يقرأ هذا الكتاب يمكنه قراء توصيات (تشيني) للرئيس الأمريكي القادم في الفصل الأخير من الكتاب.. (ملاحظة: تقييمي ٤ نجوم هو لأهمية المحتوى وليس لاتفاقي مع مضمون المحتوى بالطبع!)
October 28, 2015
It was, well, exceptional. Regardless of your political leaning, I encourage you to check it out. It's a quick, easy, and yet well-informed read that addresses the very real issues facing America and looking at how America can and should face them.
December 21, 2015
Good Good Book, even if you are not a GOP or a Cheney fan and you are interested i foreign policy or Politics, you should read this book. It will open your eyes to what is going on today with America and its foreign policy. A lot of history
April 8, 2016
A good read that really clarifies the mindset that drove our country. The first few chapters are a great glimpse into things we should be proud of as a country. Good contrast read is Moises Naim's End of Power.
May 27, 2016
This book was okay. I found nothing knew that I have not already learned. I disagree with the analysis leading up to Iraq, and the war with Iraq. (Note: my whole take on Iraq changed while over there and return.) Otherwise I liked the book.
November 13, 2015
Very interesting and well written. A must read for every American. Highly recommend.
November 3, 2015
A must-read for true Americans.
September 10, 2022
Great read. Highly recommend.
November 10, 2015
Excellent history leswson
December 15, 2016
Great book. Historical content was very interesting. Call to action is right on point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews