Imperfect Presidents: Tales of Presidential Misadventure and Triumph

by Jim Cullen

When people make bad decisions, odd remarks, and just plain silly mistakes, the results are sure to haunt them. But when these things happen to the president of the United States, they can change the course of history. In this clever portrait of the American presidency, Jim Cullen takes ten presidents down from their pedestals by examining key missteps in their careers--and how they transcended them. Examples include Abraham Lincoln smearing a preacher and rediscovering his religious vision in emancipating slaves; Lyndon Johnson's electoral fraud in his 1948 Senate race and his role in the signing of the Voting Rights Act; and Ronald Reagan's subversion of the Constitution in the Iran-Contra affair and affirmation of world peace in helping bring about the end of the Cold War. Targeting Republicans and Democrats alike, Cullen's insights are surprisingly timely and hugely entertaining.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Andrea Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. But, I have to say, the afterword was probably the best part. I found it very thought provoking.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historians, like journalists, are supposed to be impartial, and as many of us have discovered - to our disappointment - too many of either are not. This author's leanings became more and more apparent the further I got into this book - too bad, because it could have been a much better read.

I do not agree with this man's assertion that Cold War policymakers made a mistake using the "Munich" analogy (named for Neville Chamberland of England who naiively appeased Hitler trying to ward off war) in dealing with the Soviet leadership - much of that leadership, namely Stalin, were very agressive in spreading Communism throughout the world during those decades following WWII. Appeasing them would not have been wise & diplomacy was used as often as Soviet dictators were willing.

I do agree, however, that a politician's choices in their personal lives should be considered when choosing a President because those choices can indeed affect other political decisions. He mentions a case in point that Americans should learn from: Clinton's numerous affairs that became embarrassingly public & primarily drove his decision to appoint his wife, Hilary, to head the Health Care initiative of the early 90's in order to appease/placate her.

Cullen shows his true colors, however, in his review of George W Bush's presidency calling him the worst President in American history. I believe this to be unfair & rather short-sighted because we now have the advantage of time to evaluate the other Presidents' true impact whereas, when this book went to publication it was 2007 - Bush's Presidency was not even over! Whether a bad President or not, I believe he at least deserves as much time as Clinton got for this analysis. Also, although I didn't agree with some of Bush's decisions, I certainly would not call him the worst President in U.S. History - that honor I believe goes to Mr. Woodrow Wilson whose naiivite cannot be matched (even by Ford) and whose lack of leadership is also unmatched (even by Obama).

[Frances Supernaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author takes 10 Presidents, starting with George Washington and ending with George W and points out their imperfections, without denying their accomplishments. It makes for a very interesting way to look at these famous powerful men. The last chapter is what we want in a President, very thought provoking, especially this being election season,and we are dealing with the nightmare President Trump,with fears he might get re elected. I found this a amazing read.

[G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light reading and its political history?! Short chapters about each President, juxtaposition the unsavory thing they did with the thing they did right. His point seems to be the same character flaws that make you do the wrong thing can often make you do the right thing.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it, good reading without the dullness

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eloquent.

[Pimissa Zunguze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because I felt like I was watching the news and time was moving as I read each conflict revolving around a situation

[Yosef Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book examines choices and mistakes done by our Chief Executives throughout history.