What do you think?
Rate this book
With No Apologies: The personal and political memoirs of United States Senator Barry M. Goldwater
The true Republician Conservative who wrote in 1973 as Senator to Henry Kissinger that he was disappointed in Nixon's failure to take off of the government and to shift the reigning bureaucrats, to reduce spending, to abolish nonproductive programs, and to emphasize the harm overregulation was having on our economy. Out-spoken, and uncompromising Senator Goldwater personal political memoirs are candid, frank, and honest. A "tell-it-like-it-is" book very much like Senator Goldwater himself. Fascinating quotes and impressions of the political figures of his day. Those who want to know what a real Conservative is should read this book, they all copied Barry.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
6 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Barry M. Goldwater
62 books67 followersAmerican politician Barry Morris Goldwater as senator of United States from Arizona from 1953 to 1965 and from 1969 to 1987 ran unsuccessfully for president in 1964; people credit him with founding the conservative movement that came to dominate the Republican Party.
This businessman stood as candidate.
In 1964, rights and fiscal sanity based his militant campaign against Communism.
Goldwater most often sparked the resurgence in the 1960s. He also a substantial affected the libertarians.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_G...
This businessman stood as candidate.
In 1964, rights and fiscal sanity based his militant campaign against Communism.
Goldwater most often sparked the resurgence in the 1960s. He also a substantial affected the libertarians.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_G...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 11, 2012
Great insight of today's politics. Everything he said would eventually happen did
November 22, 2012
An interesting summary narrative of U.S. politics through Goldwater's time as a participant.
May 18, 2021
With a signature style of prose, concise storytelling, and chalk full of Washington details. This candid approach to biography is a success in some, not all, regards.
The opening builds an anticipation and fear that the United States of America will simply implode on itself and then breaks into the story of his grandfather's migration to the USA. Of course, now we know the USA did not implode, however this read-bait is very effective.
Some of the structure seems disjointed. Jutting from one tale to another and then back to the first with seemingly little cohesion. Though they sometimes add a fullness to the greater chapter.
My largest complaint is that there is a lot of self-hypocrisy. He will say Nixon was a man that could not be President, he lacked the personal requirements, then blames the failings on Nixon's insiders. Goldwater claims that if he had won the 1964 election, his term would ultimately be ineffective due to the Democrats control of the Congresses. Then he will state that "Empirical data shows" had he won, his administration would have changed America forever. Such ideas are assumed by the general public to be mustered any politician. Perhaps, these hypocrisies are simply an extension and affirmation that the book truly is candid.
From reading other books and articles from political memoirs, Goldwater's isolation on stance and from his party is clear. His insight on the larger workings of White House Government, at least at the time of writing, was not as deep as he thought, or as he wanted. Ultimately, it shows.
Overall the book is a decent insight to the mind and machinations of Barry Goldwater, and the roots of the new conservative movement. I would recommend to those interested in either political autobiographies, or the history of the Vietnam-Watergate era in USA politics.
The opening builds an anticipation and fear that the United States of America will simply implode on itself and then breaks into the story of his grandfather's migration to the USA. Of course, now we know the USA did not implode, however this read-bait is very effective.
Some of the structure seems disjointed. Jutting from one tale to another and then back to the first with seemingly little cohesion. Though they sometimes add a fullness to the greater chapter.
My largest complaint is that there is a lot of self-hypocrisy. He will say Nixon was a man that could not be President, he lacked the personal requirements, then blames the failings on Nixon's insiders. Goldwater claims that if he had won the 1964 election, his term would ultimately be ineffective due to the Democrats control of the Congresses. Then he will state that "Empirical data shows" had he won, his administration would have changed America forever. Such ideas are assumed by the general public to be mustered any politician. Perhaps, these hypocrisies are simply an extension and affirmation that the book truly is candid.
From reading other books and articles from political memoirs, Goldwater's isolation on stance and from his party is clear. His insight on the larger workings of White House Government, at least at the time of writing, was not as deep as he thought, or as he wanted. Ultimately, it shows.
Overall the book is a decent insight to the mind and machinations of Barry Goldwater, and the roots of the new conservative movement. I would recommend to those interested in either political autobiographies, or the history of the Vietnam-Watergate era in USA politics.
Read
July 20, 2025As biographies and political memoirs go, Barry Goldwater’s With No Apologies is highly readable and not overly lengthy. Early chapters trace his genealogy—a bit dry—and his young adulthood. You’ll see his enthusiasm as a pilot, though he oddly skips his amateur radio hobby.
His election to the U.S. Senate unfolds, offering a snapshot of the Truman administration’s final years and the full Eisenhower era. Goldwater praises Eisenhower but critiques his political naivete.
The nineteen sixty-four presidential race, which he decisively lost, gets significant focus. He acknowledges the power of a television ad that aired on NBC on September 7 showing a girl picking daisy petals while counting to ten, with another voice counting down to a mushroom cloud. Goldwater admits its impact but doesn't write much more about it.
Chapter thirty-three warns against unelected leaders, calling the Trilateral Commission a modern Praetorian Guard bent on globalist governance. He links Carter’s presidency to Carter’s Commission ties, painting him as an idealistic chameleon who adapts to succeed. Goldwater contrasts Carter’s folksy campaign image with its sophisticated Atlanta-based operation.
The Watergate chapter crackles, vividly capturing Nixon’s resignation through Goldwater’s eyes. In chapter thirty-four, he condemns a political system where leaders promise anything and deliver nothing. He notes Johnson branded him a Vietnam hawk, yet Johnson escalated the war himself. Goldwater’s warnings on excessive federal spending still resonate, and though some call the book dated, I found it current and thought-provoking.
His election to the U.S. Senate unfolds, offering a snapshot of the Truman administration’s final years and the full Eisenhower era. Goldwater praises Eisenhower but critiques his political naivete.
The nineteen sixty-four presidential race, which he decisively lost, gets significant focus. He acknowledges the power of a television ad that aired on NBC on September 7 showing a girl picking daisy petals while counting to ten, with another voice counting down to a mushroom cloud. Goldwater admits its impact but doesn't write much more about it.
Chapter thirty-three warns against unelected leaders, calling the Trilateral Commission a modern Praetorian Guard bent on globalist governance. He links Carter’s presidency to Carter’s Commission ties, painting him as an idealistic chameleon who adapts to succeed. Goldwater contrasts Carter’s folksy campaign image with its sophisticated Atlanta-based operation.
The Watergate chapter crackles, vividly capturing Nixon’s resignation through Goldwater’s eyes. In chapter thirty-four, he condemns a political system where leaders promise anything and deliver nothing. He notes Johnson branded him a Vietnam hawk, yet Johnson escalated the war himself. Goldwater’s warnings on excessive federal spending still resonate, and though some call the book dated, I found it current and thought-provoking.
January 19, 2024
"With No Apologies: The Personal and Political Memoirs of United States Senator Barry M. Goldwater," published in 1979, is an autobiographical work by the influential American conservative politician and five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona. Best known for his 1964 presidential campaign, Goldwater's book is a candid reflection on his political career, ideology, and the broader conservative movement in the United States.
Goldwater's memoir is significant for its forthright discussion of his political beliefs and experiences. It offers an insider’s perspective on key events and figures in mid-20th-century American politics, including the rise of the conservative movement, the Cold War, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. The title, "With No Apologies," is emblematic of Goldwater’s straightforward and unapologetic approach to both politics and personal expression.
A notable strength of the book is its detailed account of Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, providing valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and ideological underpinnings of his run for the presidency. This section is not just a historical recount but also serves as a reflection on the American political landscape and the role of conservatism within it.
Goldwater’s exploration of conservative philosophy is another key element of the memoir. He articulates his vision of limited government, individual liberty, and strong anti-communist foreign policy, positioning these ideas within the broader context of American history and political thought. His critique of the New Deal and Great Society programs reflects his deep-seated belief in economic freedom and skepticism towards government intervention.
However, from an academic perspective, the memoir might be critiqued for its subjective nature and potential for bias. As a personal memoir, it presents Goldwater’s perspective and interpretations, which may not encompass the full complexity or alternate viewpoints of the political events and ideologies discussed.
Additionally, while the book is a valuable resource for understanding Goldwater’s contributions to American conservatism, it may not fully engage with the criticisms or limitations of conservative policies during the period. Readers looking for a comprehensive, balanced historical analysis might need to supplement this memoir with other sources.
“With No Apologies" is an important memoir for those interested in American political history, particularly in understanding the conservative movement and its impact on the 20th-century political landscape. Goldwater’s candid style and detailed recounting of his political journey offer a unique window into his ideologies and the era he influenced. However, readers should approach it as a subjective account, balancing it with other perspectives to gain a fuller understanding of the period.
GPT
Goldwater's memoir is significant for its forthright discussion of his political beliefs and experiences. It offers an insider’s perspective on key events and figures in mid-20th-century American politics, including the rise of the conservative movement, the Cold War, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. The title, "With No Apologies," is emblematic of Goldwater’s straightforward and unapologetic approach to both politics and personal expression.
A notable strength of the book is its detailed account of Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, providing valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and ideological underpinnings of his run for the presidency. This section is not just a historical recount but also serves as a reflection on the American political landscape and the role of conservatism within it.
Goldwater’s exploration of conservative philosophy is another key element of the memoir. He articulates his vision of limited government, individual liberty, and strong anti-communist foreign policy, positioning these ideas within the broader context of American history and political thought. His critique of the New Deal and Great Society programs reflects his deep-seated belief in economic freedom and skepticism towards government intervention.
However, from an academic perspective, the memoir might be critiqued for its subjective nature and potential for bias. As a personal memoir, it presents Goldwater’s perspective and interpretations, which may not encompass the full complexity or alternate viewpoints of the political events and ideologies discussed.
Additionally, while the book is a valuable resource for understanding Goldwater’s contributions to American conservatism, it may not fully engage with the criticisms or limitations of conservative policies during the period. Readers looking for a comprehensive, balanced historical analysis might need to supplement this memoir with other sources.
“With No Apologies" is an important memoir for those interested in American political history, particularly in understanding the conservative movement and its impact on the 20th-century political landscape. Goldwater’s candid style and detailed recounting of his political journey offer a unique window into his ideologies and the era he influenced. However, readers should approach it as a subjective account, balancing it with other perspectives to gain a fuller understanding of the period.
GPT
December 31, 2021
I tip my hat to the book that nudged me to where I was headed philosophically. An autobiography by the late Senator from Arizona, it offers insights into the political milieu of the 1960 and 1970s. Without the shrillness of many partisan books, Goldwater lays out the case for conservative American principles. This book also takes us through some of the troubling events of that time period, including Vietnam, Nixon, and 60's radicalism. This book should be required reading for any student of American history.
February 16, 2019
Historical 1979 conservative world view.
Times have changed: anti-New Deal, anti-Roosevelt, anti-welfare, anti-JFK , anti-Jimmy Carter,
1979 anti those " Me-Tooers"
Pro-Hoover, Nixon is ok, Shah of Iran is our friend.
1970's.
Historical view point populist of that era.
Times have changed: anti-New Deal, anti-Roosevelt, anti-welfare, anti-JFK , anti-Jimmy Carter,
1979 anti those " Me-Tooers"
Pro-Hoover, Nixon is ok, Shah of Iran is our friend.
1970's.
Historical view point populist of that era.
November 8, 2011
Not a great read, but filled with some fascinating tidbits of US history for the informed reader. If you buy into the official school US history book, you'll miss them. But even a casual interest in the people behind the seat of power, the ones who buy power and influence in the US and around the world, will keep you turning pages in this book.
Read
September 23, 2010With no apologies: The personal and political memoirs of United States Senator Barry M. Goldwater by Barry M Goldwater (1979)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews