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  • Presidents in Crisis

  • Tough Decisions inside the White House from Truman to Obama
  • By: Michael K. Bohn
  • Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
  • Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (87 ratings)

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Presidents in Crisis

By: Michael K. Bohn
Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
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Summary

Every American president, when faced with a crisis, longs to take bold and decisive action. When American lives or vital interests are at stake, the public - and especially the news media and political opponents - expect aggressive leadership. But, contrary to the dramatizations of Hollywood, rarely does a president have that option.

In Presidents in Crisis, a former director of the Situation Room takes the listener inside the White House during 17 grave international emergencies handled by the presidents from Truman to Obama: from North Korea's invasion of South Korea to the revolutions of the Arab Spring, and from the 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crisis to the taking of American diplomats hostage in Iran and George W. Bush's response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. In narratives that convey the drama of unfolding events and the stakes of confrontation when a misstep can mean catastrophe, he walks us step-by-step through each crisis. Laying out the key players and personalities and the moral and political calculations that the leaders have had to make, he provides a fascinating insider's look at modern presidential decision making and the fundamental role in it of human frailty.

Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for those interested in history - books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times best seller or a national best seller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Michael K. Bohn (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about Presidents in Crisis

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An Insider Assessment of Post-War Presidents

Michael K. Bohn, an insider of the Reagan administration, delivers a thorough and intimate assessment of post-war presidents Truman to Obama and their handling of foreign crises - often the events that define their legacy. Despite his political associations Bohn provides a book that is surprisingly balanced, striving to understand the decision-making process of presidents rather than lambasting them for their errors; even presidents like Carter and Bush Jr., regularly viewed negatively in light of their foreign policy, are dealt with in a semi-devil's advocate style - allowing their side of the story to be examined, while also exposing them to analytical critique.
The book is extremely interesting, and the narration (although not by the author) is solid. Some presidents receive more attention than others, not always based on term-length, but readers (or listeners) will be impressed with the balanced views presented.

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A journey through history and American politics.

A great overview in to what led to decisions at the Whitehouse and how they shaped the future.

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Thought provoking and insightful

Very interesting view into the decision making of US presidents in crisis and those who influenced those decisions.

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A view from the inside.

Absorbing insight into the minds of the Presidents during times of crisis. Well narated.

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Very insightful

An enjoyable look at decision making in the White House with different President’s. I love the premise and I love the insights. Would have been great to cover some of the other foreign policy scandals or even areas such as Watergate and Clinton’s affair. However, still an excellent book.

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Absorbing listen and superbly read

This was a great listen, some useful insights on crisis management, would be good to find a similar GB Prime Minister version. Though does show how complex and knife edge it can be.

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Really insightful analyses

Great book for those who want an insightful, independent analysis of leadership crisis management coupled with engaging real world case studies.

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good primer

some interesting insights and useful (re) introduction to events. Lacking in details but will go for more specific titles in those areas that I need them for

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A well thought book

kept me glued all the way through, good pace and for a history fan a wonderful rendition of the sticky spots of American foreign intervention.

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Excellent listen- balanced and well rounded

This was a speculative purchase but I really enjoyed this. Balanced, reflective and detailed. Not prejudiced. Would be fascinating to listen to an update for the Trump period. Would recommend highly

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