Greenstein (emeritus, political science, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs) presents 10 papers that broadly assess the first few years of Bush's presidency. Often critical, the discussions look at the leadership style and political ethos of the president before looking at specific policy issues such as the budget and foreign policy. His relationships with the Congress and the public are explored in a number of chapters. A final chapter presents an assessment of the administration by John J. Dilulio, the first director of Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Between his inauguration and September 11, 2001, George W. Bush's presidency appeared to lack focus. The rhetoric of the campaign trail did not readily translate into concrete policies and a closely divided Congress restrained executive action. The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, however, changed all of that. In their aftermath, Bush emerged as a strong, decisive leader with a deep sense of purpose and certainty that inspired many Americans, even as it alienated much of the rest of the world.
In The George W. Bush Presidency: An Early Assessment, noted presidential scholar Fred I. Greenstein brings together a distinguished group of political scientists to consider the first two-and-a-half years of the George W. Bush presidency, from his leadership style and political ethos to his budgetary and foreign policies to his relationship with Congress, the electorate, and the American public. This balanced and timely volume concludes with an invaluable insider's view of the president and his administration by John J. DiIulio, the first Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Contributors: Richard A. Brody, Ivo Daalder, John J. Dilulio, Jr., John Fortier, Hugh Heclo, Karen M. Hult, Gary Jacobson, Charles O. Jones, James Lindsay, Norman Ornstein, and Allen Schick
