James Cannon (6)

Presidential biography in the television age is revelatory, in that press conferences, news clips, comedic impressions all combine to create a picture of a president that may have little at all to do with the actual persona of the man (or, someday, woman). No greater example of this incomplete public perception exists than with Gerald Ford, president from 1974 until 1977. On television, Ford came across as rather exquisitely dull, pleasant but unengaging, sometimes clumsy or, in comic representations, even stupid. But Ford was not remotely stupid or even clumsy, and had proven himself both an exceptional athlete in his early days and one of the most perspicacious members of Congress for many years before his accession to the presidency. What comes across in this book is a portrait of a very intelligent, very patriotic, very statesman-like man who understood government like few others, but who was much better as a legislator than as an executive. As president, Ford made errors in delegation of authority (and one whopper in analysis, regarding Soviet domination of Eastern Europe), but he steadfastly chose to do what he believed right for the country even when such choices were unpopular or politically damaging to himself. James Cannon's biography is wonderfully insightful, especially of Ford's adult years. My only reservation is that I was blindsided by the discovery more than halfway through the book that Cannon had served in Ford's administration and that some of his praise for Ford and other members of the administration was conceivably not entirely non-partisan. But Cannon seems to have endeavored vigorously to be objective about his subject, and, for the most part, this comes across in the narrative. This is quite a fine book, shedding light on one of the most misunderstood presidents in American history.… (lisätietoja)

Going into this book all I knew about Gerald Ford was that he pardoned Nixon and was a one term President. Coming out of this book, I have a much better understanding of Watergate, and that Ford was good man who pardoned Nixon and was a one term President. This is not to say that the book doesn't cover his accomplishments as President, from meetings with the Soviets, to fighting inflation, and more, but... the book is about 1/3 Watergate and the effects of that, 1/3 reelection campaign, and 1/3 everything else from his childhood to his Presidency.

The author served in Ford's administration, and he is very up front about it and his biases are clear. I appreciate that he makes it clear, but at the same time I do feel it detracts a bit from the biography. It's as fair as a biography as one who clearly admires the man can make I think. Certainly more balanced than Ford's Museum (which is actually more balanced than one might expect). But to be fair, Ford is not a President many people admire or research these days, so only one who admires him could write a long bio. It certainly is worth the read.… (lisätietoja)

James Cannon offers up a biography of Gerald Ford - or at least purports to do so. The reality? Well, the word "hagiography" comes to mind. In Cannon's eyes, it seems Ford could do no wrong and was perfect, if misunderstood, for the job of US President. He was humble, a straight shooter, not political, honest...I could go on and on. And Cannon does. Treat this one as an authorized biography and you've probably got a good sense of where it stands.

In fairness, Cannon does excel at talking about the Nixon/Ford transition after the Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign. And also in fairness, I think he got that right - Ford was an independent man, didn't make any hidden deals with Nixon for a pardon, and honestly tried to do what was best for the country. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to get past my concerns about Cannon's overall presentation of Ford.… (lisätietoja)