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Title: The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower As Leader by Fred I. Greenstein ISBN: 0-8018-4901-2 Publisher: Johns Hopkins Univ Pr Pub. Date: May, 1994 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.75 (4 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Stevenson Supporter Learns Truth!
Comment: In the preface to this landmark book on the Eisenhower presidency, Greenstein talks about how he had begun a project on presidential leadership, with a quick stop at the Eisenhower Library to get confirmation that Eisenhower was as hands-off as possible, a doddering old fool who let his underlings run the country whilst Ike played golf. But as Greenstein looked at the research in front of him, he discovered Eisenhower was much more of a hands-on president than most accepted. He worked behind the scenes, however, hence this "hidden-hand" description.
Greenstein's book on Eisenhower is significant for all students of Eisenhower. Most revisionist scholars of Eisenhower were also Stevenson supporters in the '50s, and have come away with a better understanding of how Ike worked, and his handling of major crises. (Anyone who thinks the 1950s was "Leave it to Beaver" or "Happy Days" is poorly mis-informed and needs to take himself to the public library to look at all the brinksmanship reported in the newspapers and newsmagazines of the time.)
In this book, Greenstein offers his argument, and then goes through a series of case-studies to look at how Eisenhower worked actively behind the scenes to accomplish his goals.
This is indeed a landmark book for scholars. The general reader, however, may be overwhelmed by the academic use of language. For them, the two-volume book on Eisenhower by Ambrose may be a better book to read.
Rating: 4
Summary: Reassessment of the Eisenhower Presidency
Comment: Greenstein was not the first but has certainly assembled the most coherent argument for a fundamental reassessment of Ike's presidency.
Common wisdom held Ike to be a somewhat dodering, benevolent and detached president who routinely mangled english syntax in his press conferences. He is seen as surrounded by powerful men who ran government as THEY saw fit.
Greenstein shows repeatedly that Ike was a deft behind-the-scenes mover and shaker who held all the reins of power in HIS hands. He consistently refused to engage in "personalities" and would deal with political challenges with tact and persuasion, often hidden from public light. His handling of McCarthy, often seen as a do-nothing approach, is re-examined in a new light. Eisenhower is seen pre-empting McCarthy consistently while also refusing to publicly engage him, which in Ike's mind, would have served to legitimize him (McCarthy) in many eyes.
Finaly, Ike has been critized for relying too much on a rigid and formal system of staff and infomation processing. His background in the Army, many critics contend, made him a stickler for procedure. This much is true. However, he used his considerable charm and intellect to draw on a wide group of people (all white and male) to augment his formal structures. Many blame the dismantling of the fromal advising structure by Kennedy to his lack of information during the Bay of Pigs.
A good book for Eisenhower specialists, policital scientists studying the organizational presidency, and presidential students of all stripes.
Rating: 2
Summary: Fred Greenstein famous title--well, famous for academics
Comment: Well, if you want to read the experience from academia, go right ahead. For a better insight, see Michael Beschloss or Ike's own biographer, Stephen Ambrose. This book was a hit in the scholastic arena but never caught on in mainstream
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Title: EISENHOWER by Stephen E. Ambrose ISBN: 0671747584 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pub. Date: 15 October, 1991 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
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Title: Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower (American Presidency Series) by Chester J. Pach, Elmo Richardson ISBN: 0700604375 Publisher: Univ Pr of Kansas Pub. Date: April, 1991 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: The Presidential Difference: Leadership Style from FDR to Clinton. by Fred I. Greenstein ISBN: 0691090831 Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr Pub. Date: 01 October, 2001 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Conflict And Compromise : How Congress Makes The Law by Ronald D. Elving ISBN: 0684824167 Publisher: Touchstone Books Pub. Date: 18 June, 1996 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Presidential Character: Predicting Performance In The White House (4th Edition) by James David Barber ISBN: 013718123X Publisher: Prentice Hall Pub. Date: 14 January, 1992 List Price(USD): $48.00 |
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