Synopses & Reviews
The first and only biography of the most controversial u.s. Attorney general in recent memory.
In defiance of expectations, statistics, and stereotypes, Alberto Gonzales has risen to become one of the most powerful men in America. Gonzales has been the nexus for key policy points for the Bush administration, and holds inflammatory and very influential positions on issues that seize and polarize the nation privacy, capital punishment, and torture.
Gonzales's unyielding loyalty to George W. Bush during a time when to call his presidency controversial would be an understatement of massive proportions is a fascinating study in the politics of ambition.
From his modest beginnings in Humble, Texas, to his stone-faced refusal to buckle under the pressure of dissenters, The President's Counselor provides never-seen insight into the man whose influence over a very powerful president in very pressing times will undoubtedly impact people here and abroad for years to come.
Review
"At times, Mr. Minutaglio goes beyond what he knows to put himself inside his subject's head in trying to explain what makes him tick. On the whole, though, it's as complete and as probing an account of Mr. Gonzales' career as is possible in light of his lack of cooperation with the author." Dallas Morning News
Review
"Although Minutaglio's biography is adequately written, readers will get only an inkling of Gonzales' personality....This is the most disturbing element in Minutaglio's portrait. Gonzales comes across as a very ordinary man...despite his stand on torture." San Francisco Chronicle
Review
"The chief usefulness of this book is in reminding the reader just how dependent Mr. Gonzales was on the patronage of Mr. Bush....And secondly, in showing in a very straightforward manner just how many secretive initiatives were taken in the weeks and months after 9/11 by a small group of administration lawyers." New York Times
Review
"Bush apparently adores him, and indeed he may still be in the running for a Supreme Court seat. An eye-opening look at the personal politics behind the present administration." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Minutaglio graduated from Columbia University in 1978, with a B.A. in history and an M.S. in Journalism. He has worked as a special writer for The Dallas Morning News since 1983.