Synopses & Reviews
This book contains a collection of Stephen Hess's best essays on the presidency. Written over a fifteen year period, the essays selected are just as relevant today as when they were first published. Each essay says something useful about the office of the presidency or a specific president. The book includes: "Presidential Qualities, " originally published when Richard Nixon was president, addresses the characteristics we should want in a chief executive regardless of whether or not we agree with him. "Why Great Men Are Not Chosen Presidents: Lord Bryce Revisited" asks whether changes in the process by which we select presidential candidates would result in different kinds of people seeking office. "Toward a More Functional Presidency, " written after Watergate, rethinks the appropriate role of the president and offers a job description.
Table of Contents
My Presidency : an introduction -- Presidential qualities -- Ike after 25 years -- Composite Presidency -- Why great men are not chosen Presidents : Lord Bryce revisited -- Don't just stand there! -- Nixon in exile -- The process President -- Proposing new presidential selection timetable -- How long is too long? -- Foreign policy and presidential campaigns -- Throw the rascals out -- Making it happen -- The President and the press -- Toward a more functional Presidency -- The once and future Presidency.