Description
Book SynopsisA Call to Greatness examines how our next President can learn from the successes and failures of past Presidents to be an effective leader during a time of tremendous challenges at home and abroad.
Trade ReviewWriting in the tradition of Richard Neustadt, whose memos were so helpful to an incoming John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, Abshire brings history alive, drawing from it wise lessons for the president immediately upon taking office. Mark this down for required reading in the next White House. -- David Gergen, White House advisor to four United States Presidents
David Abshire has distilled a lifetime of service and study into a single bracing volume. It is a must-read for the Presidential candidates, those who serve them, and every citizen who cares about the challenges we face. -- George Stephanopoulos,
ABC News' Chief Washington Correspondent
Every presidential candidate—and every president—should read A Call to Greatness. David Abshire has long been one of Washington's true Wise Men, and he teaches many important lessons from the past. At a dangerous time when leaders seem stuck in partisan bickering, Abshire shows what the people want and the nation needs. -- Evan Thomas, Assistant Managing Editor, Newsweek
In A Call to Greatness, David Abshire has provided an invaluable guide, which includes the lessons learned from the experiences of past administrations as well as time-honored principles of superior leadership. -- The Honorable Edwin Meese III, Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
A Call to Greatness is a challenge not just to the presidential candidates but to the nation itself. David Abshire draws from the lessons of history the fundamental values that must guide the next president - vision, integrity and statesmanship. We govern by leadership or crisis. David Abshire makes clear that it is time for leadership. -- The Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton
This publication will help the next President and other senior government leaders learn from the past and better prepare for the future. -- The Honorable David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States
Almost every era in our nation's history seems to have confronted serious challenges. I hope the Presidential candidates will learn as much from this book as I did. Its historical examples make for very compelling reading - much more so than simply citing a set of 'rules.' -- Norman Augustine, creator and CEO of Lockheed Martin, leader of national studies for the President and Secretary of Defense
In his four decades in Washington, David Abshire has seen a lot of history made from the White House. Here he deftly plucks pertinent lessons from history for whomever the voters send to the White House to make more history. -- George F. Will, syndicated columnist for The Washington Post
This book will find an audience among political pundits and members of the general public who are keen observers of the 2008 presidential election season. * CHOICE *
The presentation is balanced and fair, and it serves as a good introduction for a more general audience. * Public Administration Review, September/ October 2009 *
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction Part 4 Part I Chapter 5 Chapter 1. The Gathering Storm Chapter 6 Chapter 2. Sustaining Success Chapter 7 Chapter 3. The Lessons of History Chapter 8 Chapter 4. A House Without Mercy Chapter 9 Chapter 5. Elements of Presidential Leadership Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Presidential Portraits Chapter 11 Chapter 7. Lessons for the Next President Part 12 Part II Chapter 13 Chapter 8. Six Elements of a National Strategy Chapter 14 Chapter 9. Responding Decisively to Crisis Chapter 15 Chapter 10. Setting Priorities Chapter 16 Chapter 11. Mobilizing Resources Chapter 17 Chapter 12. Maintaining Political Unity and Good Timing Chapter 18 Chapter 13. Communicating an Understandable Public Strategy Chapter 19 Chapter 14. Offering a Vision for the Future Chapter 20 Conclusion: From Peril to Promise
