Description
Book SynopsisWho is Chuck Hagel, what is his story, and is he a genuine player on the national US political stage? Charlyne Berens sets out to answer these questions in her close and careful look at one of the most interesting and independent figures on the current American political scene.
Trade Review"In writing the first full-dress biography of Senator Chuck Hagel, Charlyne Berens has illuminated the experiences of a major contemporary public figure. Her honest and readable account of Hagel's personal life and career in politics is certain to be the definitive work on the subject."—Ross K. Baker, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University
"After reading Charlyne Berens's very thorough study of Chuck Hagel, I am more than ever proud to call this fearless, outspoken, passionate, and principled man 'friend.' Choosing conscience over conformity, he represents the best of bipartisanship and patriotism."—Bob Kerrey, President of The New School and former U.S. Senator
"Charlyne Berens's terrific biography brings Chuck Hagel's straight-shooting, courageous character to life. The Senator is one of a kind on Capitol Hill, and Berens's book leaves the reader waiting to witness the next chapter in Hagel's remarkable political career."—John D. Podesta, President of the Center for American Progress and Chief of Staff to former President Bill Clinton
“A sympathetic portrait of a public figure who is immensely appealing and astute.”—
Washington Post"Readers keeping an eye on the next presidential election will appreciate this profile of a possible contender."—
Booklist“There is little doubt that Chuck Hagel will be remembered as one of the leading statesmen in the domestic and global political scene. Indeed, Senator Hagel should be of keen interest to students, scholars, lawmakers, and citizens in general. Charlyne Berens’s
Chuck Hagel: Moving Forward is therefore a timely read for concerned onlookers. Yet, as Berens illustrates, the Chuck Hagel story is more than an account of a beltway career. . . . Berens captures joyful, painful, and poignant moments. Her account of the death of Hagel’s younger brother is only one telling example of the hardships that imprinted themselves on the characters of his highly capable man from the Great Plains. And, of course, his story is still moving forward.”—Peter J. Longo,
Great Plains Quarterly Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
vi
Acknowledgments
vii
1. Who Is This Guy?
1
2. The Early Years
11
3. Vietnam
27
4. Looking to Washington
45
5. Embracing a Political Future
71
6. Moving Forward in the Senate
95
7. Risking the Administration’s Wrath
145
8. Going for the Big One?
185
Notes
219
