Description
Book SynopsisThis biography tells the life story of Nebraska native Clayton Yeutter (19302017), whose accomplishments in international trade, agriculture, and economics are still very prominent in today's world.
Trade Review“Clayton Yeutter used to tell reporters his name rhymed with ‘fighter.’ Joseph Weber captures the negotiating chops and Nebraska-sized personality of the poor farm boy who became President Reagan’s trade-warrior-in-chief and President George H. W. Bush’s secretary of agriculture.”—Peter Coy, economics editor,
Bloomberg Businessweek“Clayton Yeutter was a pragmatic political entrepreneur who, as Republican National Committee chairman, managed the delicate balance between the growing factions within a party in desperate need of leadership and rebuilding.”—Michael S. Steele, former Republican National Committee chairman and former lieutenant governor of Maryland
“Clayton Yeutter played an indispensable role in American history when he helped negotiate the 1988 Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement. What followed was the more expansive 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement and a toppling of dominoes around the world as nation after nation reduced trade barriers. Joseph Weber’s biography of Yeutter is a thoughtful examination of a statesman at the forefront of this and other debates critical to U.S. politics and policy.”—James A. Baker III, former U.S. secretary of the treasury
“Joseph Weber has captured the essence of an endangered species—the principled Republican moderate. Clayton Yeutter believed that progress requires engagement and compromise, and he used his keen intellect and Nebraska know-how to bring our world closer together. This perceptive biography reminds us of the days when ‘globalization’ wasn’t a dirty word and when ‘international trade’ was considered an economic building block.”—Richard S. Dunham, co-director of the Global Business Journalism program at Tsinghua University, Beijing, and former president of the National Press Club
“Joseph Weber’s detailed biography of Clayton Yeutter brilliantly captures the outstanding character, warm personality, and enormous talent of a man who has so richly contributed to our nation and its values. It is particularly timely in today’s contentious political climate and is a must-read for aspiring future leaders.”—Carla A. Hills, former U.S. secretary of housing and urban development and U.S. trade representative
“Clayton Yeutter was a man of remarkable talent. Clayton’s biography by Joseph Weber tells the story of a young man who grew up on a farm in Nebraska and never forgot his roots. It was Clayton who leveled the playing field for American farmers and ranchers so they could sell their products worldwide. As the book so convincingly shows, Clayton was always willing to take risks and break some china to make the world a better place. Thanks to Joseph Weber for telling the story of an honorable man who used his life to accomplish great things.”—Michael O. Johanns, former U.S. secretary of agriculture, Nebraska governor, and U.S. senator
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface
List of abbreviations
1. Rugged Times
2. The Clayton Grin
3. More Self-Help
4. Character Flaws
5. Free Farmers
6. Juicy Corn-Fed Nebraska Sirloin
7. Our Fellow Man
8. Macho Man of Trade
9. Saving a Major Industry
10. We Barely Survived
11. No Professional Machiavellian
12. A Second Chance
13. The World Will Thank You
Acknowledgments
Appendix A: Clayton Yeutter’s Final Résumé
Appendix B: Yeutter’s Major Accomplishments, as He Saw Them
A Note about the Yeutter Institute
People Interviewed
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
