Michael Beschloss, "Presidents of War"

Michael Beschloss discusses his book, "Presidents of War", at Politics and Prose event at George Washington University on 10/11/18.
Looking at eight wartimes in American history from 1812 to Vietnam, Beschloss, the NBC News Presidential Historian, gives an illuminating and even-handed profile of presidents as commanders in chief. Beschloss investigates the controversial aspects of Lincoln’s military leadership, explores the contradictions in Wilson’s approach to World War I, and considers Johnson’s options regarding Vietnam. Writing with his signature narrative flair, Beschloss assesses each chief executive’s preparation, communication, goal-setting, and decision-making and charts his complicated relationships with congress and the public.
www.politics-p...
Michael Beschloss is the author of nine books on presidential history, including, most recently, the New York Times bestsellers Presidential Courage and The Conquerors, as well as two volumes on Lyndon Johnson’s White House tapes. He was also editor of the number-one global bestseller Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy. He is the NBC News Presidential Historian and a PBS NewsHour contributor and has received an Emmy and six honorary degrees. He is on Twitter at @BeschlossDC.
Founded by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade in 1984, Politics and Prose Bookstore is Washington, D.C.'s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub, a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing books. Politics and Prose offers superior service, unusual book choices, and a haven for book lovers in the store and online. Visit them on the web at www.politics-pr...
Produced by Tom Warren

[@LiberaLib]

"Presidents of Peace" would be a much shorter book.

[@garretttedeman]

Wow, this is a barnburner of a talk. Thorough, and well-researched. They were explaining that it was the result of pretty much a decade of work, and that really comes through. Absolutely fantastic. Try to make some time for this, both for the narrative flow, and also to get a bit of a more comprehensive view of the presidents as people.

[@cab5917]

Michael, I would be interested in a book about the Presidents who sent our military into other conflicts, such as Clinton with the UN peacekeeping conflicts like Kosovo. Please educate us, behind the headlines, about Carter's time in the White House; especially the time when the Iranian students captured members of our embassy. Then what happened to our military's attempt to rescue them, resulting in an extended time as prisoners until President Reagan was elected. His election corresponded with their release. Why did that connection happen? There are so many areas to explore. I enjoy your books. Thanks.

[@steverouse1976]

All of these wars were tragic. However, the Vietnam War has the best music.