"The Right Man" (a book review)

Oregon Magazine ^ | March 1, 2003 | Peggy Whitcomb

[WaterDragon]

There used to be a clear-cut distinction between writing books on history and writing historical novels. More and more that distinction is blurred. The vogue among historians today is to write histories in terms of psychological assessments of historical figures, analysing their character and ascribing motivations, often with little basis in factual documentation. The analogy may not be exact, but David Frum follows this process in "The Right Man," except that he carries it a step further.....(snip)

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[Cicero]

Nice review.

I like that little tidbit at the end:

OMED: 911 transformed Bush? We are going to forgive this flawed analysis from a former Wall Street Journal editor and current columnist for National Review Online. (Graphic above links to that column.) All 911 did was divert the cougar from hunting rabbits to stalking camels.

[Elkiejg]

I'm reading this book now. Hubby gave it to me - I wasn't going to bother since I didn't like Frum from his TV appearances and that he was a "kiss & tell" former WH staff. The most telling tidbit about his loyalty and mindset was the story that revealed his wife was calling all their friends after the Presidents speech giving credit for one of the phrases to her husband -- never mind that the President rallied the national after being attacked. That said, I am enjoying his book. I put aside his at times superior attitude towards administration members and the President. His insight into some situations and people has been revealing - in a positive way. I particularly liked it when he dismisses those who claim the President is not smart!!