Listen Up, Mr. President; Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do

Thomas, Helen, and Crawford, Craig

ISBN 10: 1439148155 / ISBN 13: 9781439148150

Published by Scribner, New York, 2009

About this Item

xii, [2], 208, [2] pages. Index. Inscribed by Thomas on title page. Helen Amelia Thomas (August 4, 1920 - July 20, 2013) was an American reporter and author best known for her longtime membership in the White House press corps. She covered the White House during the administrations of ten U.S. presidents-from the start of the Kennedy administration to the second year of the Obama administration. Thomas worked for the United Press and its successor United Press International for 57 years, first as a correspondent, and later as White House bureau manager. She then was a columnist for Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, writing on national affairs and the White House. Thomas was the first female officer of the National Press Club, female member and president of the White House Correspondents' Association and female member of the Gridiron Club. She wrote six books; her last, with co-author Craig Crawford, was Listen Up, Mr. President. Thomas retired from Hearst Newspapers on June 7, 2010. Helen Thomas has covered the administrations of ten presidents. Thomas and Crawford hold nothing back as they use former occupants of the White House to provide a witty, history-rich lesson of what it takes to be a good president. Combining sharp observation and dozens of examples, the authors outline the qualities, attitudes, and choices that make for successful leaders. Calvin Coolidge, who hired the first professional speechwriter in the White House, illuminates the importance of choosing words wisely. John F. Kennedy, who could handle the press corps and their questions with aplomb, shows how to establish a rapport with the press. Ronald Reagan demonstrates how telling hard truths can earn forgiveness and even public trust. Thomas and Crawford not only highlight those lessons that future presidents should follow but also pinpoint what Americans should look for and expect in their president. Part history lesson, part presidential primer this book is smart, entertaining, and exceedingly edifying. First Scribner Hardcover edition stated. Fourth printing [stated].

Seller Inventory # 76050

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Listen Up, Mr. President; Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do
• Publisher: Scribner, New York
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1439148155
• ISBN 13: 9781439148150
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

Helen Thomas has covered the administrations of ten presidents in a career spanning nearly sixty years. She is known for her famous press conference closing line, "Thank you, Mr. President," but here she trades deference for directness. Thomas and veteran journalist Craig Crawford hold nothing back as they use former occupants of the White House to provide a witty, history-rich lesson plan of what it takes to be a good president.

Combining sharp observation and dozens of examples from the fi rst presidency through the forty-fourth, the authors outline the qualities, attitudes, and political and personal choices that make for the most successful leaders, and the least. Calvin Coolidge, who hired the fi rst professional speechwriter in the White House, illuminates the importance of choosing words wisely. William Howard Taft, notorious for being so fat he broke his White House bathtub, shows how not to cultivate a strong public image. John F. Kennedy, who could handle the press corps and their questions with aplomb, shows how to establish a rapport with the press and open oneself up to the public. Ronald Reagan, who acknowledged the Iran-Contra affair in a television address, demonstrates how telling hard truths can earn forgiveness and even public trust.

By gleaning lessons from past leaders, Thomas and Crawford not only highlight those that future presidents should follow but also pinpoint what Americans should look for and expect in their president. Part history lesson, part presidential primer, Listen Up, Mr. President is smart, entertaining, and exceedingly edifying.

About the Authors

Helen Thomas is the dean of the White House press corps. The recipient of more than forty honorary degrees, she was honored in 1998 with the inaugural Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, established by the White House Correspondents' Association. The author of Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President; Front Row at the White House; and Dateline: White House, she lives in Washington, D.C., where she writes a syndicated column for Hearst.

Craig Crawford is a columnist for Congressional Quarterly’s CQ Politics and his writing appears regularly in newspapers throughout the country. He is the former editor-in-chief of The Hotline and was previously a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.  He is the author of Attack the Messenger and The Politics of Life.  He lives in Washington, D.C., and blogs daily at craigcrawford.com.