Character America’s search for leadership

The author of the best-selling Passages has turned her attention again to what makes high achievers tick. In this study, she undertakes extensive interviews with the principals, and those close to them, who began the marathon of American politics in hopes that the road would end in the White House. The book assumes that an informed electorate should know more about those who would be president than is conveyed by a slick PR image. Sheehy concentrates on Hart, Gore, Dukakis, Jackson, Dole, Bush, and President Reagan as case studies. Hart is documented as his own worst enemy; Jackson has his enemies chronicled; Dole is dogged and insensitive; Bush is a plodder who tries to please too many. The crafty Gore is contrasted with the other wunderkind, Dukakis, who became flexible in defeat but retained his principles. Artistic and compelling. Highly recommended. Frank Kessler, Missouri Western State Coll., St. Joseph Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.