Eleanor vs. Ike

An unpopular war leaves a country divided, a protracted primary further divides the Democratic party and an ex-military officer runs against a former first lady. Was Robin Gerber writing a fictional what-if Eleanor Roosevelt ran against General Eisenhower? Or was she predicting the future with this uncanny parallel to the 2008 elections? An educational and thoroughly entertaining read.

If you ever wondered what might have gone on in the minds of Eleanor Roosevelt and and the popular World War II general and war hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, this is the book for you. In this novel - a what-if - Adlai Stevenson suffers a fatal heart attack moments before he is to accept the Democratic nomination against Eisenhower for the 1952 presidential election. In his place? Eleanor Roosevelt, of course, who had been popular since her days as First Lady under FDR. So here we have the premise: the popular and talented widow, Eleanor, runs against Ike in the presidential race to beat all presidential races. The big question? Can a woman succeed in the presidential race and become the first woman president? Eleanor has women, African-americans and unions vote all rooting for her. But she upsets many, in this troubled time. In the novel, Eleanor even meets a precocious five year old girl by the name of - can you guess? Hillary Rodham. Imagine back to what life was actually like in the 1950s: It was the time of the Red Scare and Senator Joseph McCarthy, who rooted out suspected Communists, under the HUAC, (House Un-American Activities Committee);racial tension and racial discrimination was high; women were at home, cooking, cleaning, taking care of children, with little money of their own and few opportunities in the work world - (women worked during World War II - and this was a boon to many women, but many were told the men who returned from the war needed the jobs). Can you imagine what life might have been like for a woman - even a woman such as Eleanor - running for president in 1952? In the novel, the KKK marked Eleanor for death and Eleanor had to move quickly in top political circles in order to save her campaign and her life. Robin has a great gift for dialogue, in this quick page turning account of what might have happened. Her knowledge of Eleanor, politics and law make the details come alive. A few gems from the book: *** BEGIN EXCERPT: "Stevenson started to take another step. He held his speech in front of his body with his left hand, and he seemed to try to raise his right, perhaps to wave. But instead, his arm flopped to his side, his mouth opened, perhaps in a gasp, though it was too noisy to hear, his knees buckled, and he crashed forward to the carpeted floor, his head making a dull thud that sent a small vibration through the planking. He lay absolutely still, the handwritten papers of his acceptance speech still clutched in his fist." END EXCERPT *** And this excerpt: BEGIN EXCERPT "Mrs. Roosevelt, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I wanted my daughter to meet you." Eleanor smiled at the woman. "I'm pleased you came over, Mrs..." Eleanor held out her hand. "Dorothy Rodham. And this is my daughter, Hillary. Say hello to Mrs. Roosevelt, Hillary. She was First lady of the United States. She was married to the president of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt." Eleanor held out her hand, and the littl

Go out immediately and purchase Robin Gerber's enthralling political novel. Not only will you be rewarded with an entertaining and suspenseful tale positing Eleanor Roosevelt as the Democratic nominee in the 1952 presidential election,you will also appreciate Gerber's vast knowledge of our election process. Gerber is an expert on Eleanor Roosevelt and the subject of leadership. That fact, along with her meticulous attention to detail, made the story come alive for me and provided me with unique insights into the former first lady's character. What a fun read in this election year - or any other time for that matter.

This book is a great blend of fact and fiction and I love Eleanor Roosevelt. The timing is so good. What if she had run? All the great characters are here: General Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Adlai Stevenson, Sam Rayburn and a fictional couple that are obviously modeled on James Carville and Mary Matalin. I really couldn't figure out if Eleanor would win. Had to stay up late to find out, but I won't spoil the ending. Just get this book. In this election year, it's a fascinating and fast read.

Just read and LOVED this book. Gerber's insight into Eleanor's character coupled with fascinating historical details creates a spellbinding novel that really makes you ask - could this have happened?