White House: Confidential: The Little Book of Weird Presidential History

White House Confidential: Revised and Expanded Edition An interesting, informative, and humerous book about the goings-on in and around the White House.

So you really think that our early Presidents were moral, upright, hardworking individuals compared to what we have these days? Think again... White House Confidential: Revised and Expanded Edition by Gregg Stebben and Austin Hill is a great look at the less-than-savory side of all our Presidents, from George W(ashington) to George W (Bush). It's definitely one of the more entertaining reads I've had of late. Contents: A Couple of Small Disclaimers; Weird Family Values!; Sex!; Scandal!; Impeachment!; Fights!; Money!; Prophecy!; Death!; Goofballs!; Veeps!; Executive Privilege(s)!; Take This Job and Shove It!; Conclusion; Appendix A - What's In A Name?; Appendix B - Presidential Firsts; Appendix C - The George Washington Conspiracy; Acknowledgements Stebben and Hill have collected and compiled a large number of interesting (and sometimes disturbing) factoids about the men who have held the highest office in our land. Categorized in the broad areas outlined in the table of contents, you learn that just about every President from the first to the last has had to deal with corruption, quirky behavior, and sexual scandal. We definitely don't hold a patent on that behavior in the last couple of terms of office. For instance, Alexander Hamilton was blackmailed by a mistress and her husband to keep quiet about an on-going affair. He often had to borrow the money to keep it all hush-hush. Aaron Burr, Jefferson's vice president, was allowed to get away with murder when he killed Hamilton in a duel. Warren Harding had two mistresses and an illegitimate daughter by one of them. And one of the mistresses was the wife of one of his good friends. Makes Clinton look tame... And Kennedy? He apparently had hundreds of extra-marital trysts throughout his short presidency. Given today's media glare, I doubt he would be electable with that baggage were he trying for the office of President now. Why would someone want to be President? You'll find out that quite a few of the "lucky" Presidents were more than happy to give up the job at the end. And if you *really* want to challenge history, find out if George Washington was actually our first President... I started reading this book last night and had a hard time putting it down. I was able to finish it today with some commute reading, lunchtime reading, and a bit to finish it up in the evening. If you're at all interested in history or politics, this fun read will have you reexamining your view of the office of President and the people who held it. Everyone is human, and some are much more human than others...

Do you think the political scene is bad today? Or do you think it's just fine and people are making something out of nothing. Get a little perspective here. I received this book as a gift from a family member whose views are often at the opposite end of the political spectrum from mine. I opened it with equal curiosity and reservation. Within two minutes my reservations were gone. The authors quickly reveal with glee facts, possible fictions (so noted), and rumors we have forgotten, overlooked or never heard of. They go on to uncover more lies, secrets and hedges than all the country's special commissions combined - and in far fewer pages. Although they don't start at the beginning, they do cover the beginning, the very beginning, such as who the several President's prior to George Washington were and they goon to tales about the current inhabitant of the White House, in their uniquely round-about direct way. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Does it make the current political climate any more acceptable? Well, not really, but it will take your mind off it for a while, give you a different perspective, undoubtedly teach you a number of things you never imagined and it'll be fun. Well written, never boring. No dust on this one.