Presidential Ambition: Gaining Power at Any Cost

I only wish Mr. Shenkman had more books out there. I read his "Revere" and "One Night Stands" book when I was in high school, but "Presidential Ambition" is where the author arrived at a new level. I could not put it down and have read it twice. I wish he'd re-issue it with GW Bush added in. This puts most of the Presidents on trial and turns the light on all the dirt associated with everyone from Polk to Pierce to Cleveland... Read Full Review

This book offers a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the men who have held the office of President. The author maintains that as times have gotten more complex, presidents are pressured to break the rules, lie and lend themselves to scandal to maintain political power. Shenkman poses and interesting question when he asks if the system is flawed or the individuals. He fairly concludes that both are flawed... Read Full Review

As we get closer to the next Presidential election, Shenkman's book offered me a different way to look at history and think about office of the President. The book gives brief and easy to follow history and enabled me to put past presidents in the context of the events that surrouned their term and really created their drive to the White House. I definitely recommend it.

Shenkmans work is a must read for those who want to know the truth about our presidents. Shown warts and all, Shenkman seems to revel in pulling the cloak of greatness from these men. It's still heartening, none the less. He shows that crooked politicians are not a new phenomenon and that private moral behavior doesn't have to affect public behavior

This book belongs on the shelf of anyone who wishes to truly understand the Presidency and all its implications. Rick Shenkman is a genius!