The president-elect then says a few appropriate words about what a sterling public servant the withdrawn nominee was and how the American people owe him or her a debt of gratitude for not making too much of a fuss. However, most cabinet nominees are confirmed by the Senate, even with the votes of people who loathe the nominee's ideology. Senators want to give the president-elect the benefit of the doubt, and believe that he is entitled to select people who agree with his views, even though they're idiotic. But, as is true in elections, hearts are broken. There is seldom a time in public life where a person is so publicly, thoroughly, humiliated.
Nominees vow to rise and fight again another day.
Sometimes they do. But more often than not, they don't get the chance. Even though the book is now more than 40 years old, it is well worth reading. It was directed by Otto Preminger.