Where They Stand: The American Presidents in the Eyes of Voters and Historians
“There is no better guide for evaluating our current presidential candidates than this remarkable book. Reporters, commentators and citizens alike should read Robert Merry’s illuminating journey into the past to discover what made our previous presidents succeed or fail. The history is lively; the writing is graceful; the analysis is brilliant.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin, author ofTeam of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln“Merry’s intelligent and informed book casts welcome light on this always fascinating debate.”—The Washington Times“Buy [this] book, take it to the beach, and bring the subject up with the after-dinner drinks. A long and loud discussion should ensue.”—The American Conservative“It is rare that such a breezy book exhibits both serious intent and skillful analysis…Such grounded reflections make this an unusually authoritative book. While likely to be catnip for aficionados of presidential studies, this will also quickly rank high among serious works on the presidency.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review“Entertaining and likely to teach most readers something new—an especially good read in an election year.”—Kirkus Reviews"Madison or Reagan? Ulysses Grant or Jimmy Carter? Readers who accept Robert Merry's challenge to rank the forty-four U.S. presidents will learn a great deal painlessly about America's history but may also confront a few uncomfortable biases and blinders of their own.Where They Standis the most enjoyable of election-year party games."—A.J. Langguth, author ofDriven West: Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears to the Civil War“Nobody is a shrewder judge of American politics—now or then—than Bob Merry. He takes us down a new path to rate the presidents--and has some fun along the way.”—Evan Thomas, author ofIke's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Struggle to Save the World