Author Review: Ronald Kessler

I enjoyed reading the "Emerald" books that my granddaughter gave me. My wife gave me another book to read as well. It's called "A Matter of Character" by Ronald Kessler. He's a best selling author who also wrote "Inside the White House." I don't usually read political books, but this one seemed interesting... and my wife insisted.

I'm really glad she gave it to me and even happier that I decided to give it a read. It tells about what it's like to look "Inside the White House of George W, Bush." The author speaks as one who has access to all the people the rest of us only hear about. He has spent time with Dick Cheney, George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Condoleezza Rice, and Don Rumsfeld. He quotes conversations with them and makes them seem like the real people they are. Ronald Kessler has a winning style and sharp wit, telling the stories that need to be told.

He has interviewed White House staffers and other people who deal with our version of American royalty on a frequent basis. His quotes from everyone from cooks to secret service to housekeepers tell a tale of the character of the White House occupants from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush. Kessler tells of how cold Nixon was to those who served him. He discusses the testimony of those who know about the behavior of Bill and Hillary Clinton. They never had a word to say to the many "underlings" who served them. At a snap of their imperial fingers, their every wish was granted and it never occurred to the Clintons to say "Thank you" to anyone. George and Laura Bush are very different people. They speak to those that work in the White House and treat everyone with courtesy and civility.

Mr. Kessler discusses the education of George W. Bush. Not the highest grades, but a steady scholar who made many long-term friends during the process of getting both his degrees. He still keeps in touch with his school friends and invites them to the White House and Camp David. Contrasted with Bill Clinton who rented out the Lincoln bedroom to big contributors from Hollywood and used every opportunity for publicizing himself, Bush's guest list is very small and mundane.

Ronald Kessler points out that while the Clinton administration was set on profit making and fame, Bush is interested in doing his job to the best of his ability and then going back to Texas to enjoy his ranch and his family.

President Bush considers it his sacred obligation to protect and defend both the constitution and the American people. He frequently calls and visits the troops (like the surprise visit he made on Thanksgiving to serve the troops in the dining hall in Iraq.) He gives more of himself than most other presidents have done.

Laura Bush has devoted her First Lady position to supporting her husband and furthering the cause of literacy among our children. She is a powerful spokeswoman for the youth of America (and everywhere else, by the way) rather than trying to forge a political future for herself as Hillary did.

I'm really glad I got this book and was able to read it (compliments of the Colorado storms that left me stranded). If anyone wonders what the Bush's are really like or what those who know them best think, this is a great book for you to read. My respect level for George and Laura Bush rose a good ten points during the time I spent reading "A Matter of Character" by Ronald Kessler.