Confessions of a White House Ghostwriter: Five Presidents and Other Political Adventures - Hardcover

White House speechwriter James C. Humes put words into the mouths of five presidents - Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush. In the process, he got to know these prominent leaders as few ordinary staffers could, while observing the inner workings of the White House. Now, in this frank and witty memoir, Humes reveals how vital political decisions and great political speeches were made. And he underlines the importance of character in a politician - something no speechwriter can hide. Humes shares what he learned in his 25-year career as a presidential speechwriter. Page after page crackles with such fascinating disclosures as Nixon's suspicions about the identity of "Deep Throat", the real reason behind Ford's pardon of Nixon, why Reagan was his own best speechwriter, and why Bush lost. Humes reveals the secrets of the speechwriting trade, and spins marvelous anecdotes including sending Eisenhower to the Ladies' Room, writing the plaque that was planted on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, dancing with the Queen of England, and discussing nuclear disarmament over dinner with Churchill and Eisenhower.

Humes has enjoyed a diverse career as a legislator, lawyer, and author of 21 books, including three about his idol, Winston Churchill. He also served as a speechwriter for Republican Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush, enjoying a close relationship with Nixon. The most revealing chapters of this book show the unraveling of the Nixon White House during Watergate. Humes identifies David Gergen, then an assistant to chief presidential speechwriter Raymond Price, as Deep Throat, the snitch who helped reporters Woodward and Bernstein. Like all good ghostwriters, Humes never takes center stage in this engaging memoir, which is laced with wickedly funny anecdotes; the politicos, presidents, and British royalty whom Humes fondly remembers receive star billing. Even Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton, whom he does not admire, are not treated with the rancor that often passes for political humor. This winning combination of charm and humor is cheerfully recommended for public libraries.?Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.
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