Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W.Bush Presidential Book

Political consultants are nothing new in American politics; they are the big guns called in to work on a campaign or deal with the occasional crisis, then dismissed for another day. Not so with White House Senior Advisor Karl Rove. Due to his close personal relationship and unlimited access to George W Bush, as well as his control of the information that reaches the president, this "permanent consultant" occupies a unique spot in Bush's inner circle and in history: "His influence marks a transcendent moment in American politics: the rise of an unelected consultant to a position of unprecedented power", write the authors. Since he is ultimately responsible to Bush only, not to American citizens, he is not required to work openly. As a result, Rove is hardly a household name, despite his considerable clout. This intriguing and important book seeks to remedy this by offering a comprehensive look at this behind-the-scenes political guru. "Karl Rove matters to all Americans, many who have never even heard his name. While the president chafes at the description of Rove as, 'Bush's Brain,' he can hardly deny that every policy and political decision either goes through, or comes from, the consultant", write Moore and Slater, leading them to pose the question: "Who really runs this country?" Rove has been involved with the Bush family for nearly 30 years and has worked on every one of George W's campaigns. In great detail, the book shows how he led Bush, a "reluctant political warrior", all the way to the White House. The portrait of their relationship is fascinating. Though opposites in many respects, they are an unusually effective political team. But where Bush seemed to fall into politics, Rove has been preparing for his current job all his life, and Bush has served as a vehicle for Rove's considerable ambitions: "without Karl Rove, there would be no President George W Bush". Moore and Slater look deeply into Rove's past to offer copious evidence of his political genius, his tenacity and his remarkable success rate in getting his clients elected. The facts also portray Rove as unethical, vindictive and a chronic abuser of power. Loaded with revealing anecdotes and inside information, this is essential reading for anyone looking to understand not only the Bush administration but also how politics really works. --Shawn CarkonenRead More