What It Takes: The Way to the White House by Richard Ben Cramer

What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist's account of the 1988 US presidential campaign, offering an intimate and detailed look at six candidates—George H. W. Bush, Bob Dole, Joe Biden, Michael Dukakis, Richard Gephardt, and Gary Hart. This book is praised for its powerful portraits of the contenders and the people surrounding them, providing a unique perspective on the emotions, intensity, and complexities of a presidential race. /n/n Cramer's exhaustive research and vivid storytelling create a timeless exploration of what drives these individuals to seek leadership, offering insights into the current state of the nation and the human beings who shape it. The book is noted for its blend of political analysis and compelling narrative, making it a classic in the genre of political journalism.

Reviews

Lotz in Translation · 2024-08-08

engaging 3.00

The book focuses on the personal foibles of the candidates rather than the campaign machinery. The writing style is engaging and unique.

This review notes that the book feels lighter compared to other political analyses, as it focuses on the personalities and foibles of the candidates rather than the intricate details of the campaign. The reviewer appreciates the engaging writing style, which brings the candidates and their unique speech patterns to life. The book's focus on the human aspect of the candidates is seen as a strength, providing a more personal and relatable perspective on the political process. However, the reviewer notes that the book's focus on personality over process may not appeal to those seeking a more detailed analysis of the campaign.

Quick quotes

Cramer's book feels light in comparison, focusing as it does on foibles of personality, with the machinery of the campaign in the background.

I loved the writing style - it felt like I could hear Cramer talking to me, not to mention the unique speech patterns of the candidates and the screaming crowds.

The book's focus on the human aspect of the candidates is seen as a strength, providing a more personal and relatable perspective on the political process.

Superception · Ben Smith · 2012-01-15

compelling 4.00

The book's unique value lies in its focus on the human beings trying to become President, rather than the campaign process. It is a compelling and vivid account of the 1988 presidential race.

This review highlights the book's focus on the candidates as individuals, rather than as political figures. The reviewer appreciates the vivid and compelling narrative, which brings the candidates and their personal struggles to life. The book's extensive research and detailed reporting are praised, providing a unique and insightful perspective on the 1988 presidential race. The reviewer notes that the book's focus on the human aspect of the candidates makes it a compelling read, even for those not particularly interested in politics. However, the reviewer acknowledges that the book's length and detail may not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

The specific added value of the book is that it focuses on the human beings who are trying to become President and not on the process of the campaign.

The book is a compelling and vivid account of the 1988 presidential race, filled with vivid detail and without a trace of cynicism.

The material is presented as a story, and one to savor. It is brilliantly told, full of vivid detail, and without a trace either of cynicism, or of the political process.

Entertainment Weekly · 1992-08-07

intriguing 3.50

The book is a sprawling, repetitive, and hyperbolic saga of ambition, yet it is oddly compassionate. It offers a unique perspective on the 1988 presidential candidates.

This review highlights the book's extensive interviews and detailed reporting, which result in a comprehensive but somewhat repetitive narrative. The reviewer notes the book's hyperbolic and semisatirical tone, yet finds it oddly compassionate in its portrayal of the candidates' ambitions. The book's focus on the human aspect of the candidates, rather than the political process, is particularly praised. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the reporting but acknowledges the book's length and occasional repetition.

Quick quotes

A thousand or so interviews later, the result is a sprawling, repetitious, hyperbolic, semisatirical, yet oddly compassionate saga of ambition.

The book is a unique and fascinating look at the 1988 presidential candidates.

The specific added value of the book is that it focuses on the human beings who are trying to become President and not on the process of the campaign.

Appears in Lists

50 Must-Read Books about American Politics