ABSTRACT

This book assesses the impact of presidential character on the popularity, productivity, and ethics of contemporary presidents. Through comparative analyses, author Lara Brown demonstrates that the character of a president’s leadership does not change in office and that the success of future presidents can be evaluated before they step into the White House. She traces the rise of “amateur outsiders,” like Donald Trump, and asserts the need for systemic reform and cultural reassessment of presidential character. Intended for students and scholars of the presidency, this book also holds appeal for general readers who seek understanding of past and future presidential elections.

chapter 1|13 pages

Leadership, Character, and Presidents

chapter 3|29 pages

Two Greats

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

chapter 4|29 pages

The Ousted One-termers

Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush

chapter 5|34 pages

The Popular Two-termers

Ronald Reagan and William J. Clinton

chapter 6|37 pages

The Polarizing Two-termers

George W. Bush and Barack Obama

chapter 7|16 pages

The Problematic Presidency of a National Celebrity

Donald J. Trump

chapter 8|25 pages

Performing the Presidency

Continuity and Change