Rumsfeld: A Personal Portrait

by Midge Decter

Book Overview

When Donald Rumsfeld was appointed secretary of defense, no one foresaw that he would become the most prominent and influential member of President George W. Bush's cabinet. But as the main architect... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060560916
• ISBN13: 9780060560911
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Good book, I learned something about Rumsfeld

I understand this book is not an attempt to have an in-depth accounting and objective historical analysis on Rumsfeld. What it is, and it does a good job, is this book provides a somewhat personal narrative about Rumsfelds life (and brief, it is a quick read). There were many things I did not know about his life or upbringing, and this book fills in many of the blanks. For example, I did not know his father enlisted in the navy at age 38 to go fight WWII, and I did not know he came from modest means. He made lots of money in the pharmaceutical buisness, and he appears to be very loyal to whomever he serves.Having said all that, those who wan some historical record would probably want more than what this book offers. But it does its job well. If you wanted to know the good things about Rumsfeld, they are in this book. If you want to know the dirt you might want to look elsewhere.I conclude in saying this book made me view him as more of a human being. I have been quick to scrutinize much of what he has done under Bush, but after this read I think perhaps I have been too critical. It is a shame politics is so extremely venomous. Books like this could go a long way in restoring some faith, no.. not faith, but an understanding the other person is human just like we are.

Good book

This is a book had I had not to base a report on it, would have been 5 stars as it covered Rumsfeld proficiently. However, the author skims the surface on some issues and considering the relatively brief length of this book (220 pages) it seems that it could have been added to more. Also, what I found surprising is that there is no index in this book. First time I have ever seen this in a book of this type. Overall a good book but with some glitches ****

God Bless

The ultimate portrait of militant American masculinity unleashed against the evil hordes that hate us. This book made me want to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance 500 times in a row without stopping!

Original and insightful

Midge Decter's blessedly compact and fascinating study of Donald Rumsfeld tells the story of how a 70 year-old guy became a sex symbol and how his appeal is tied to his Midwestern values and old-fashioned manliness. It's really great and a very good-looking book.