Courage And Consequence: My Life As A Conservative In The Fight (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I've been on a biographical/autobiographical kick lately. Between that, and my interest in politics and history, this book was a great fit. There is a lot of rumor, innuendo, and gossip - both positive and negative about The Architect. I decided I'd like to hear his story straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. It was fascinating. Much like Dr. Rice's memoirs, it was a heavy read. Not because it was boring (quite the opposite) but because it is very deep, detail-oriented, and throughly documented (or perhaps just memorized after his times being investigated which all proved to be false allegations). He has a bibliography at the end to back up many of the statements in the book.My favorite part of the book was probably the beginning. He wrote of his childhood, and more importantly, how his love of politics began at a young age. He gives credit to teachers that encouraged him along the way. That's not to say his accounting of campaigns; strategy; and the work that went in to everything wasn't fascinating as well. And it was exciting to be given insight into HQs on election nights - not just what the press & PR spinners show people. Descriptions of his time in the White House again offered glimpses into the stress of being on the inside as things were happening. It was also cool to compare Mrs. L. Bush, President G.W. Bush, and Dr. Rice's recollections of events (9/11, for example) to Rove's recollections. Same event, powerful people with high levels of access, different locations and responsibilities, through their eyes. It helps to put the full picture together. Another detail that struck me as quite similar to other political books I've read, some I've listed and others I've not listed yet, is the way our legal system is apparently being abused to try to "take down" people by either smearing them, wearing them down financially, wearing them down emotionally/psychologically or by hoping that if you throw enough, eventually something will stick. Or by a combination of all of the above. Since most of these campaigns result in no convictions, I'm inclined to agree. I love forward to reading more from others.Rove shares of his love politics, country, and family in this book. He's upfront about mistakes he has made and things he would do differently. He's thoughtful, respectful, and honest.**Side note - As he is a controversial figure, I welcome the opportunity for honest discussion about this book. But not from people who have 1) not read the book and 2) speak to this from their personal opinions about the man versus what they've heard with no back-up or in Op/Ed articles. This was a very intersting and engaging book by Karl Rove. He provides an abundance of background information about the Governor and President George W. Busk. He discusses the runs for all of them and the governing of them as well. It is a delightful book. He is willing to discuss the ways he thinks he was wrong and well as those things that he thinks were well done. This is a good read.J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
What do You think about Courage And Consequence: My Life As A Conservative In The Fight (2010)?
Pretty good first hand account of the George W. Bush years. I liked it.
—tia
Interesting read on how the political system works.
—electropopx
