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A review by rosietomyn
The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin is, hands down, the best book I have read this year. I wish we still lived in days where factual, quality investigative reporting drove public opinion and policy. I also wish the U.S. valued educated presidential candidates that promoted progressive policies and a government that works for the people.
While Theodore Roosevelt is a rather well-known historical figure, William Howard Taft does not generally garner the same attention. That is truly a shame.
I knew little of Taft, other than the biases held about his "failure" reflected in his inability to garner a second term. Taft was truly a remarkable man and leader.
I am so inspired to now have a much better understanding of Taft's qualities, as well as Roosevelt's shortcomings. The Bully Pulpit perfectly highlights the lives, passions, and personalities of both Taft and Roosevelt, and leaves the reader with a much better handle on how profoundly both impacted American politics.
Goodwin also expertly weaves the story of McClure's, the Muckrakers, and the power of the press into the lives of the two presidents. While I knew some about Ida Tarbell, I learned so much more reading this book.
The Bully Pulpit is a hefty read, but it is hard to put down. It is engaging and inspiring - and has left me profoundly hopeful that America will once again find itself in truth, justice, and progressive action against unfairness, propoganda, and false witnesses.
We are in an era much like that of the decades that preceeded Roosevelt's presidency. Dramatic wealth gaps, reduced regulation, pressure to open public lands to private interests, and increased autocratic rule. Roosevelt advocated that the industrial revolution created a need for progressive reform that spoke for the people over the wealthy and business interests. Now, in a technological revolution seeing declining union representation and increased misinformation, similar shifts are drastically needed. I have hope we will find our Roosevelt, and be able to see those who stand among us doing the work today against all odds.
Definitely recommend The Bully Pulpit. Especially at this moment in history.
While Theodore Roosevelt is a rather well-known historical figure, William Howard Taft does not generally garner the same attention. That is truly a shame.
I knew little of Taft, other than the biases held about his "failure" reflected in his inability to garner a second term. Taft was truly a remarkable man and leader.
I am so inspired to now have a much better understanding of Taft's qualities, as well as Roosevelt's shortcomings. The Bully Pulpit perfectly highlights the lives, passions, and personalities of both Taft and Roosevelt, and leaves the reader with a much better handle on how profoundly both impacted American politics.
Goodwin also expertly weaves the story of McClure's, the Muckrakers, and the power of the press into the lives of the two presidents. While I knew some about Ida Tarbell, I learned so much more reading this book.
The Bully Pulpit is a hefty read, but it is hard to put down. It is engaging and inspiring - and has left me profoundly hopeful that America will once again find itself in truth, justice, and progressive action against unfairness, propoganda, and false witnesses.
We are in an era much like that of the decades that preceeded Roosevelt's presidency. Dramatic wealth gaps, reduced regulation, pressure to open public lands to private interests, and increased autocratic rule. Roosevelt advocated that the industrial revolution created a need for progressive reform that spoke for the people over the wealthy and business interests. Now, in a technological revolution seeing declining union representation and increased misinformation, similar shifts are drastically needed. I have hope we will find our Roosevelt, and be able to see those who stand among us doing the work today against all odds.
Definitely recommend The Bully Pulpit. Especially at this moment in history.