First published 2019
Kate Andersen Brower examines the intricate dynamics between modern presidents and their vice presidents, spanning from Richard Nixon to Mike Pence. Drawing on interviews with over two hundred sources including former vice presidents, family members, and White House insiders, Brower exposes the tensions that define these relationships. She reveals how fourteen of forty-eight vice presidents have ascended to the presidency, eight through death or assassination of their boss. The author explores specific partnerships like Biden and Obama's bond, Trump and Pence's behind-the-scenes interactions, and how George H.W. Bush leveraged Reagan's popularity despite their rocky primary battle. Brower demonstrates how vice presidents navigate between loyalty and ambition, showing how Al Gore's 2000 defeat stemmed partly from Clinton's impeachment scandal. The book offers readers an unprecedented look into the second-highest office in America, revealing the jealousy, admiration, and political calculation that shape these crucial partnerships.
Genres: biography, history, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, loyalty-vs-ambition
Period: 21st Century, 20th Century
352 pages · Paperback · HarperPb