by Bret Baier
First published 2017
Bret Baier focuses on the critical period from January 17 to January 20, 1961, when Dwight Eisenhower delivered his farewell address and transferred power to John F. Kennedy. The political journalist presents these three days as Eisenhower's final mission as president. Baier chronicles how the former World War II Supreme Commander guided America through the Korean War, nuclear tensions with Russia, and historic economic growth. The book examines Eisenhower's prescient warnings about partisan politics, deficit spending, the military-industrial complex, and special interest influence. Baier shows how the outgoing president intensively mentored the 43-year-old Kennedy during the transition. The author argues that Eisenhower's leadership qualities address what Americans seek in political leaders today. He demonstrates how Kennedy continued seeking Eisenhower's counsel despite their party differences. Baier positions this undervalued president as offering crucial lessons for contemporary politics.
Genres: biography, history, 20th-century, political-science, politics, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: mentor-mentee, political-drama
Setting: America, Korea, Russia
Period: 1961, Cold War, Korean War
368 pages · Hardcover · Mariner Books