Introduction

The second edition of this classic work adds a new chapter on Barack Obama and updates coverage of the end of the George W. Bush administration. Presidential scholar Erwin C. Hargrove extends his analytical framework of presidential effectiveness to show how Obama combines eventful leadership with pragmatism to move the nation forward in an intensely polarized partisan environment.

Features of the textbook:

Uses an analytical framework to assess historical context, personal skills and attributes, and the ability to "make a difference" in each of ten presidencies.

Four presidents are judged to be "event-making" leaders: Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, and George W. Bush.

Six presidents are assessed as "eventful" leaders: JFK, Ford, Carter, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and Obama.

As much a study of leadership as an analysis of ten presidencies, this book adds to our understanding in political science, history, and public administration and management.