George H.W. Bush
Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush by Jon Meacham
Tier 1
As we near the end of this journey, I regret to inform you that this is the last great biography on the list. Distance is required for a truly great biography. It’s not fair to judge a presidency while it is in progress. Too much is subject to change, and too many policies need time to bloom. I feel that the 24-hour news cycle and constant retrospectives on current events are part of what has destroyed our political system. It’s a cliché, but a society indeed grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. We no longer do that. We are all about the immediate, about making hot takes and judging things by how they affect the market in the short term. It’s no way to grow a society.
All of that is a long way of saying that you can’t judge a president’s legacy during their time in office or even in the years that follow. How many years are needed? How much distance is required for a fair perspective? I can’t say. I imagine it depends on the age and the president.
But instead of lamenting the state of modern politics, let’s take a look at this brilliant biography by one of the great biographers of our time. This is Jon Meacham’s third entry on my list (I am sure this is the greatest honor of his long and illustrious career) and, in my mind, his finest. The previous two were on Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. These are stalwarts of American history—giants for better and worse.
George H.W. Bush is not that. He is overshadowed by his larger-than-life predecessor and successor. He is even overshadowed by his son, a much worse president but a much more memorable one. H.W. is destined to be lost to the sands of time. There are many presidents, and not all will be remembered. But H.W. should be.
A man of profound integrity, humility, and service, H.W.’s life is a testament to the essence of American leadership. Jon Meacham's masterpiece encapsulates the extraordinary journey of this statesman, providing readers with an intimate and insightful portrait. Meacham deftly weaves together the threads of history and personal narrative to present a captivating account of Bush's life, earning acclaim for his exceptional storytelling and meticulous research.
Jon Meacham's prowess as a storyteller is evident from the first pages of Destiny and Power. His narrative style is engaging and accessible, making the complexities of political history approachable to a broad audience. Meacham strikes a delicate balance between scholarly rigor and the art of storytelling, creating a work that not only educates but also captivates.
Meacham’s ability to humanize historical figures is a hallmark of his writing. In Destiny and Power, he lifts the veil on the public persona of George H.W. Bush, revealing the private man behind the political curtain. Through meticulous research and interviews with Bush and those closest to him, Meacham paints a vivid and multidimensional portrait of a leader navigating the intricate tapestry of American politics.
His nuanced understanding of the human experience enriches the narrative, allowing readers to empathize with the triumphs and tribulations of a man who held the highest office in the land, but only for one term. He was a man who often found himself stuck in the middle and pulled between his moral compass and the direction that his party was drifting in. The author's keen insight into Bush's character and motivations transforms the book into more than a historical account—it becomes a profoundly human story of resilience, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of a greater good.
Destiny and Power is not merely a biography but a journey through the defining moments of American history in the latter half of the 20th century. Meacham skillfully places George H.W. Bush at the epicenter of historical events, showcasing the impact of his decisions on the nation and the world.
A particular section of brilliance is Bush’s handling of the disintegration of the Soviet Union. This moment is historically attached to Reagan, but it was Bush who stood in the Oval Office as the USSR came crashing down. This is a defining moment in world history and, in many ways, the true end of the 21st century. It was unthinkable just a decade prior, and no one could've been prepared for it, no matter how skilled in foreign policy. And yet, Bush handled it about as well as one could. He didn’t force his fingerprint on the proceedings, and while there have been countless issues in the region since, I think it would be unfair to lay those at his feet. A different president (his predecessor or successor, say) would’ve made it about him. He would’ve claimed some great victory and shaped the post-Cold War world in his image. And he’d have won reelection. But that was not George H.W. Bush.
From his early days as a naval aviator in World War II to his tenure as the Director of the CIA during the Cold War, and eventually, to his role as the 41st President, Bush's life is a narrative thread woven into the fabric of American history. Meacham navigates these historical waters with precision, providing readers with a front-row seat to the defining moments that shaped the destiny of a nation.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the intricate dynamics of political power. Meacham dissects the complexities of the presidency and the delicate balance between personal convictions and the demands of leadership. By delving into Bush's decision-making process, the author sheds light on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by those who bear the weight of the Oval Office. Bush was a stalwart of a dying Republican Party. The party of Eisenhower and his father, Prescott Bush. A far cry from the Republican Party of Reagan and his spiritual successors. There are moments (Iran Contra, to name just one) where Bush should’ve pushed harder. He should’ve made his voice heard. But it wouldn’t have mattered, and, in the end, it would’ve doomed his political career. Perhaps he should’ve done that. Perhaps that is what makes a leader.
At the heart of this book is a profound exploration of leadership—a theme that resonates with readers irrespective of their political affiliations. Meacham elucidates the qualities that defined Bush's leadership style, emphasizing his commitment to service, diplomacy, and consensus-building. He was not a man to make waves. I see a lot of Truman in him—a party stalwart who cared little for personal credit and glory.
Bush's presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, from the peaceful end of the Cold War to the successful coalition effort in the Gulf War (which is unfairly linked to his son’s horrific war in the same area). Meacham expertly analyzes these moments, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the decisions that shaped the world during this pivotal period in history.
However, Meacham does not shy away from acknowledging the complexities and controversies that marked Bush's political career. The book critically examines the highs and lows of his presidency (and career prior to his presidency), presenting a balanced and honest portrayal of a leader who faced both praise and criticism.
As the book unfolds, Meacham guides readers through the later years of George H.W. Bush's life, offering a poignant reflection on his legacy. The author captures the essence of the man's enduring commitment to public service and the values that defined his leadership.
In the final chapters, Meacham brings the narrative full circle, exploring Bush's post-presidential years and the profound impact of his enduring friendships with political adversaries. Through exploring Bush's post-presidential life, Meacham showcases the resilience and dignity of a leader who continued to serve his country even after leaving the highest office.
Jon Meacham's book is a masterful tribute to a statesman whose life embodies the ideals of leadership, service, and humility. Meacham's writing transcends the boundaries of a traditional biography, delivering a compelling narrative that educates, inspires, and invites readers to reflect on the complexities of political life.
Through meticulous research, nuanced storytelling, and a deep understanding of the human spirit, Meacham has crafted a work that honors the legacy of George H.W. Bush and serves as a timeless exploration of leadership in the American context. Destiny and Power is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate history, providing readers with a richer understanding of the man who navigated the turbulent waters of American politics with grace and conviction. It is as good of a biography as I have ever read. I went in expecting little, thinking of H.W. as only a pale visage compared to his contemporaries, and I left enthralled. He was far from a perfect man or politician, but this book is brilliant, and H.W. deserves a more careful political reexamination.