THE MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT--1968

by Theodore H. White ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 28, 1969

The agony, ecstasy, and boredom of the late election campaign are recreated by the author who recorded the races in 1960 and 1964. Against a background of agitating issues (Vietnam, race, student unrest) the account hops from camp to camp, charting the primary and electoral contests with thoroughness and with particular attention to personalities and ""insider's"" stories--which the author, always close to the sources, obtained in plenty. In between these achievements, however, there is a good deal of sentimentality about individuals, unimpressive philosophizing on our current dilemmas, and wistful cliche (we are suffering from ""too-rapid change"" and we need a ""common dream""). Unlike another recent campaign report (An American Melodrama, p. 415) this one never questions the legitimacy of the choice offered the public, though many voters and future voters did. Still, due to its comprehensive research and the author's reputation, it will be a strong candidate at the readers' polls.

Pub Date: July 28, 1969

ISBN: 0061900648

Page Count: -

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION