The Character Factor - How We Judge America's Presidents

Informationen zum Autor James P. Pfiffner has written or edited ten books and many articles about the presidency. A professor of government and public policy at George Mason University, he is frequently invited to lecture on various topics related to the American president. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison Klappentext The American president's character matters. To most Americans! it matters deeply. But how do we define what character means! and why can't we agree? In this sober! probing consideration of "the character factor" and the presidency! veteran political analyst James P. Pfiffner leads us through a survey of three aspects of presidential character that have proved problematic for recent chief executives: lies! promise-keeping! and sexual probity. His goal is not to tell us which presidents have been "good" and which "bad." Rather! he helps us think critically and impartially about complex character issues and invites us to reach our own conclusions. The Character Factor avoids both moral judgments and cynicism. It helps us look at our presidents (and our presidential candidates) without illusions! knowing that flawed men can still be great leaders but that some flaws deserve defeat at the polls--or even the ultimate presidential sanction! impeachment. Zusammenfassung To most Americans the American president's character matters deeply. But how do we define what character means! and why can't we agree? This consideration of ""the character factor"" and the presidency leads us through a survey of three aspects of presidential character that have proved problematic: lies! promise-keeping! and sexual probity.

Product details

• Authors: James P Pfiffner, James P. Pfiffner
• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2004
• EAN: 9781585443161
• ISBN: 978-1-58544-316-1
• No. of pages: 209
• Dimensions: 159 mm x 235 mm x 19 mm
• Series: Joseph V. Hughes Jr. and Holly; Joseph V. Hughes Jr. and Holly O. Hughes Series on the Presidency and Leadership; Joseph V. Hughes Jr. and Holly; Joseph V. Hughes Jr. and Holly O. Hughes Series on the Presidency and Leadership
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education