Here is the book that guides the President of the United States from the first in the Oval Office and to the day he (or she?) walks out for the last time. In fact, the strategies and mindset recommended in these pages are essential tools for capturing the Presidency, much less wielding it. The international scene today is either a madhouse or the product of extraordinarily cynical techniques such as these, applied with cold cunning, by our nations leaders. This handbook provides a comparison of the world's premier intelligence agencies, discusses tactics of surveillance, war, and public persuasion, practical advice on political maneuvering at the local, national and international levels. A rational, results-based handbook, it is destined to be a secret favorite of politicians, agents of the special services, CEOs and corporate boards for the next hundred years to come. And for the many other ambitious contenders in the world of winner-take-all bare-knuckles capitalism. The author, who cites decades of insider knowledge at the KGB and the CIA, says he originally compiled this book upon a request from Washington anonymous, of course. - Publisher.

Here is the book that guides the President of the United States from the first in the Oval Office and to the day he (or she?) walks out for the last time. In fact, the strategies and mindset recommended in these pages are essential tools for capturing the Presidency, much less wielding it. The international scene today is either a madhouse or the product of extraordinarily cynical techniques such as these, applied with cold cunning, by our nations leaders. This handbook provides a comparison of the world's premier intelligence agencies, discusses tactics of surveillance, war, and public persuasion, practical advice on political maneuvering at the local, national and international levels. A rational, results-based handbook, it is destined to be a secret favorite of politicians, agents of the special services, CEOs and corporate boards for the next hundred years to come. And for the many other ambitious contenders in the world of winner-take-all bare-knuckles capitalism. The author, who cites decades of insider knowledge at the KGB and the CIA, says he originally compiled this book upon a request from Washington anonymous, of course. - Publisher.

Tells the history of vegetable gardening at the White House, concluding with a list of favorite White House recipes.

Domestic policy issues are neglected by the president only at considerable risk, since policies in health care, education, welfare, the environment, and civil rights deeply affect the lives of ordinary Americans. This groundbreaking book on White House domestic policymaking is the first to draw upon both the experiences of former presidential advisers and the expertise of leading presidency scholars to explain how policies reflect campaign promises, emerge and evolve, and are sold to the American people. Covering six administrations from Richard Nixon through George W. Bush-with ample references to Barack Obama-it interweaves those insider and outsider perspectives to convey an eye-opening understanding of the policymaking process and the factors that influence it. The contributors here offer an unusual balance of practical wisdom and social science knowledge. Their insights address a number of key questions throughout the book: What role does the presidential campaign have in shaping the subsequent activity of the White House? How are the specifics of domestic policy, and priorities, established once a president is elected? Who, and what, is routinely involved in trying to sell domestic policy preferences to the American people? And what lessons can be learned from past successes and failures to enhance the ability of future presidents to succeed? "If there is a single overarching lesson to be drawn from this volume," observes contributor Bruce Miroff, "it might be the following: domestic policymaking is hard." These policy advisers know firsthand just how hard it is, and the lack of partisanship in their comments is striking and reassuring. Their accounts of lessons learned from the Oval Office will be especially valuable for years to come for scholars and students who wish to be acquainted with the real job of governing at home.

Two White House Social Secretaries offer “an essential guide for getting along and getting ahead in our world today…by treating others with civility and respect. Full of life lessons that are both timely and timeless, this is a book that will be devoured, bookmarked, and read over and over again” (John McCain, United States Senator). Former White House social secretaries Lea Berman, who worked for Laura and George Bush, and Jeremy Bernard, who worked for Michelle and Barack Obama, have learned valuable lessons about how to work with people from different walks of life. In Treating People Well, they share tips and advice from their own moments with celebrities, foreign leaders, and that most unpredictable of animals—the American politician. Valuable “guidance for finding success in both personal and professional relationships and navigating social settings with grace” (BookPage), this is not a book about old school etiquette. Berman and Bernard explain the things we all want to know, like how to walk into a roomful of strangers and make friends, what to do about a colleague who makes you dread work each day, and how to navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of social media. Weaving “practical guidance into entertaining behind-the-scenes moments…their unique and rewarding insider’s view” (Publishers Weekly) provides tantalizing insights into the character of the first ladies and presidents they served, proving that social skills are learned behavior that anyone can acquire. Ultimately, “this warm and gracious little book treats readers well, entertaining them with stories of close calls, ruffled feathers, and comic misunderstandings as the White House each day attempts to carry through its social life” (The Wall Street Journal).

Describes the mansion's history, its architectural significance, and its contents.

Since Martha Washington first filled the role in 1789, America's first ladies have been unofficial but influential advisors to the presidents. These women have helped to define periods of American history and influenced the nation's way of life. First Ladies of the White House examines the first ladies' backgrounds, their relationships with the presidents, and the social issues that they championed. Each first lady has her own entry, which includes images and important dates.