Rating: 
Summary: Can Texas Really Be That Bad?
Review: If you think that Molly's book is just about Dubya, you'd be missing the point. It's about how the citizens of a state can actually buy into the malarkey that is Texas politics. Molly's sense of wonderment (that politicians can get away with all that they do) gives way to a cheerful, "Well, that's Texas!" point of view. But is what's right for Texas what's right for America? Will Governor Bush actually be able to get away with foisting his "compassionate conservatism" on the larger populace? Well, so far he has. I'm scared. I know Molly didn't want to scare me, but she did. And all she did was lay out Dubya's record and let it speak for itself.
Rating: 
Summary: A more serious Molly Ivens
Review: In this slim political biography of the current governor of Texas, Molly Ivens and her coauthor Lou Dubose, present what they see as the case to be made against George W. Bush as a viable candidate for President of the United States. Simply put, their argument is that "Shrub" (she calls his brother, Jeff, "Twig") doesn't have the intelligence or administrative skill to be President and that his success in life so far, both in business and government, is due mostly to his father's (and his father's friends) influence and intervention at critical junctures in the younger Bush's life. Ivens doesn't sink to the level of gossip and there is nothing in the book about specific youthful "mistakes". The much rumored sexual escapades and drug use are not part of the story. This book limits itself to what is on the public record and to the author's comments on that record. As such, the book is not as funny or entertaining as most of Iven's work, but that seems to be a deliberate attempt to give the book a more even tone and balance. Make no mistake. This is a book of politial propoganda. But then, Ivens always has an agenda, and that agenda is predictable. If one agrees with it, as I do, then one is favorably disposed toward her writing. If one doesn't, then probably both the humor and the argument fails. So, for all you die-hard Democrats out there, if you want reasons to be enthusiastic about Al Gore, read this book. The picture of his opponent that emerges in these pages is that of a man running for office just because he can; a man with no real agenda save to be elected. For me, the most interesting parts of the book are devoted to debunking the "Texas miracle" in education and the claims that Bush makes about contibutions to the environment. The claims are hollow and the facts speak for themselves. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who, in the continuing politcal/cultural wars, wants to know their enemy.
Rating:
Summary: A disturbing primer for a possible (gulp) Dubya presidency
Review: With a refreshing sense of humor, Ivins has revealed to the country what she as a Texan has known all along: George W. Bush might be a charming man, but he is also the least-qualified man to be a major-party nominee this century. Not since the Ohio Gang and the "smoke-filled room" of the Harding era have we witnessed so naked an attempt to install (by fiat, apparently) an untalented, unprepared, unsophisticated individual in the White House. While Ivins never shies away from her tongue-in-cheek perspective, she also amasses a wealth of unavoidable facts about the scant record of accomplishment by old George Jr. Ivins gives us his shady (yet unremarkable) past as an oilman; his get-rich-quick scheme with the Texas Rangers (where he fronted for tycoons and literally blackmailed the public to finance a new stadium); his Christian "awakening" which set him on a path of hand-holding with the Religious Right; his poor record as an environmentalist (Texas ranks 50th in the nation for overall air quality); his cynical pandering to Hispanics (where his "fluency" in Spanish is described by many as "so Spanish II"); and on and on and on. However, the best detail happens to be the one least mentioned in the press. Despite Bush's claims that he has "reformed" Texas like no governor before, his powers are necessarily limited by a state constitution that strips the governor of all but largely ceremonial powers. As Ivins states, Texas is a "weak governor system." Because of this, voters should be even more frightened by the prospect of a Bush presidency: yes, he is even less qualified than he admits in public. Again, Ivins makes no bones about it: Bush is a "good man" in the sense that he remembers names, shakes hands, pats backs, and asks new members of his cabinet to dinner, but in no way is he a spectacular public man. Bush abhors policy discussions, avoids reading unless forced, ignores detail, and has little command of higher intellectual concepts. Quite simply, he is not interested. And this is the man America has fallen for like no politician since Reagan? Thanks to this book, we have some ammunition in the anti-Bush crusade. Beholden only to the radical right and corporate heads, Bush does not speak for America, only those who wish to see it evangelized and stripped of all decency, individuality, and nobility. A bit hyperbolic you might say? Perhaps, but I'll stick with Ivins: more than Bush himself, I fear a citizenry that finds such a certifiable empty-suit so appealing.
Rating: 
Summary: An entertaining bit of ......
Review: First off, those who read this book have probably already madeup their minds not to vote for Dubya. This is simply reenforcement,and it is the kind of thing you would expect from Molly Ivins. It's humorous, spirited prose which lacerates Bush at turns and pays him backhanded compliments for the purpose of seeming openminded. From a factual standpoint, readers who come to this work should note there is no index, no notes section, and a heavy reliance at critical points on unnamed sources for pithy quotes. This keeps the book concise, easy to read, and untroubled by any challenge to its veracity. It implicates Bush by association in the suicide of a Texas prisoner, and misquotes his views on liberal opposition to the Vietnam War as somehow indicative of his "blue blood detachment" from the problems of "real Americans." It should also be noted that despite the hue and cry that Bush's ascendancy to the Presidency might be the worst thing to happen to Americans since Milli Vanilli, Ivins cannot resist drawing parallels with the embattled Clinton Administration, whether it be Whitewater, cattle futures, or what have you. And therein lies the book's fatal flaw, from an objective standpoint. For eight years, Ivins and others have sold us the line that none of the very real ethical problems the Clintons have thrown us have been problems. Therefore, if they weren't troubled by a Southern governor with an inflated record and a penchant for abusive behavior toward women, they shouldn't be all that concerned with what they perceive is a Southern governor with an inflated record and a penchant for evangelical Christianity. So is Bush a threat? It depends on what you're definition of "is" is.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightening, but it needs an index
Review: Necessarily dry at times and unspeakably funny at others, this openly critical book scours the public record of Geroge W. Bush the governor to give you an idea of what George W. Bush the president might be like. What you see is a guy who is extremely likable, good at walking political tightropes, great at raising money, and bored by all policy except education and that which helps the well-off, especially his backers. But, Molly, Lou, PLEASE include an index in your next volume!
Rating:
Summary: Good exploration of GW Bush, but not vintage Ivins
Review: When I saw Molly Ivins, one of my favorite political writers, had written a book about George W. Bush, one of my least favorite politicians, I was quite happy. I was truly looking forward to her devastating Bush with her vicious political wit. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The book's revelations on Bush are as harsh as I had hoped, but it lacks the wonderful wit Ivins' showed in her earlier books. To be honest, I suspect the work was largely Lou Dubose's with Molly Ivins' name attached. In short, if you want a good book that exposes GW, read this book. But don't read it if you want vintage Molly Ivins.
Rating:
Summary: Hail to the Chief!
Review: I've been a Texan all my life and thought I knew about Texas politics! Little did I really know! Molly Ivins opens a can of worms with this book, and it's impossible to stuff them back in once you begin reading. I can't believe all of the material she managed to find about Dubya, and it's public record, and can be found if we know where to look. The thought that this man could be our president is truly frightening, and this is not just a liberal bashing a good ol' boy. What's depressing and sobering is that he really is not unlike most of them, and when you learn about their past, you see all the slime and muck that they've crawled through to get where they are (i.e., 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.). One of the worst images that emerges about Dubya is his overt circumscription. His mind appears to be as removed from normal people as was his up bringing and lifestyle. Everything he has it seems was given to him: education, escape from conscription, businesses, and other peoples' money. This is not to say that anyone else would have behaved differently in his circumstances, it's just that he seems to have done so little with what he has been given. He's just shuffled around other peoples' money and resources (and taxes), then he bails when the bottom falls out. Is that why he's running for President? As far as Liberal versus Conservative, for those who don't like Al Gore he at least has more real governing and legislative experience than Dubya. If you don't agree, check out the Texas constitution. Dubya's a ribbon cutter, and that's about it. As for the book, I think people unfamiliar with Texas government might be a bit confused by all of the political characters Molly includes. She rarely introduces a character and what that person has to do with Dubya before she expands on the story. Also, she more often than not omits transitions in the chapters and sections, so in one paragraph I read about one topic, and then the next paragraph jumped to something completely different. I enjoy Molly's honest "calls it like she sees it" style, but I wish the book had encompassed more description and smoother transitions.
Rating: 
Summary: Trimming the Shrub
Review: Although it was not Molly Ivins' intent, my opinion of him actually rose a couple of notches after reading Shrub, her somewhat disappointing attempt to skewer George W. Bush and leave him parching in the Texas sun. W is better educated, more energetic and effective, and less a puppet of the Christian right than I had imagined previously. In short he comes across as a formidable candidate for high office. Ivins doesn't like him because he is representative of the class in which he was born and raised, that is, the class of wealth and big business, and because he doesn't champion various of her liberal causes. He also accepts contributions from those who expect something in return--now that's new in politics! Unlike in her columns, there is surprisingly little humor here, mostly barbs poked at the Texas accent, and not enough about the man himself. For example, what does his effort in getting an MBA from Harvard tell us, and just how well-trained and fluent in Spanish is he? The latter subject is touched on, but not explored, and when she delves into the machinations of Texas politics, the book becomes boring and loses sight of its subject. The result is that despite efforts to the contrary, the picture of George W which emerges is that of a man no better but not much worse than any number of those who have run for and held the highest office.
Rating:
Summary: Not very factual, but informative despite this
Review: Starting with the title, the book throws any semblance of credibility out the window. "Shrub" is one of Ivins' favorite insults for Bush. Imagine a book on Clinton with "Slick Willy" in the title! Hard to expect any sort of objectivity from those who like insults so much they find it hard to use someone's real name. It works on the playground, but not for credible analysis. The book is a chock full of fiction, wild assumptions based on lack of evidence, and long-disproven stories. If you believe in such mythical beasts as "the corporate media" and other chimerae cooked up by paranoids, this book will tell you exactly what you want to hear. If you take a more critical view of current politics, this book will give you an insight into the depths to which powerful interests will attack someone in order to hold onto their power. If Bush becomes elected in the fall, this book predicts the 4 or 8 years of attacks as Ivins and others position themselves as new Rush Limbaughs to constantly spin the administration in a negative light.
Rating:
Summary: Bismarck would be proud
Review: Otto von Bismarck, the 19th century German Prime Minister, once said that "Laws are like sausages--you don't want to see them being made." This book gives you a front-row seat on lawmaking in Texas. Of course, it's meant to give you an idea of what George W. Bush has done to merit presidential consideration, but for me the tales of "the Lege" are far the more interesting (and entertaining) part. I suspect that the appalling trade-offs and the influence of money which Ms. Ivins chronicle occur in most legislatures. Woe to the common citizen. (You'll love the story of the legislator who had a specific legislative action inscribed on his tombstone!) As for "Dubya," Ms. Ivins notes several times that Bush has little attention or interest in policy and wonders why he'd WANT to get elected to a position which requires attention to just that. If true, and it sounds very plausible, this, I think, is the most important point in this book. It suggests two potential outcomes should he be elected president. A) Bush is the perfect candidate from his contibutor's point of view, because he has no real opinions of his own, and therefore will "do what he is told." B) His Presidency will be run by his advisors--people who were NOT elected. Even if the above is not true, Bush comes off as a carefully-crafted candidate. He never seems to stick his neck out especially on any issue that might not sell well nationally. He certainly does not come across as a man of ideas or a truly forceful legislator. (Most of what I've read or seen of him seems to confirm that view.)...
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