Why Not the Best?: The First Fifty Years

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Summary: Why Not The Best
Review: I am writing a review simply because the other person's review was so obnoxious and mean-spirited. Carter was the most honest and decent man we have ever had running the country, at least in my lifetime. And he is probably doing a lot more with his life right now than that reviewer ever will. Shame.

Rating:
Summary: "Why not the best?" is the best introduction to Carter
Review: This book is the campaign biography which helped elect Jimmy Carter in 1976. He takes the title from the question Adm. Rickhover asks of all naval cadets, 'in your life was there ever a time in which you did less than the best?' He would follow up the question with "Why not the best?" as a way to focus young men, including James Earl Carter, on striving for exellence. The book outlines in detail what Carter would later refer to as his "sources of strength." This book is a must read for those who feel Jimmy Carter is a model of public service, an outstanding peacemaker, and our best ex-president.

Rating:
Summary: A political campaign book
Review: This is a reprint of the book originally issued before the 1976 presidential campaign, and after all these years, is a very painful reminder of the promise and then the failure of the Carter presidency. In office, Carter proved to be a petty, self-righteous little man who was overwhelmed by the presidency. He was not a leader- he was a bureaucrat. His failures as President caused economic turmoil and international loss of respect for the United States. The book should be read for its irony only.