Worse Than Watergate: The Secret Presidency of George W. Bush by John W. Dean

One sentence summary:

Investigative journalist John W. Dean exposes the covert and corrupt tactics of George W. Bush’s presidency, drawing comparisons to the infamous Watergate scandal of Richard Nixon.

Book genre:

Political non-fiction/history

Main topic of the book:

The hidden and manipulative actions of the George W. Bush administration during his time as President of the United States, and the consequences for American democracy.

Key ideas:

• The influence of Vice President Dick Cheney and his “neoconservative” ideology on Bush’s policies and decisions.
• The administration’s use of secrecy and deception in order to further their own political agendas.
• The significant role of the President’s constitutional powers, particularly in regards to national security and foreign policy.
• The consequences of unchecked executive power and the threat it poses to democracy.
• The failures of the mainstream media to properly scrutinize and hold the Bush administration accountable.

Main parts of the book and a short summary:

• Part I: The Spoils of Political Failure

This section delves into Bush’s upbringing and early political career, as well as his relationships with key advisors like Cheney. It also examines the tumultuous events surrounding the 2000 presidential election and the administration’s actions in the aftermath.

• Part II: The Secret Presidency

Dean explores the Bush administration’s use of secrecy and manipulation in various aspects of their governance, including foreign policy, domestic issues, and dealings with the media.

• Part III: Empires of Influence

This section focuses on the legacy and impact of Cheney and his “neoconservative” ideology on the administration’s actions, particularly in regards to the Iraq War and the War on Terror.

• Part IV: Wiretaps, Torture, and Tissue of Lies

Dean delves into the controversial and damaging decisions made by the Bush administration, including the authorization of domestic wiretapping and the use of torture in interrogations.

• Part V: Covering Their Tracks

Examining the administration’s attempts to cover up and justify their actions, this section also delves into the media’s role in perpetuating the administration’s narrative.

• Part VI: The Case for Impeachment

Dean makes a case for the grounds of impeachment against President Bush, detailing the numerous constitutional violations and abuses of power during his presidency.

Key takeaways:

• The Bush administration utilized secrecy and deception to push their own political agendas, often at the expense of American democracy.
• The Vice President played a significant role in shaping and influencing the administration’s policies and actions.
• The unchecked power of the executive branch poses a threat to the checks and balances of American democracy.
• The media plays a crucial role in holding political leaders accountable and should not be complicit in perpetuating false narratives.
• The actions of the Bush administration have long-lasting consequences and raise important questions about the limits of presidential power.

Author’s background and qualifications:

John W. Dean is a former White House counsel to President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal and is a renowned author and political commentator. He has written numerous books on politics, law, and history, and has been a contributing columnist for publications such as Salon and FindLaw.

Target audience:

This book is aimed at a broad audience, including those interested in American politics and history, those concerned about the impact of unchecked executive power, and those looking for a critical examination of the Bush administration.

Publisher and first publication date:

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
First publication date: September 2004

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