Rage

I always thought that Trump had surrounded himself with mediocre “advisors,”, that he didn’t know the difference and/or the intellectual gurus would be banished. Not so. The more I read about Matt Pottinger, he could have been our hero if Trump would have listened to him from the beginning. Mr. Pottinger had been the Deputy National Security Advisor for three years. He had lived in China for seven years, and was formerly a Wall Street Journal reporter. He is a China scholar and speaks Mandarin enabling him to communicate directly. Apparently, he alerted Trump that China concealed the outbreak for three months. Therefore, we had an in-house expert who alerted the President. In February, 2020, Trump contacted Bob Woodward at 9:00 pm to set up and begin what came to be seventeen interviews. The rest is history as is said, but when we have a President who would prefer to work with despots, our democracy becomes precarious. Woodward uses flashbacks and tells us about former advisors, like Rex Tillerson and General Mattis (Mad Dog). I found it interesting that both men at the beginning of their tenure agreed on a united front before presenting any advice or facts to the President. Dan Coats is quite interesting. I was not aware of his extreme religious fervor or the strong influence of his wife, Marsha Coats, who approved of her husband going to work for Trump. Not because she liked him or his egregious behavior, but that he says he is pro-life. As I was reading the book, I was startled that Trump actually understood the mammoth scale of this oncoming pandemic and how it could ravage the U.S. population. He chose to “play it down,” for what purpose I am still not sure. Did he think it would go away? Nothing vanished, as of this writing there are 190,000 dead and he, with his usual candor, lied and lied to the American people. It is hard to believe the nation is polarized about his re-election or the fact that he has our best interests at heart. He can still win; the Congressional Republicans apparently believe their best gamble for retaining their jobs is with him. It remains difficult for me to accept that Trump consented to be taped, on the record! Is he delusional? Woodward must have a talented, large staff. The editing is superb. Each chapter is just about the right length. It is slick and filled with facts that will become historic. As I think about this “masterpiece,” I found Rosenstein’s role confusing. I remain mystified about his supporters, who allow themselves to be targets for Covid 19, when they attend his rallies. The President, unmasked, is safely on a stage, elevated from the masses. They seem to have the opposite of rage, they are excited and apparently want more lies and deceit. They seem to be racist, anti-immigrant and love their tax breaks. Trump bragged that his affinity for dictators elicits more productive relationships that benefit himself, not the citizens of America. No kidding. Woodward emphasized that Trump was reluctant to propel the massive power of the federal government to eradicate Covid. It seemed to be our only safeguard.

YES to reading this book. The sequel to Fear, with Rage Mr. Woodward has taken the reader into the Oval Office and backed it up with proof of facts – including audio tapes that were recently released – of the incompetence and narcissism that currently occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Once again, Mr. Woodward has provided insight into the mind (or mindlessness) of Trump, as has been supported by members, both current and former, of his own Cabinet, as well the now-infamous recently-released audio tapes. Between the coronavirus lies told to the American people by Trump, Pence and pretty much everyone associated with them (with the exception of Dr. Fauci), to Trump’s comments regarding our highly-respected military, to Trump’s ridiculous braggadocious remarks comparing ‘meeting women to his relationship with Kim Jong Un,’ and his comments regarding racism in America, there’s really not much left to say except we must vote in November. Add this book to the long-growing list of authors who have recently released factual, detailed books about their dealings with Trump and you will continue to see the same pattern. I pretty much found this to be another “can’t set down until I finish” book. It should be noted that the facts in this book really can’t be disputed as Mr. Woodward has backed up each and every one. However, I will agree with those who have stated that the conversation that occurred on February 7 where Trump verbally acknowledged facts regarding coronavirus, including how dangerous, how widespread and that it was airborne should have been released far before now. February 7 would have been the right day to release that tape, in my opinion. Additional facts that can’t be disputed are that starting at the end of March, Trump and Pence began lying to the American people completely contradicting what Trump knew on February 7; and now in mid-September, as we’ve lost nearly 200,000 American lives and the number grows daily, the lies continue. I was blown away reading Mr. Woodward’s book Fear, and now Rage has pretty much picked up where that one left off. Mr. Woodward has provided truths and facts that came from hours of research. I highly recommend that you read this book before you cast your November ballot. If you had any doubts about whether you should sit this election out, Rage will leave you with none.

Being the second book it a series of three this continues in the tradition of excellent journalism. That's what is most surprising is that 45 would sit for extensive interviews for this and see nothing wrong with what he was saying most of the time. I won't go into details about the book because that should be an experience for the reader. I will only say this... he is worse than imagined and has done some terrible lasting damage to a democratic political system.

Author Bob Woodward draws on detailed first-hand accounts among a myriad of participants in the administration and those closely connected to it. Some of the key figures, often from Republican or non-partisan backgrounds, went into service with a sense of duty to the country and a plan to do their jobs in its best interests, only to find themselves undermined by the chaos of the presidency. Trump comes off as a complex figure - in comparison to other pieces, particularly the op-eds - at once obsessed with his persona and optimistic projections, on occasion listening to wise counsel, as when he closed the country, but also ambivalent, denialist and stubborn. Even his friends, or allies, had a better idea of the country's needs and made a determined effort to push Trump in the right direction, at least those featured in the book, but Trump's attitude was unwavering. In the background, the chaotic effects of his presidency are unfolding - the separation of children from families at the border; Trump's trade war; the disruption of norms; the Coronavirus tragedy. In the end, Trump's obsessions consume him. No matter how many people die, how cities descend into chaos after the George Floyd incident, Trump thinks about his poll numbers and reelection. The frustration of Woodward seeps through the pages. He gives him every chance to evaluate the country's situation appropriately and outline a judicious response - Trump deflects, prevaricates. Trump will always be Trump. If anyone gave Trump the chance to portray himself in a positive light without the author's bending the truth, Woodward did. Trump squandered each and every opportunity and repeated his narcissistic rants.

It's a wonderful book.Very well written.It's worth buiying.I really enjoyed reading it.'Neurotic Jews arou nd'.Congratulations Mr.Woodeward!

Old one. Dirty print.

Buen libro