Testing the Limits: George W. Bush and the Imperial Presidency

(Paperback)

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This collaboration of distinguished presidential scholars offers one of the first book-length post-presidency analyses of President George W. Bush and his policies. Mark J. Rozell and Gleaves Whitney have assembled a varied list of contributors from both ends of the political spectrum, bringing together academics and professionals to provide a glimpse into the politics and policies that defined President George W. Bush's presidency.

Testing the Limits discusses all aspects of the Bush policy and administration, from staff appointments to foreign and domestic policy to budgetary politics. Several contributors focus their energy on the expansion of presidential powers during Bush presidency, assessing the increased influence of the Vice-President, the politicization of federal court appointments, and the development of executive privilege and presidential secrecy.

Reviews

A fascinating account of a controversial presidency. George W. Bush entered office in the distrustful aftermath of a disputed election, and he left office amid the uncertainty of two unfinished wars and an incipient depression; but in between he managed to accomplish morefor better and worsethan almost anyone had thought possible. Mark Rozell, Gleaves Whitney, and the scholars they have enlisted explain how this happened, and what it still means. Required reading for any serious student of the modern presidency. -- H W. Brands, University of Texas at Austin, author of Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roo
A timely and provocative set of essays on a subject of both immediate and enduring significance. Taken together, the essays provide a remarkably comprehensive and carefully balanced examination of the historically important presidency of George W. Bush. -- David Marion, Hampden-Sydney College, author of The Jurisprudence of Justice William J. Brennan, Jr.: The Law and Politics of 'Libertarian Dig

Author Bio

Mark J. Rozell is professor of public policy at George Mason University. He is widely published and his most recent works include: The New Politics of the Old South: An Introduction to Southern Politics, 4th edition (co-editor, R&L, 2009), Media Power, Media Politics, 2nd edition (co-editor, R&L, 2008), Catholics and Politics: The Dynamic Tension Between Faith and Power (co-author, Georgetown UP, 2008), Power and Prudence: The Presidency of George H.W. Bush (co-author, Texas A&M UP, 2004).

Gleaves Whitney is director of Grand Valley State University's Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, a position he has held since 2003. During his tenure he has been the architect of more than 100 programs, including two national conferences covered by C-SPAN and two live Webcasts to more than 3,500 viewers in 18 countries. He established the Hauenstein Center's Website (www.allpresidents.org) and premiered a popular Web column called 'Ask Gleaves'the first presidential Q&A column in the nation.