A Call to Greatness

Reviews / Votes

Writing in the tradition of Richard Neustadt, whose memos were so helpful to an incoming John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, Abshire brings history alive, drawing from it wise lessons for the president immediately upon taking office. Mark this down for required reading in the next White House. -- David Gergen, White House advisor to four United States Presidents David Abshire has distilled a lifetime of service and study into a single bracing volume. It is a must-read for the Presidential candidates, those who serve them, and every citizen who cares about the challenges we face. -- George Stephanopoulos, <I>ABC News'<I> Chief Washington Correspondent Every presidential candidate-and every president-should read A Call to Greatness. David Abshire has long been one of Washington's true Wise Men, and he teaches many important lessons from the past. At a dangerous time when leaders seem stuck in partisan bickering, Abshire shows what the people want and the nation needs. -- Evan Thomas, Assistant Managing Editor, Newsweek In A Call to Greatness, David Abshire has provided an invaluable guide, which includes the lessons learned from the experiences of past administrations as well as time-honored principles of superior leadership. -- The Honorable Edwin Meese III, Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow, The Heritage Foundation A Call to Greatness is a challenge not just to the presidential candidates but to the nation itself. David Abshire draws from the lessons of history the fundamental values that must guide the next president - vision, integrity and statesmanship. We govern by leadership or crisis. David Abshire makes clear that it is time for leadership. -- The Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton This publication will help the next President and other senior government leaders learn from the past and better prepare for the future. -- The Honorable David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States Almost every era in our nation's history seems to have confronted serious challenges. I hope the Presidential candidates will learn as much from this book as I did. Its historical examples make for very compelling reading - much more so than simply citing a set of 'rules.' -- Norman Augustine, creator and CEO of Lockheed Martin, leader of national studies for the President and Secretary of Defense In his four decades in Washington, David Abshire has seen a lot of history made from the White House. Here he deftly plucks pertinent lessons from history for whomever the voters send to the White House to make more history. -- George F. Will, syndicated columnist for The Washington Post This book will find an audience among political pundits and members of the general public who are keen observers of the 2008 presidential election season. * CHOICE * The presentation is balanced and fair, and it serves as a good introduction for a more general audience. * Public Administration Review, September/ October 2009 *