Porsgrund, 1807-1907 (1907)

White House speechwriter James C. Humes put words into the mouths of five presidents - Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush. In the process, he got to know these prominent leaders as few ordinary staffers could, while observing the inner workings of the White House. Now, in this frank and witty memoir, Humes reveals how vital political decisions and great political speeches were made. And he underlines the importance of character in a politician - something no speechwriter can hide. Humes shares what he learned in his 25-year career as a presidential speechwriter. Page after page crackles with such fascinating disclosures as Nixon’s suspicions about the identity of Deep Throat, the real reason behind Ford’s pardon of Nixon, why Reagan was his own best speechwriter, and why Bush lost. Humes reveals the secrets of the speechwriting trade, and spins marvelous anecdotes including sending Eisenhower to the Ladies’ Room, writing the plaque that was planted on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, dancing with the Queen of England, and discussing nuclear disarmament over dinner with Churchill and Eisenhower.