Inside the Presidency with Bob Woodward; The Presidents

The United States presidency has been called the loneliest job in the world, and in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, it's become one of the most difficult as well. Inside the Presidency with Bob Woodward features the bestselling author examining the "splendid misery" of the modern-day presidency, interviewing former Presidents Ford and Carter, Vice President Cheney, and aides and advisors to former Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, who reflect on the president's power to make war, set agendas, and deal with an increasingly splintered, contentious Congress. Exploring general questions about the primary qualities any president needs to be effective in office, and whether presidents today have too much or too little power, the program also offers specific insights, including Ford's thoughts on the collapse of South Vietnam and his agonizing decision to pardon the disgraced Nixon. Surprisingly, Ford seems critical of the current president's failure to reach out to Democrats, and he seems dubious of the campaign to spread democracy around the globe. Carter talks about how energy problems and inflation sapped his support at home, and his handling of the Iran hostage crisis. Courage, faith, intelligence, a reverence for the office, and simple luck are listed as primary factors in any successful presidency--to which may be added diplomacy, as most of the interviewees agree that bipartisan friendships have frayed in the increasingly polarized atmosphere within the beltway. Obviously not every issue can be covered in less than an hour, but this outstanding History Channel production sheds considerable light on its subject. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) While there have been hundreds of applications, only 43 people have held the job of President of the United States, and each man left his own memorable imprint on American history (some more than others). Based on the book To the Best of My Ability (edited by Pulitzer Prize-winner James McPherson), the encyclopedic History Channel series The Presidents--narrated by Edward Herrmann--recounts each president's time in office, with details on personalities, quirks, talents, and blunders, backed by archival footage and photos. Focusing on historical events and providing insights into the tone of each particular administration, the eight-part series visits presidential archives and historic sites, and features interviews with leading historians, journalists, scholars, and politicians. Cobbling together a colorful look at our country's most famous (and, in some cases, infamous) leaders, The Presidents is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)