Ben Rhodes

Ben Rhodes, a former speech writer and foreign policy adviser, leaves out much that might otherwise make this book as great as the sales jacket predicts. He writes reasonably well, and though he gives us more than 420 pages, much remains unsaid. This is a selective, behind-the-scenes take. It's a lint-in-the-pocket look at his life, usually focused on his job and usually related to foreign events. The book keeps a head-down, respectful approach and delivers a sometimes transcription-like relay of events.

Expect nothing on ACA, Ferguson or Merrick Garland; Mr. Rhodes is a foreign policy guy after all. But other gaps exist, for whatever reason. We learn nothing about the firing of Stanley McChrystal; little if anything new about getting Osama bin Laden; Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi - some about Russian election tampering; and too much on Cuba.

Thank goodness the author breaks form to discuss Charleston, and the president's speech there. He reminded us that the president is a moral leader who has the ability to promote peace, inclusivity and healing - something seemingly forgotten since President Obama left office.… (més)

Ben Rhodes, a former speech writer and foreign policy adviser, leaves out much that might otherwise make this book as great as the sales jacket predicts. He writes reasonably well, and though he gives us more than 420 pages, much remains unsaid. This is a selective, behind-the-scenes take. It's a lint-in-the-pocket look at his life, usually focused on his job and usually related to foreign events. The book keeps a head-down, respectful approach and delivers a sometimes transcription-like relay of events.

Expect nothing on ACA, Ferguson or Merrick Garland; Mr. Rhodes is a foreign policy guy after all. But other gaps exist, for whatever reason. We learn nothing about the firing of Stanley McChrystal; little if anything new about getting Osama bin Laden; Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi - some about Russian election tampering; and too much on Cuba.

Thank goodness the author breaks form to discuss Charleston, and the president's speech there. He reminded us that the president is a moral leader who has the ability to promote peace, inclusivity and healing - something seemingly forgotten since President Obama left office.… (més)