Bob Woodward’s latest book is an in-depth look at Biden’s “three wars” and the end of his Presidency
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
“War” is the latest book from the man who brought down a President. Bob Woodward, one of the most respectful and notable journalists in American history, is back with yet another look at another President… and the personalities that are looking to take over his place as the Resolute Desk in January.
However, while the end of Biden’s tenure and the ramping up of the 2024 Presidential Race are a part of “War” they serve as more of an anecdote to the main theme of the book, which focuses on the Biden administration’s involvement in foreign affairs, and the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Ultimately, Woodward concludes that Biden’s actions and leadership in the still ongoing conflicts should be commended, a sharp contrast from his usual criticisms of the last few Presidents, some of which pop up yet again in “War.”
Once again, former President Donald Trump is a central figure in a Woodward volume, although he is a man on the outside for most of the main portion of “War.” There are some interesting tidbits about the man looking to return to power later this year: the revelations that Trump sent then-rare COVID test kits in early to Putin for the Russian President’s personal use, as well as reports indicating that the two political figures remain in contact, once again paint the forty-fifth President in a questionable light.
“War” also spends some time with Vice President Kamala Harris, who goes from meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for what she fears may be the last time to suddenly ascending to become the Democratic Nominee for President when Biden decides to step away.
Biden’s decline begins to show about mid-way through “War” and culminates in its final chapters, with signs first appearing in 2023 and culminating in the disastrous CNN Presidential Debate this past June. While acknowledging the sentiment against Biden, the book reports on the matter as truthfully and respectfully as possible while balancing it throughout the book until near the end. “War” also briefly covers the first attempt on Trump’s life in July, and some of his other mishaps since, including a disastrous appearance at a National Association of Black Journalists panel in July.
Overall, Woodward makes the observation that he thinks Trump is objectively worse than former President Richard Nixon, the man he brought down, which is a stark and sobering conclusion to make from someone who’d know what’s at stake. Woodward makes the case that Trump has no idea or no real viable plan on how to handle the ongoing conflicts overseas and on the homefront.
“War” is available in multiple formats now, including in print, eBook and audiobook formats.
