The Bully Pulpit

The Bully Pulpit Audiobook

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Review #1

The Bully Pulpit audiobook free

The writing style of this book is truly captivating. It seamlessly combines factual information with a compelling narrative, making it an enjoyable read. I greatly admire the author’s extensive research and the effort put into crafting this book. It evokes a sense of longing for the days when politicians like Roosevelt and Taft possessed remarkable talent, training, honor, and a deep respect for both individualism and community. They were true leaders who knew how to unite a country and tackle complex issues with innovative solutions—a quality sorely lacking in today’s political climate.

Regardless of one’s agreement or disagreement with the actions and methods of these historical figures, their leadership abilities are undeniable. They had the skill to define important matters and devise effective strategies. In many ways, this book serves as a poignant commentary on the current state of our nation, highlighting the absence of such qualities among our present-day politicians. Perhaps, if they were to read and learn from the wisdom of their predecessors, it could lead to positive change. Even for those simply seeking to delve into political history, this book remains an exceptional choice.

I personally borrowed this book multiple times from my local library before realizing its value and deciding to invest in my own copy for my personal library. It was certainly money well spent. I am now eager to explore more of Ms. Goodwin’s work, understanding why she deservedly won the Pulitzer Prize for her history on Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt—a work that I also found to be an excellent read. I truly wish I possessed her remarkable talent and insight.

Review #2

The Bully Pulpit audiobook

The term “bully pulpit,” as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, refers to a public office or position of authority that offers a remarkable opportunity for its occupant to express opinions on any issue. This phrase was first used by Theodore Roosevelt, who described his presidency as having a “bully pulpit,” implying a powerful platform for speaking out [1]. During Roosevelt’s time, the word “bully” was an adjective meaning “first-rate” or “excellent,” comparable to the modern usage of “awesome” [1]. This review title plays on that original meaning. Today, “bully pulpit” still signifies the president’s capacity to influence public opinion.

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book, “The Bully Pulpit,” is an extensive work, spanning 928 pages in its hardcover edition. I opted for the e-book version, which includes lavish illustrations. Each chapter begins with a contemporary photograph or cartoon related to the chapter’s subject, and there is a dedicated photograph section with 68 images at the end of the e-book. It’s worth noting that while this tome may seem formidable, the main narrative comprises approximately 56% of the book, with the remainder consisting of extensive endnotes and an index.

Rather than presenting another conventional biography of a well-known American president, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin takes a different approach in “The Bully Pulpit.” She explores the birth of America’s Progressive Era through the close friendship between two presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and his successor, William Howard Taft. However, instead of solely focusing on these two figures, she weaves the story of the “muckrakers” throughout the narrative—a term coined by Roosevelt—referring to a group of investigative journalists from McClure’s Magazine. These journalists published exposés on fraudulent railroads and corrupt senators, supporting Roosevelt in his pursuit of change and fairness.

Goodwin initiates her narrative with the return of former President Roosevelt from an African hunting trip in 1910. She alternates between the lives of Roosevelt and Taft in subsequent chapters, chronicling their journeys from childhood to adulthood and introducing their wives, Nellie Taft and Edith Roosevelt. The narrative also delves into the story of McClure’s Magazine and its reporters.

Through this extensive setup, Goodwin skillfully contrasts the disparate upbringings, careers, styles, and personalities of Roosevelt and Taft. Their differences foreshadow the causes that would lead to one of the major political feuds of the era. Despite being polar opposites, they developed a deep friendship almost immediately after their initial meeting in Washington at the start of their political careers.

The core of the book revolves around the period when Roosevelt assumed the presidency following President McKinley’s assassination in 1901. Roosevelt aimed to achieve equitable distribution of wealth, regulate large corporations and railroads, strengthen labor rights, and safeguard the country’s natural resources from private exploitation. He coined the phrase “Square Deal” to encapsulate his domestic agenda and cultivated a mutually beneficial relationship with the national press, collaborating to usher in the progressive era.

Taft, Roosevelt’s close friend, became an invaluable member of his cabinet and eventually his handpicked successor after Roosevelt decided against running for a third term. However, upon Roosevelt’s return in 1910, a bitter rift developed between the two regarding progressive issues. When Roosevelt failed to prevent Taft’s re-nomination during the 1912 election, he formed the Bull Moose Party, resulting in both of them losing to Democrat Woodrow Wilson, who became president.

In the epilogue, Goodwin poignantly describes the eventual reconciliation between the old friends during a chance encounter shortly before Roosevelt’s death in 1919. She also highlights Taft’s fulfillment of his long-held aspiration when he became Chief Justice of the United States in 1921. Additionally, she reveals how the original staff of McClure’s Magazine remained connected throughout their lives.

Goodwin’s narrative is based on an abundance of primary materials, including extensive correspondence between Roosevelt and Taft, diaries of Edith Roosevelt and Nellie Taft, journals, memoirs, and hundreds of letters exchanged among the “muckrakers” [2]. While the narrative occasionally delves into intricate details, the exploration of “Will and Teedie” and the muckrakers is well worth the read. “The Bully Pulpit” offers more than a biography of Roosevelt and Taft; it presents a detailed portrait of an era and the history of the press, all wrapped into one highly readable book.

For those interested in delving further into Theodore Roosevelt’s life, I recommend the biographical trilogy by Edmund Morris: “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,” “Theodore Rex,” and “Colonel Roosevelt.” Another intriguing read is “The Path Between the Seas” by David McCullough, providing a comprehensive account of the Panama Canal’s construction [3]. Unfortunately, there is currently a limited selection of biographies available on William Howard Taft, the only individual to have served as both President and Chief Justice of the United States. Perhaps a distinguished author like Chernow, Isaacson, or Morris will undertake the task of crafting a biography that does justice to Taft’s legacy.

Review #3

Audiobook The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin

This biography offers a remarkable exploration of Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and the Muckraker journalist movement. Despite its length of 900 pages, my main critique is that it feels too short, leaving me yearning to delve deeper into this fascinating period. However, the book would have benefitted from an additional chapter that offers a critical appraisal of the main figures, providing a more comprehensive perspective.

Review #4

Audio The Bully Pulpit narrated by Edward Herrmann

As someone who has been surprisingly unfamiliar with U.S. history, I found Goodwin’s book to be a marvelous introduction. It goes beyond being a first-class political history and brings the characters to life with their undeniable humanity. Reading this book has given me immense pleasure, rekindling my love for reading after a long time. I am truly grateful to Doris Kearns Goodwin for such an enjoyable experience.

Review #5

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This book is not only a great read for aspiring politicians but also for writers, particularly investigative journalists. It vividly portrays the personal and political histories of Roosevelt and Taft with warmth and vitality, making them as relatable today as our own contemporary world leaders. The journeys of S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, John Phillips, Lincoln Steffens, William White, and Baker, from their childhood to becoming authors and editors of exposés that captivated millions of Americans, are equally captivating. I cherished nearly every page of this book and cannot recommend it highly enough!

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