52 Quotes by Michael Beschloss

Reagan's defense buildup and SDI, so ridiculed at the time, pressed Gorbachev, while his economy was collapsing, to make arms deals and improve relations with the West, which contributed to the unraveling of his empire.

Presidents fall into second-term slumps for different reasons.

Historians sometimes view presidents very differently from the way the public did at the time. Sometimes they don't.

We insist that ours is a government of laws, not men, but it is striking how often large historical forces pivot on something so unpredictable as the continued good health of a politician.

Troubled celebrities are a dime a dozen.

Too few presidents have steeped themselves not just in Lincoln's words but his deeds, which is why Obama's acquaintance with the great man is so compelling - especially since, like President-elect Lincoln, Obama will take office at a perilous time.

The Founders deliberately limited presidential authority.