Accidental Presidents

Eight Men Who Changed America

By: Jared Cohen

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

The strength and prestige of the American presidency has waxed and waned since George Washington. Accidental Presidents looks at eight men who came to the office without being elected to it. It demonstrates how the character of the man in that powerful seat affects the nation and world.

Eight men have succeeded to the presidency when the incumbent died in office. In one way or another, they vastly changed our history. Only Theodore Roosevelt would have been elected in his own right. Only TR, Coolidge, Truman, and LBJ were reelected.

John Tyler succeeded William Henry Harrison, who died 30 days into his term. He was kicked out of his party and became the first president threatened with impeachment.

Millard Fillmore succeeded esteemed General Zachary Taylor. He immediately sacked the entire cabinet and delayed an inevitable Civil War by standing with Henry Clay’s compromise of 1850.

Chester Arthur, the embodiment of the spoils system, was so reviled as James Garfield’s successor that he had to defend himself against plotting Garfield’s assassination; but he reformed the civil service.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded our greatest president, sided with remnants of the Confederacy in Reconstruction.

Theodore Roosevelt broke up the trusts.

Calvin Coolidge silently cooled down the Harding scandals and preserved the White House for the Republican Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression.

Truman surprised everybody when he succeeded the great FDR and proved an able and accomplished president.

Lyndon B. Johnson was named to deliver Texas electorally. He led the nation forward on civil rights but failed on Vietnam.

Accidental Presidents adds immeasurably to our understanding of the power and limits of the American presidency in critical times.

©2019 Jared Cohen (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

“What a delightful book and brilliant concept! Jared Cohen treats us to some of the most colorful and momentous episodes in our history when we unexpectedly got a new president. He reveals the historic importance of some lesser-known leaders, and highlights the greatness of Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson. Through their fascinating tales we learn why America is such a resilient nation and our Constitution a living document—lessons very powerful for today.” (Walter Isaacson)

"Fascinating, compelling and often alarming. With astonishing story after story, Jared Cohen chronicles the whole pageant of the unsteady, the unready and the unexpectedly capable. Nearly ten percent of our presidents succeeded because of the deaths of those who chose them mostly out of political expediency to be forgotten number twos. Will we luck out in the future with a surprising Harry Truman or with a wrecker like Andrew Johnson? In God we trust. But read Jared Cohen." (Sidney Blumenthal)

“Thanks to Jared Cohen. The stories of eight accidental presidents are now all in one grand place. Cohen deserves a medal for performing this public service.” (Patricia O’Toole)

engaging

having grown up in D.C. , much of this book was close to home. I had not been aware of much of the intrigue and "close calls". A very good listen and epilog was insightful if not inciteful.

Wow

Wow, a masterpiece, well read. Hat's off to Jared Cohen. Highly recommended to history buffs.

Interesting history on the presidency

Well written and interesting book about the circumstances of history regarding the eight men who assumed the presidency after their respective predecessor died in office. A lot of good insight.

Detailed analyses of accidental presidents

Narration is clear.

Content is detailed, informative, encyclopedic, even.

Recommended for those wanting an especially detailed description of presidents who became presidents whose predecessors died before serving their full terms.

Incredible history stories

A focus on 8 Vice Presidents and the stories behind some of America's incredible history on how they stepped into the highest office in the land. Few we're ready but as you listen you'll be taken on a fantastic history lession into the political turmoil that surrounded these Vice Presidents and so much more. Really enjoyed this book, anyone who loves history and politics you will love this as well.

Great History Lessons!

Incredible book with fascinating stories from our history that you never hear! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have not been able to stop talking about it to anyone who would listen! It is a must read for lovers of history.

Great Audiobook!

The subject matter is interesting and captivating; the presentation of it is superb. Enough back story and information to draw you in to see the world through these accidental Presidents eyes.

Excellent Presidential History

Jared Cohen has given us an insightful, in-depth history not only of the accidental presidents, but also of the presidents they succeeded.

Very Interesting!

For anyone intersted in presidential history, this book is very fascinating, with lots of insights into the personalities and experiences of the men that found themselves so abruptly and unexpectedly catapulted into the presidency. A very interesting book!!

A historical must read!

So well written, humorous, informative, detailed and fascinating. This book ties events and timelines together brilliantly and gives you a inside look at how little known occurrences changed the course of US and world history. Well narrated and easy to listen to on 1.5x speed without missing the details.