Confronting the Presidents

No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Every American president, from Washington to Biden: Their lives, policies, foibles, and legacies, assessed with clear-eyed authority and wit.

Authors of the acclaimed Killing books, the #1 bestselling narrative history series in the world, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard begin a new direction with Confronting the Presidents.

From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and some have changed as America has changed. Whether famous, infamous, or obscure, all the presidents shaped our nation in unexpected ways.

The authors' extensive research has uncovered never before seen historical facts based on private correspondence and newly discovered documentation, such as George Washington's troubled relationship with his mother.

In Confronting the Presidents, O’Reilly and Dugard present 45 wonderfully entertaining and insightful portraits of each president, with no-spin commentary on their achievements—or lack thereof.

Who best served America, and who undermined the founding ideals?

Who were the first ladies, and what were their surprising roles in making history?

Which presidents were the best, which the worst, and which didn’t have much impact?

How do decisions made in one era, under the pressure of particular circumstances, still resonate today?

And what do presidents like to eat, drink, and do when they aren’t working—or even sometimes when they are?

These and many more questions are answered in each fascinating chapter of Confronting the Presidents. Written with O’Reilly and Dugard’s signature style, authority, and eye for telling detail, Confronting the Presidents will delight all listeners of history, politics, and current affairs, especially during the 2024 election season.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Bill O'Reilly (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Great until the end

Just another book trashing Trump while applauding Biden. Prob won’t buy anymore books from these 2 men.

Lite weight history

The reporting was interesting and even handed but the scope of this book was far too broad for a single volume. Perhaps if this is the only book you read about the various presidents it is OK. But to anyone who has read a variety of well written books on the individual presidents, about political eras or contrasting political themes or movements, Confronting Presidents feels pretty lite weight.

Excellent, but…

The book was fantastic until the last chapter. How the authors did not confront Biden’s lack of mental acuity is dumbfounding. Although the writing is excellent, and the narration superb the last chapter kind of put a damper on the book. Overall, I’d give it four out of five stars, It’s an excellent book in that gives an overview of all the presidents, their highs and lows. I would still recommend this book.

Our American Presidential Heritage

I think I speak for many Americans when I say that these two authors have not only reintroduced us to the US presidency, but they’ve elucidated the personalities and circumstances and personal idiosyncrasies pertaining to their time in office.

Economy of language.

A great outline of both history and the changing nature of the presidency. The afterwards were very enjoyable.

Full of Hope

I'm 48 years old. In my adult life I've listened to the news persuade my bias to align with theirs. I've become suspicious and cynical. But because of my Christian world veiw I'm always listening with hope. Hope that our country's unity can be restored. Hope that this generation of flawed leaders will not be the undoing of our Great Nation and Constitution.
I do not believe that "giving hope" was the authors intention, but they did. By laying out the facts " without the spin" they told this history lover where we have come from, what kind of men the learders of our nation were/are, and some of the challenges they faced, shifted my perspective to gratitude which birthed the hope that my lineage will share in the glory of what the USA is and can be.
Yeah, I'd say this book is full of hope.

Could have been better

I expected a lot more about the president's. Didn't care for either summaries about both Biden & Trump from both writers.

Best history lesson of US Presidents

I appreciated the depiction of each president from a non political view. The opinions at the end were good but the Author Martin Dugard ignored all the issues caused by Biden especially the open border which left me wondering if he left out other important facts from past democratic presidents.

A great overview of Americas History. Puts all past and present in perspective.

Great overview of our leaders and unknown facts about our leaders. Did not like the review of Biden.

History

I love history! This book has so many interesting facts about the presidents some I had read else were and a lot I learned from this book.