Becoming President

How did a president-elect whose win was hardly convincing, and who had the narrowest margin of congressional support imaginable, create an advantage for himself that prevailed in the face of unexpected and unprecedented challenges? To answer this question, John Burke offers an in-depth account of George W. Bush's unconventional transition to power and the significant developments that occurred during the early years of his presidency. Burke argues convincingly that Bush had the organizational confidence to govern as if the election had delivered him a popular mandate. Examining the President's domestic and foreign policy initiatives, he also demonstrates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, decisions made early on during the transition shaped the evolution of Bush's leadership after September 11. History has yet to determine the legacy of Bush's presidency; but, Burke demonstrates, the Bush 2000 transition offers an enviable model for future administrations.