The Highest Calling

Conversations on the American Presidency

By: David M. Rubenstein

Narrated by: David M. Rubenstein, Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Maggie Haberman, Ron Chernow, Michael Beschloss, Annette Gordon-Reed, Candice Millard, Ted Widmer, Jeffrey Frank, Kai Bird, Peter Baker, Douglas Bradburn, Amity Shlaes, Jonathan Darman

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the New York Times bestselling author of The American Story and How to Lead and host of PBS’s History with David Rubenstein—David Rubenstein interviews living American presidents and top historians and journalists who reflect on the US presidency, including Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Maggie Haberman, Ron Chernow, and more.

For years, bestselling author David M. Rubenstein has distilled the contours of American democracy through conversations with noted leaders and historians. In The Highest Calling, he offers an enlightening overview of arguably the single most important position in the world: the American presidency.

Blending history and anecdote, Rubenstein chronicles the journeys of the presidents who have defined America as it exists now, what they envision for its future, and their legacy on the world stage. Drawing from his own experience in the Carter administration, he engages in dialogues with our nation’s presidents and the historians who study them. Get exclusive access to fresh perspectives, including:
-Original interviews with most of the living US presidents
-Interviews with noted presidential historians like Annette Gordon-Reed, Ron Chernow, Candice Millard, and more

Through “chatty, insightful, and enlightening” (The Wall Street Journal) analysis, Rubenstein captures our country’s most prominent leaders, the political genius and frays of the presidential role, and the wisdom that emerges from it.

People need to vote

This was a great book on icing background on all terms of presidents and the office of the president. So much detail. The audible version is definitely the best way to appreciate this book.

Starts Great but makes a Hard Turn Left

What started out as a fantastic listen (I’m partially blind in both eyes), lots of great information about the former Presidents, became a left turning book of bashing the Republican Party. All the while, acting as if the Democratic Party is “perfect” in every sense. I enjoyed Bill Clinton talking but allowing Hillary to spew her disgust with half the Country, was “deplorable:.

While I am a huge fan of the Founders of this County, I have been fascinated with Abe, Teddy, FDR, LBJ, Ike, Kennedy and was very intrigued about Nixon, Carter and Ford. I would have hoped the entire book would have presented the facts, impartial on both sides, but that was not the case.

I’m always perplexed at the left telling everyone that they are wrong, that our beliefs are not valid an our values are skewed; and then blaming us for not holding up Democracy.

I am one that likes to listed to both sides and figure out what I think is right or wrong. I would have hoped the Dave would have done a better job in the way this book was finished. Good Bless our Country..!!

Sgt. Christopher L. Clarke, disabled Army Veteran

Historians on Presidents

I enjoyed the interview format of talking with so many historians & others knowledgable about the president's.

Best interviewer ever

Wish the author had started on this career trajectory at an earlier point. Very nice overview of a number of Presidents. Definitely an opportunity to pick up more books on some.

Glaring Omission — W

Well researched and thoughtfully told. Every chapter. With the exception of the one not written — President George W Bush. Every other modern president is included, including his father HW. Very disappointing that the man who stood on 9/11 for the Highest Calling was left out of an otherwise enjoyable read.