The Gatekeepers is a well-researched look at the White House chiefs of staff under Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., and Obama; and their styles, abilities, accomplishments and failures in that role. The book explores the relationship between a chief's effectiveness and his president's ability to get things done during that time.
It talks about how the role has evolved into its modern reincarnation, what each president wants from their chiefs, and the consequences of that seminal choice. It's full of interesting details and tidbits, offering a backstage look at the defining moments in each president's tenure from the chief of staff's perspective.
I've long-held a fascination with the role ever since John Spencer played chief of staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing, and it's heartening to read that just like on the show, most chiefs are there working tirelessly to do the best they can for the country and for their president.
One note here: there is a quote in the book that completely gives away the ending of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. I was in shock when I read it, just in the middle of the book without any spoiler warnings. It's not ok to give away another book's ending, and I'm very disappointed it was included in the book. So be warned.
Readaroo Rating: 3 stars
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