What It Takes: The Way to the White House (ISBN 9780394562605) is a nonfiction book about the 1988 United States presidential election, written by Richard Ben Cramer.[1][2] It was published in 1992.[3] It follows the campaigns of Republicans George Herbert Walker Bush and Bob Dole and Democrats Joe Biden, Michael Dukakis, Dick Gephardt, and Gary Hart.[4]
Author | Richard Ben Cramer |
---|---|
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Genre | 1988 United States presidential election |
Publisher | Random House |
Publication date | June 23, 1992 |
Media type | Print (hardcover) |
Pages | 1,047 |
ISBN | 978-0394562605 |
The bulk of the book covers the early lives and political careers of the candidates, their campaigns leading up to the New Hampshire primary, and the primary itself.[5][6] Cramer spent six years researching and writing What It Takes.[7]
The book is frequently cited by political aides and journalists as one of the most influential books on politics ever written.[8][9]
Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Quite possibly the finest book on presidential politics ever written, combining meticulous reporting and compelling, at times soaringly lyrical, prose."[10]
San Francisco Chronicle: "The ultimate insider's book on presidential politics...an unparalleled source book on the 1988 candidates."[10]