books:

	Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes Kenneth T. Walsh Hyperion, 2003 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 17 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

From FDR's prop-driven Pan Am to the glimmering blue and white jumbo 747 on which George W. Bush travels, the president's plane has captured the public's awe and imagination, and is recognized around the world as a symbol of American power. In this unique book, Kenneth Walsh looks at the decisions that our last 12 presidents made on the plane; the personality traits and peccadilloes they revealed when their guard was down; and the way they each established a distinctive mood aboard that was a reflection of their times, as well as their individual personalities.

Based on interviews with four living presidents, scores of past and present White House officials, and staff and crew members of Air Force One, Walsh's book reveals countless fascinating stories of life aboard the "flying White House." It also features descriptions of the food, the decor, the bedrooms, the medical clinic, and much more -- as well as remarkable photos of the planes (inside and out) and the presidents.

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Air Force One brings the Message Of Hope


Walsh has written an excellent book that details what the plane that carries the President of The United States of America represents.From the first President to fly,FDR,to the present holder of the office;we are given a candid look at these men in an enviroment where they let down their guards and exposed their real personalities.
The book shows what the arrival and departure of this plane represents wherever it goes;whether in the US or abroad.
David Valdez ,a White House photographer who travelled with GWH Bush for 10 years put it this way."When you fly on that plan,you are representing the United States,and when you land,that huge 747 sits there as the flying embassy of the United States of America."
Although the book is a little slow for the first 50 or so pages,possibly because it covers the period prior to when the author was personally involved,1986.However;don't let that influence you,because the book gets better at that point,and when you reach the end,you'll wish it was much longer;at least that's how it was for me.
As you are introduced to the Presidents as they assume office,one after another;you'll see their personalities and how they reacted to events that took place and how each of them dealt with those who were close to them as well as those who had the distinct privelige to serve them.
You will be given an intimate look at those memorable events that the whole world followed.Especially,what went on in Air Force One when Johnson was sworn in after JFK was assassinated in Dallas,add why Jackie was so prominent in those pictures.Then,President Nixon's flight to California after his resignation.The games of Hearts Clinton craved ,the antics little of Amy Carter,as well as those of many adults ,while on board;but more than anything else; the inside look ,as the events unfolded on that unforgettable day of 9/11 when the United States was attacked by Terrorists.You will see how the power of the world's greatest government operated from the confines of a single plane.
Probably what this author has excelled best at was to show how each of the Presidents,coming from various walks of life,and having very different personalities,all tried with the best of their abilities and depending on the challenges confronting,gave their all in serving their countries.Upon completion of their terms each returned to private life among their fellow citizens;each in their own way believing that they had done their best.All the world but especially the people of the United States owes all these men a great debt of gratitude.I am sure each of them felt it was ther privelige to serve and that alone was its reward.

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Easy Ride

If you are expecting a hard-hitting expose about anything presidential then this is not the book for you. The author does a very good job of detailing out the Presidents from FDR that have taken flight via Air Force One or its predecessors. The book is very interesting and does a good job at what it covers. The book does not cover in any detail much about the plane except for overall basic facts. The real focus of the book is the men who road in the planes, not the planes. I find that the only issue I had with the book is that there was not enough detail of the actual plane, what the crew goes through to get it ready, the special planning for a trip and so on. Don't get me wrong, I rather enjoyed the book as it was a light easy to read book that provided some very nice stories about the Presidents who traveled in the plane.

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Delightful little read

This was a short and easy read about the atmosphere on Air Force One. I found it very fascinating to look into what went on behind the scenes of Air Force One. The book was filled with several such little stories of presidential practical jokes, awkward moments, scary situations, etc.

One thing that it seemed that every president and every aide who was interviewed for this book said was that Air Force One had a very different atmosphere than rest of the Presidents moments. It was more laid-back and private, and many presidents looked forward to the solidarity of Air Force One and getting away from all of the formalities and the press.

Although it did not cover a lot about each presidents history, it did provide a nice, short overview of what policies each president who flew on Air Force One had.

Recommended for anyone interested in Air Force jets or presidential history.

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Stage for Presidents

Air Force One doesn't break any new ground. There aren't any juicy revelations about our past or present presidents. Air Force One in this book provides a unique stage allowing us to briefly visit all of the "flying presidents" including their personality flaws and greatness. (or the lack thereof) It's an interesting book. You won't end up with it on your all time list of favorites but it's perfect for a summer day at the beach. Enjoyable reading.


reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

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