American Reboot

An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done

By: Will Hurd

Narrated by: Will Hurd

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From former US Congressman and CIA Officer Will Hurd, a “how-to guide with a prescription for getting the nation on the right footing” (Politico) and “a clarion call for a major political pivot” (San Antonio Report) rooted in the timeless ideals of bipartisanship, inclusivity, and democratic values.

“Hurd has the biography and the charisma and the God-given political chops to put the Republican Party—and the rest of the country—on notice.” —THE ATLANTIC

It’s getting harder to get big things done in America. The gears of our democracy have been mucked up by political nonsense. To meet the era-defining challenges of the 21st century, our country needs a reboot.

In American Reboot, Hurd, called “the future of the GOP” by Politico, provides a “detailed blueprint” (Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, 2006–2011) for America grounded by what Hurd calls pragmatic idealism—a concept forged from enduring American values to achieve what is actually achievable.

Hurd takes on five seismic problems facing a country in crisis: the Republican Party’s failure to present a principled vision for the future; the lack of honest leadership in Washington, DC; income inequality that threatens the livelihood of millions of Americans; US economic and military dominance that is no longer guaranteed; and how technological change in the next thirty years will make the advancements of the last thirty years look trivial.

Hurd has seen these challenges up close. A child of interracial parents in South Texas, Hurd survived the back alleys of dangerous places as a CIA officer. He carried that experience into three terms in Congress, where he was, for a time, the House’s only Black Republican, representing a seventy-one percent Latino swing district in Texas that runs along 820 miles of the US-Mexico border. As a cyber security executive and innovation crusader, Hurd has worked with entrepreneurs on the cutting edge of technology to anticipate the shockwaves of the future.

Hurd, who the Houston Chronicles calls “a refreshing contract to the panderers, petty demagogues, and political provocateurs who reign these days,” draws on his remarkable experience to present “a call to Americans to consider the most contentious issues of our times more holistically” (The Atlantic). He outlines how the Republican party can look like America by appealing to the middle, not the edges. He maps out how leaders should inspire rather than fearmonger. He forges a domestic policy based on the idea that prosperity should be a product of empowering people, not the government. He articulates a foreign policy where our enemies fear us and our friends love us. And lastly, he charts a forceful path forward for America’s technological future.

We all know we can do better. It’s time to hit “ctrl alt del” and start the American Reboot.

©2022 William Hurd. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved

Well Said

Really enjoyed the narrative and the honest perspective. The Congressman gives a well balanced look at events over the last 5 years and has a path to a better outcome. Thanks

Great read

This book is well written, insightful and is a must read for every thinking person.

If only more Republicans were like you

Will is an oasis in the desert of politics that exists in my state of Texas. Unfortunately he left office but one can only hope he will take his idea’s forward to some amount of fruition.
Read listen and learn and hopefully execute.

What American Leaders should do

It is really nice book, it has touched various topics about the American past and future politics. And emphasized how America can stand as global leader in the technology front when we work together and have unified vision.

Don’t be a jerk and don’t be a socialist

This book is a must read for anyone interested in getting big things done! It’s exhausting hearing politicians complain about what they don’t like rather than offering real solutions. Hurd presents tangible, common sense approaches to the biggest issues of the day. Hopefully this inspires Americans to reach across the aisle and work together to make sure this century remains the American century.

This actually feels honest!

I'm mostly left of center politically, but have a number of good friends that are very conservative and one that is down right Libertarian. I've followed Will Heard for years and this feels like a true accounting of who h e is and how he lives his life. I could truly support him in future political endeavors as I think he actually listens to his constituents and is trying to serve the people.

Thoughtful perspective on American politics

I was encouraged by Will’s analysis of the data. He presents practical solutions to real problems while illuminating the dangers of getting distracted by the petty disputes between parties. Agree or disagree, I wish every citizen of these United States would give this book a listen or a read and thoughtfully consider their next vote and demand more of their representatives.

Thank you, Will, for providing your service to our country. Your insights and perspectives based on your first hand experience were much appreciated.

Technology warfare!

I listened to this book to try and understand the opposing side of Politics! Will is a very accomplished person in that he shares many of the same ideals as most Americans and adds a dimension of being involved in several parts of the American political process. I enjoyed his view on the technological aspects of the upcoming generations and I think he’s spot on in what needs to be accomplished if Americans plan on holding the number one position in the World today! A great read!

Reboot

Before the trump era I would examine the person running for office. If I found the person running for office to be the best candidate, that was the person I voted for. After trump i would not have given a vote to a Republican for any reason. This person sounds like a good person who could brighten America’s future and he would definitely get my vote. I recommend this book as it illuminates many past government actions, the work and reasons behind them and in many cases how it can be improved. It was refreshing to hear a sane Republican!

A Refreshing Take

Will Hurd takes a new and refreshing look at our country’s most pressing issues. This book is filled with solutions that are well studied and grounded in patriotism rather than partisanship. One can only hope our leaders follow the path that Will lays out in these pages.