The Last Republicans

Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush

By: Mark K. Updegrove

Narrated by: Milton Jeffers

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

A historian's revealing and intimate portrait of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush that explores their relationship as presidents and as father and son - the first major biographical treatment of these two consequential presidents and figures in American history.

In 2016, the Republican base revolted against the GOP establishment that has become synonymous with the Bush name, choosing instead a political neophyte and antiestablishment outsider as the standard bearer of their party. Donald Trump's election marked not only the end of a presidential dynasty but a rejection of the Republican principles and traditions the Bushes have long championed. Despite the Republicans' surprise victory in 2016, behind closed doors the party remains divided between traditional conservatives, populists, and radical ideologues and faces an uncertain future. As presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove argues, Bush 41 and 43 are, in effect, the "last Republicans".

In this balanced, illuminating audiobook, Updegrove tells the story of the Bushes' relationship from the birth of George W. through their postpresidential years and Jeb Bush's failed candidacy. Drawing on exclusive access and interviews with both presidents and the key people in their lives, Updegrove reveals the Bushes' views on the current state of the nation and the GOP and how the party they both led and helped build is undergoing a radical transformation. At last the famously circumspect Bushes offer unvarnished observations and revelations on everything from George W. Bush's youthful indiscretions to the influence and perspectives they had on each other's administration to their views on Donald Trump - and how they each voted in the 2016 election.

A candid and often surprising portrait of two men, The Last Republicans is also an elegy for the party of Reagan and Bush - and for the many thoughtful and prudent individuals who made up the "establishment" and are conspicuously lacking in today's GOP.

©2017 Mark K. Updegrove (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent

I found myself surprised, inspired, impressed, and touched. Thanks to the author for writing this!

Excellent book!

Well written, I love the subject matter. Hard to believe the Bushes’ were the last of the true Republicans, but I have to agree with the author it may be true. Thank you for writing a great book!

A fascinating in-depth look at the 41stand 43rd presidents.

I’m not a political person but I can’t deny that the whole arena and establishment interests me. Epically after the rise of trump, the Republican Party is looking stranger and stranger. Bush 41 and Bush 43 cast some interesting light on the party in the decades before.

I enjoyed their personal history more than their political history. George HW Bush had an amazing like. Serving in WWII and then striking out on his own in Texas. George W also had his own journey. Both men are quite intriguing and the book does a wonderful job of weaving their lives together and apart. The author certainly romanticizes both of the Bush legacies, and it’s still a interesting read.

better than expected

it has some slow moments but overall it was much better than I expected, definitely glad I read it

A Great Book About My Favorite American Family

Where does The Last Republicans rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best non-fiction I have read in ages.

What did you like best about this story?

It confirmed my positive view of the Bush family. These two Presidents are/were servant leaders. They never embarrassed us and had no hidden agendas. There is such a thing as an “Everyman” in politics, and though it might be rare, both Bushes qualify. I think you judge people by the way they treat others, especially ordinary everyday people, and it’s clear that 41 and 43 have a deep respect for others. I happen to agree with them politically but there is a reason they maintain strong ties even with people they disagree with politically.

What about Milton Jeffers’s performance did you like?

It was as it should be, a non-distracting, strong voice sharing information.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me wistful. I have five kids in their twenties. We talked politics everyday when they were growing up. They feel a little cheated that many successful politicians today do not have qualities that inspire them. I pray that the Bushes are not the last Republicans.

Set your course with humility and resolve and let History tell your story.

Having gained such a negative view of Republican politics over recent years this book has afforded me the privilege of a closer and yet more objective look at Republican politics and politicians through the ages. I am grateful and recommend the book to those who find themselves fascinated with, and frustrated by, politics. It is for me, an important reminder of the courage it takes to set your own course with humility and resolve, taking success and failure in your stride knowing leadership is a calling. A calling to serve in often treacherous times because it is not about you, your ego or your legacy but about those you serve. I love the idea of History deciding what to make of ones legacy!
Cheryllyn Dudley

A Necessary Read

A tribute to two Americans which should be read everyone. Within its pages are insights and nuances which will leave you feeling a bit prouder of America. And with a better sense of what these two stars in the American political firmament leave behind.

A wonderful story of love in country and family

This is a wonderful story of the love that the Bush family has for their country and to each other. independent of your political stance there is no doubt that 41/43 love their country. it displays the values that they hold dear to their hearts that reflected in their tenures.

Wonderful tribute to 2 President s

This book was a look into the lives and the love between s Father and son who just happened to share the title “Mr. President “.
George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush loved and respected each other and the Bush family.
I enjoyed very much hearing their story.

Insightful, comprehensive and thoughtful

critical analysis of a father son relationship in the context of the most powerful and public position in the world. A testament to family and values regardless the position or circumstance.