Landmark political confrontations between sitting presidents and powerful senators have occurred throughout American history--some have shaped the nation. This book takes an in-depth look at seven of those major "Washington wars," including the personal rivalries that spawned each one, the strategies and events that transpired as a result, and the aftermaths and impacts on the country.
Neither compromise nor surrender were considered in these intense debates, which left scars on the national psyche. Each episode could be worthy of a historical narrative all its own but considered together they illustrate the long and bitter history of democratic warfare between the leaders and branches of government at either end of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Preface: Great Political Rivalries and Conflicts
Introduction: Landmark Political Confrontations
Prologue: All-Time Greats and Taking on the White House
Chapter 1. Setting the Stage with Campaign Strategy
Chapter 2. Chronological Review of a Political Gamble
Chapter 3. The Ensuing Expansion of Presidential Power
Chapter 4. Breakdown of the Jacksonian Democrats
Chapter 5. Lack of Leadership Amidst Drift to Disunion
Chapter 6. Lincoln, Civil War and Republican Rule
Chapter 7. Political Opposites on a Collision Course
Chapter 8. The Rage Over Southern Reconstruction
Chapter 9. “Glorious Failure” or What Might Have Been
Chapter 10. Political Enemies on a Collision Course
Chapter 11. The Ammunition of Lasting Animosity
Chapter 12. One-and-Done and Back to Normal
Chapter 13. The Cold War Launch of a Red Hot Demagogue
Chapter 14. Turning the Other Cheek in a No-Win War
Chapter 15. From Fearmongering to Covert Action
Chapter 16. Anatomy of an Impending Political Breakup
Chapter 17. The End of Debate; the Start of Equality
Chapter 18. Personal Legacy Waylaid by Foreign Escalation
Chapter 19. From “Perpetuity” to “Inviting Disaster”
Chapter 20. Reversing Course into a Proxy War
Chapter 21. The Diminishing Returns of Global Leadership
Epilogue: If Keeping Score, Closer Than Anticipated