Celebrity in Chief

With the advent of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as presidential nominees, the examination of the role of celebrity culture in the White House takes on a fresh appeal. This book, by award-winning White House correspondent and presidential historian Kenneth T. Walsh, takes a detailed and comprehensive look at the history of America's presidents as "celebrities in chief" since the beginning of the Republic. Walsh makes the point that modern presidents need to be celebrities and build on their fame in order to propel their agendas and rally public support for themselves as national leaders so that they can get things done.

Introduction: The Rise of the Concept of Stardom and the Culture of Celebrity
1. Forerunners of the Modern Celebrity Presidents: Washington to Cleveland
2. Theodore Roosevelt: The Strenuous Life
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Public Advocate
4. John F. Kennedy: Glitter and Cool
5. Ronald Reagan: The Role of the Century
6. Bill Clinton: Pop Icon
7. Barack Obama: Making History and Taking New Paths
8. Second Billing: From Truman to the Bushes
9. First Ladies: Partners in Celebrity
10. Presidents and Television: Primal Forces
11. Presidents and the News Media: Tug of War
12. Presidents and the Movies: Cinema Stars
13. Presidents and Reading: Gravitas Alert
14. Presidents and Sports: Links to Everyday America
15. Presidents and Music: Sweet and Sour Notes
16. Presidents as Trend Setters and Trend Spotters: Food, Fashion, Pets, and More
17. Callow vs. Consequential Celebrity: All Stardom is Not Equal
Epilogue: The Rise of The Donald and Hillary: Riding Celebrity to New Highs and Lows
Selected Readings