Man of the People

I continue to believe that we're the noblest experiment in the history of the world. My job is to do what little I can to see that that dream continues. All nations throughout history have fallen; they've risen and fallen. And someday America will fall. But I want that day to be put off as long as possible. And that, in a nutshell, is Senator John McCain-disarming yet honest, hopeful yet realistic, and one of today's most fascinating, sometimes antagonistic, and popular public figures. Senator McCain has garnered the respect and admiration of Americans of all political stripes, and-based on his goal-driven record of persistence and success-we may one day find ourselves referring to him as President McCain. But who is John McCain? What drove this one-time Navy plebe to the top rungs of the American political ladder, within striking distance of becoming the most powerful man in the world? Man of the People: The Life of John McCain is the first in-depth and straightforward examination of the remarkable journey of John McCain. Equal parts biography and history of late twentieth-century American politics, this fascinating book pieces together the puzzle of McCain's extraordinary life through the events and circumstances that shaped his distinctive personality and molded his character. Political journalist and bestselling biographer Paul Alexander parlays his unique access to McCain and his circle to recount: McCain's formative years as the son and grandson of four-star admirals McCain's brutal-yet transformative-stint as a prisoner of war in Vietnam His difficult decision to leave behind a promising military career to craft a new life in U.S. politics The hard-fought presidential campaign that raised McCain's national popularity and brought him acclaim John McCain has molded himself into one of our country's genuine leaders by answering only to his constituents and his conscience. In Man of the People, McCain's sincere though sometimes controversial style leaps from the printed page. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, it will provide you with a one-on-one introduction to the man who many consider to be the most principled and accomplished figure on today's American stage-and who may soon be calling the shots on that very same stage.