In this first-hand account of a Presidential scandal, Center President David M. Abshire describes the events behind the investigation into the Iran-Contra affair. Revealing details about behind-the-scenes meetings and private discussions, Abshire offers a unique perspective into this critial time in U.S. history. His recollections give the reader valuable insight into how he and his team worked tirelessly to restore the trust in both the president and the Presidency. Abshire’s story not only informs us about the past, but offers important lessons on how future leaders can restore their reputations and re-gain the confidence of the people after a public scandal.

In Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency, more than 50 of the nation’s leading Presidential historians and journalists describe the most notable successes—and failures—of American presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Bill Clinton. This kaleidoscope of many of the most dramatic events of the twentieth century is presented in 76 case histories told by observers, practitioners, scholars and top advisors to the Presidents whose decisions resulted in success or failure, triumph or tragedy.

During the 1999 Spring Symposium and Awards Dinner, CSPC hosted a dialogue on Presidential leadership that produced several messages for the 2000 President-Elect. The event included a discussion between Senators John Breaux and Chuck Hagel, as well as panel presentations by David Gergen, James Schlesinger, Eleanor Clift, Michael Barone and William Brock, among others. Selected remarks from that event are included in Dialogues on Presidential Leadership.

In a speech given in May 1999 at Fordham University, Dr. David Abshire argues that Presidents need sage counsel to transform their campaigns - and their inevitable policy or personal mistakes - into effective governance. Using the examples of Presidents Nixon, Reagan and Clinton, Dr. Abshire provides three recommendations to incoming Presidents: beware of hubris when entering office; remember that Congress must be a partner; and, if things go wrong, get objective outside advice and "get it all out."