Running Alone: Presidential Leadership

James MacGregor Burns appeared on the “Diane Rehm Show” to talk about his book Running Alone: Presidential Leadership, JFK to Bush II, Why It Has Failed and How We Can Fix It, published by Basic Books. He said that President Kennedy changed American politics by running and governing with a group of trusted friends rather than working with the Democratic Party. He also said that most presidents since have followed that example, to the detriment of the democratic process and growth of the “imperial presidency,” except for Presidents Johnson and Reagan. He explained why he believes the Bush leadership has failed, and gave suggestions about how presidents can gain collective support from their constituents and colleagues. Mr. Burns responded to telephone calls from listeners. close