"The Gatekeeprs" by Chris Whipple

"The Gatekeepers" by Chris Whipple is a fascinating look at the men who pull the strings behind the American presidency. Viewers of the TV Show West Wing are familiar with the character of Leo who shepherds both the president and his staff every day. "The Gatekeepers" tells of the real-life counterparts of the past 50 years or so. It shows how far from being a singular job, every move the President makes is- or should be- a team effort.  Whipple discusses the Chiefs of Staff, their successes (mostly uncredited) and failures (also uncredited) in a lively narrative which relies on a variety of sources, refreshingly from many sides. Each chapter is set up with a lesson to take away, which is especially helpful for those who are second in command of any organization. Fans of history, politics, and just a good story will all find something.