James Moore - Bushs Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential

Table of Contents

J.M.

W.S.

All books are collaborations. They begin with authors sharing ideas and impressions with potential readers, friends, professional colleagues, or even sources. This process led the two of us to work together on a book about Karl Rove, a man we had known and written about since very early in his amazing political career.

We want readers to understand that what we have written here is neither an indictment nor an endorsement of Roves skills. This is simply a story of a man who understands the American political process, quite possibly, better than anyone our culture has ever produced. He has used that knowledge to gain effective control in elections for his candidates. Frankly, we do not believe anyone has ever done it better. If one of the many very competent national political consultants had been in charge of the Bush campaign in 2000, rather than Rove, the current president would have ended up little more than an historical footnote, son of a former president who ran a failed race for the White House. Instead, he won, not just because of his own capabilities, but also through the genius of Karl Rove. Democracy has never before produced anyone like Karl Rove. History will not be able to ignore his importance. Just like a young artist with the gift of great prescience, a Hemingway or Fitzgerald, Rove knew from the beginning what he wanted to do and devoted all of his energy and intellectual development to this goal.

Obviously, this book owes much to Karl Rove. He gave up several hours of his time, driving down to Austin from the presidents ranch in Crawford, to spend a sunny morning answering questions about matters he probably considered long ago disposed of. Pete McRae and Mike Moeller, two casualties of Roves strategic moves, also gave very generously of their time. Both spoke openly of a difficult time in their lives. The full measure of a political act cannot be taken without weighing human consequences. McRae and Moeller have long deserved to have their stories told. We hope we have done that here.

We are also indebted to the many fine reporters of the Texas capitol media corps. Their consistent diligence has provided a bounty of resources, which gave us a solid foundation for beginning our own work. When George W. Bush began his political ascension, and national journalists were looking at his background, their job was also made infinitely easier by all of the detailed reporting already conducted by Texas political writers, in and out of Austin. The work they have performed through the years has always met the highest of standards, and still does. Ask the president of the United States.

Other individuals, who are quoted but deserving of special note here, are Jesse Oliver, a Dallas attorney with a fine, analytical mind, who served as general counsel to the Texas Department of Agriculture ; Buck Wood, an Austin attorney and political activist; Garry Mauro, former Texas Land Commissioner who ran for governor against George W. Bush; Reggie Bashur, Republican political consultant, a man who actually is a compassionate conservative and has the long-held respect of Austin journalists; Jason Stanford, a Democrat with equal parts courage, intellect, and conviction; Mark McKinnon, who is possessed of a valuable insight from both sides of the battle line; John Weaver, once a great Republican political consultant now a great Democratic political consultant; personal friend Paul Willcott, who isnt just the worlds greatest undiscovered writer but is also the finest editor any writer might hope for; Pete Slover, who has the kind of relentlessness that always makes for great journalism; Chuck McDonald, for making sure people never fail to laugh at the absurdities of democracy; the late George Christian, former presidential press secretary and a man without enemies; Dallas Morning News political writer Sam Attlesey for creating his own institution of political insight with an unsurpassed love of Texas and politics; Mike Toomey, who saw it all from the inside; Bill Miller, who represents both ... ; Kim Ross, a lobbyist, gentleman, and leader; Brian Berry, who has worked closely with and admired the skills of Karl; Don Sipple, producer of political ads that helped in the Bush climb; Texas Senator Bill Ratliff and House Speaker Pete Laney, who take the term public servant very seriously; Governor Rick Perry, for his graciousness and insight; two of the finest political thinkers in America, Bruce Buchanan of the University of Texas and James Thurber of American University in Georgetown, their perspective comes from the neighborhood and not the Beltway; Texas State Representative Paul Sadler, who has single-handedly provided the intellectual force of will to improve Texas schools; former Texas House Representative Mark Stiles, for his honesty and integrity; Tom Pauken, a Republican on his own terms; Kenneth Boatwright, who found a good life outside of politics in the Texas Hill Country; Susie Galprin, whose help and recollections from Utah proved invaluable; Bill Israel, a journalist and scholar; Rossanna Salazar, a loyal Republican of the highest decency; Robert Bryce, author of Pipe Dreams and a man of considerable honor; Ken Vest for unflagging friendship and encouragement; Jimmy and Deb Denning for becoming family; compa Greg Groogan; brother Tim Moore, intellectual co-conspirator; John Hoblitzell for his assistance and knowledge of the mountain state; Chris Greta of the Adranch for his endless stream of promotional ideas; campaign television producer Catherine Herter and cameraman Cody Marcom; Ed Wendler, for endlessly serving his principles; the outstanding journalism of Bruce Tomaso, Christy Hoppe, David Elliot, Guillermo X. Garcia, Debbie Graves, Anne Marie Kilday, R.G. Ratcliffe, John Gravois, Robert Cullick, Mary Lenz, Ken Herman, Peggy Fikac, Jay Root, Bob Elder, Dave McNeely, Ross Ramsey of Texas Weekly, and Harvey Kronberg of The Quorum Report.

We also owe much to the national media working out of Washington, DC. Their language and insights framed George W. Bush and Karl Rove in a broader perspective and prompted fresh thinking for us. The product of their reporting is a resource often utilized in the creation of this narrative. We are also grateful to the Texas State Historical Archives, Texas A&M University, and the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Additionally, the considerations and graciousness of the senior management at the Dallas Morning News were immeasurably critical to this accomplishment.

First thoughts of this book grew out of conversation in a tortilla factory in East Austin, temporary studios for an ill-fated Texas television news network. The story did not take on viability until several years later when we encountered Samuel Fleishman of Literary Artists Representatives. While other agents and publishers were disagreeing with our vision for a book about Karl Rove, Sam was carefully considering its potential and wondering if these Texas guys werent onto an idea. He became our advocate and found just the right publisher and editor for the project. His friendship has become as valued as his counsel.

Bushs Brain was acquired by David Pugh of John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Davids commitment to the project was no minor act of courage or intellect at a time when Karl Rove was still very much below the consciousness of mainstream America. But David liked our ideas and, even though hes a Brooklyn boy, he had those horizon eyes of a Texan and was able to see farther than other editors. He has stewarded this book through an expedited and diligent editorial process. We think the final product reflects his skill as much as ours.