In the final year of my presidency, I began to think
seriously about writing my memoirs. On the
recommendation of Karl Rove, I met with more than a
dozen distinguished historians. To a person, they told me I
had an obligation to write. They felt it was important that I
record my perspective on the presidency, in my own words.
“Have you ever seen the movie Apollo 13?” the historian
Jay Winik asked. “Everyone knows the astronauts make it
home in the end. But you’re on the edge of your seat
wondering how they do it.”
Nearly all the historians suggested that I read Memoirs by
President Ulysses S. Grant, which I did. The book captures
his distinctive voice. He uses anecdotes to re-create his
experience during the Civil War. I could see why his work
had endured.
Like Grant, I decided not to write an exhaustive account
of my life or presidency. Instead I have told the story of my
time in the White House by focusing on the most important
part of the job: making decisions. Each chapter is based on a
major decision or a series of related decisions. As a result,
the book flows thematically, not in a day-by-day chronology.
I do not cover all of the important issues that crossed my
desk. Many devoted members of my Cabinet and staff are
mentioned briefly or not at all. I value their service, and I
will always be grateful for their contributions.
My goals in writing this book are twofold. First, I hope to
paint a picture of what it was like to serve as president for
eight consequential years. I believe it will be impossible to
reach definitive conclusions about my presidency—or any
recent presidency, for that matter—for several decades. The
passage of time allows passions to cool, results to clarify,
and scholars to compare different approaches. My hope is
that this book will serve as a resource for anyone studying
this period in American history.
Second, I write to give readers a perspective on decision
making in a complex environment. Many of the decisions
that reach the president’s desk are tough calls, with strong
arguments on both sides. Throughout the book, I describe
the options I weighed and the principles I followed. I hope
this will give you a better sense of why I made the decisions
I did. Perhaps it will even prove useful as you make choices
in your own life.
Decision Points is based primarily on my recollections.
With help from researchers, I have confirmed my account
with government documents, contemporaneous notes,
personal interviews, news reports, and other sources, some
of which remain classifed. There were instances in which I
had to rely on my memory alone. If there are inaccuracies in
this book, the responsibility is mine.
In the pages that follow, I have done my best to write
about the decisions I got right, those I got wrong, and what I
would do differently if given the chance. Of course, in the
presidency, there are no do-overs. You have to do what you
believe is right and accept the consequences. I tried to do
that every day of my eight years in office. Serving as
president was the honor of a lifetime, and I appreciate your
giving me an opportunity to share my story.
