Ari Fleischer

Easton Press Ari Fleischer books

Taking Heat - signed first edition - 2005

 

Ari Fleischer biography

Ari Fleischer, born on October 13, 1960, is an American political aide, commentator, and communications professional best known for his role as the White House Press Secretary during the first term of President George W. Bush. Fleischer played a key role in shaping and delivering the administration's messages during a crucial period in U.S. history. Fleischer was born and raised in Pound Ridge, New York. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1982 with a degree in political science. Early in his career, Fleischer worked on several political campaigns, gaining experience in communications and public relations.

His significant career breakthrough came when he joined the presidential campaign of George H.W. Bush in 1988. After the successful campaign, Fleischer served in various communication roles within the administration. He then co-founded his own consulting firm, Fleischer Communications, before being appointed as the White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush in 2001. As Press Secretary, Ari Fleischer faced the challenging task of communicating the administration's positions, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He played a critical role in shaping the narrative during a time of heightened national security concerns and the lead-up to the Iraq War. Fleischer's tenure as Press Secretary was marked by his composed and articulate communication style, as well as his dedication to delivering the administration's messages to the public and the press. He left the position in July 2003 but continued to be involved in political commentary and public relations.

After leaving the White House, Fleischer worked as a media commentator, offering political analysis on various news outlets. He also contributed articles to publications and became a sought-after speaker on issues related to politics and communication. Ari Fleischer's career reflects his commitment to public service and effective communication in the political arena. His experiences in the White House and subsequent work in media have established him as a prominent figure in political communication and analysis. Fleischer's insights into the inner workings of the presidency and his perspectives on the political landscape continue to contribute to the broader discussions surrounding American politics.

 

Taking Heat - The President, the Press, and My Years in the White House

The early years of the twenty-first century were a tumultuous time in America. The country faced a hotly contested presidential election, the largest terrorist attack in the nation's history, and the early stages of war. Through it all, President George W. Bush surrounded himself with a handful of close advisers. During this time the man beside the President was Ari Fleischer, his press secretary and one of his most trusted confidants. In this role, Fleisher was present for every decision and became an eyewitness to history.

In this riveting account, Fleischer goes behind the scenes as he recalls his experiences in the West Wing. Through the ups and downs of this time, he took the heat, fielded the questions, and brought the President's message into living rooms around the world.

In Taking Heat, Fleischer, for the first time, gives his perspective on:

The 2000 election, from the recounts to the transition to power

September 11, 2001, its aftermath, and the anthrax scare

The pressure-filled buildup to the war in Iraq and the President's thoughts as the war began

Life in the White House, from learning to adjust to the pace of the West Wing and his early briefings to his relationship with the press

The White House press corps, who they are, and how they report the news

The factors that led to his decision to leave Washington behind.

This is the story of the men and women of the White House press corps and the cornerstones of democracy: freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. Fleischer presents an in-depth, insider's view on the Washington political arena from a perspective few have seen.

Fleischer writes of his belief that the press has a bias in Washington. It's not a question of partisanship or press-driven ideology. Instead, it's a focus on conflict, particularly if it's a conflict they can attach to the President. It's the nature of the White House press corps, regardless of who's in power. The members of the White House press corps are masters at being devil's advocate, able to take with passion the opposite side of whatever issue the President supports. Fleischer's job was to calmly field their questions, no matter how pointed.

Taking Heat is an introspective exploration of the top political events in the first half of the Bush administration, as well as the candid observations of a professional who stood in the bright lights of the world stage.