Goldwater (Magill Book Reviews)

At a glance:

This terse, well-written book will probably cause the hackles of both conservatives and liberals to rise. Intended as a “last salute” to his country, the recollections herein are overshadowed by Goldwater’s bleak vision of a failing America. Democratic and Republican politicians alike are responsible for the decline, says Goldwater, as both parties in Washington have allowed the federal bureaucracy to become a “colossus” that “is out of control” and that continues to increase the national debt; furthermore, “Washington and the country are being run by people who have not been elected to office.” Besides this, from both parties have come a “new breed of senator” who is more interested in self-promotion and reelection than in genuine accomplishment or loyalty to the nation.

Although Goldwater believes that only the Republican party can save the United States from complete ruin, much of his criticism of individuals here crosses partisan lines. For example, Richard Nixon “was the most dishonest individual I ever met in my life.” As for the Iran-Contra scandal and President Ronald Reagan: “I believe the President did know of the diversion of Iranian funds to the Contras.... He had to know. The White House explanation makes him out to be either a liar or incompetent.”

Given Goldwater’s belief that America’s survival depends upon his Republican party, it is not surprising that he omits here any discussion of George Bush. This omission seems glaringly politic, especially given the large number of detailed portraits Goldwater offers of the leaders of the United States during the last forty years, and especially considering that the presidential election follows the publication of GOLDWATER by only a month.

Sources for Further Study

Booklist. LXXXIV, August, 1988, p. 1867.

Business Week. November 14, 1988, p. 38.

Commentary. LXXXVI, November, 1988, p. 70.

The Economist. CCCIX, October 22, 1988, p. 98.

Kirkus Reviews. LVI, August 1, 1988, p. 1121.

Library Journal. CXIII, October 15, 1988, p. 93.

Los Angeles Times. September 19, 1988, VI, p. 1.

National Review. XL, November 7, 1988, p. 72.

The New Republic. CXCIX, November 28, 1988, p. 41.

The New York Times Book Review. XCIII, October 16, 1988, p. 13.

Publishers Weekly. CCXXXIV, August 19, 1988, p. 63.