Commanders-in-Chief: The Highs and Lows of US Presidents: From Washington to Biden cover art

Commanders-in-Chief: The Highs and Lows of US Presidents: From Washington to Biden

A Presidential Performance Review

Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, celeb exclusives, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Commanders-in-Chief: The Highs and Lows of US Presidents: From Washington to Biden

By: Michael West
Narrated by: Monte Van Vleet
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £11.99

Buy Now for £11.99

Confirm Purchase
Pay using card ending in
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. Please see our Privacy Notice, Cookies Notice and Interest-based Ads Notice.
Cancel

About this listen

"Commanders-in-Chief: The Highs and Lows of US Presidents" offers an incisive look into the American presidency, exploring the triumphs and tribulations of the nation's most formidable leaders. With meticulous research and a compelling narrative, this book weaves together the personal challenges, political battles, and pivotal decisions that have shaped the United States.

From George Washington's unifying presence to the complexities of modern-day administrations, each chapter provides a vivid snapshot of a president's tenure, the historical context, and their impact on the nation's trajectory. Listeners will delve into the moments that defined presidencies, the policies that transformed the country, and the leadership qualities that either uplifted or unraveled during critical times.

Beyond mere biographical sketches, this book examines the ever-evolving role of the presidency itself, reflecting on how each commander-in-chief has interpreted and fulfilled the office's duties. It offers fresh perspectives on well-known successes and failures and brings to light lesser-known stories that reveal the human side of these historical figures.

Whether you are a history aficionado, a student of American politics, or intrigued by the interplay of personality and power, "Commanders-in-Chief" is an essential listen. It invites you to engage with the past to better understand the present and anticipates the qualities needed for future leadership. This book doesn't just tell history—it encourages listeners to think critically about what it means to lead a nation.

©2023 Michael Paul West (P)2024 Michael Paul West
Americas Political Science Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State United States Inspiring Thought-Provoking
All stars
Most relevant  

Listener received this title free

Commanders-in-Chief: The Highs and Lows of US Presidents offers a concise, balanced look at every U.S. president from Washington to Biden. While some may critique its depth and historical framing, I offer praise for its bipartisan tone, accessible style, and honest portrayal of each leader’s strengths, weaknesses, and impact on American history. Very interesting read.

Very interesting comparisons of Commanders

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This audiobook was exactly the kind of deep dive I love. It goes way beyond just listing facts about each president—it really explores the big decisions they made, what was happening in the US at the time, and how each one shaped the role of the presidency. I liked how it didn’t shy away from the tough parts, either. It felt non-partisan because it looked at both the successes and mistakes, which made it feel more objective. I especially liked how it connected different time periods and gave fresh insight into some of the presidents I thought I already knew well. If you're a history and politics geek like me, this is definitely worth a listen.

Smart, Honest, and Full of Insight

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

What I really liked about this audiobook is how it gives you the highs, the lows, and everything in between without being dry or too textbook-y. It made me look at some presidents differently, and I appreciated how it didn’t shy away from the messy stuff. It felt like a behind-the-scenes tour of American leadership, with lots of moments that made me stop and think. Great listen if you enjoy history but don’t want to get lost in heavy jargon!

Fascinating Ride Through Presidential History

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This was a surprisingly fascinating listen! It walked through each U.S. president’s legacy with a balanced lens—some triumphs, some real missteps. As someone watching American politics from across the pond, it gave me great insight into the bigger picture behind the headlines.

Inside the Oval

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free



This audiobook takes a unique approach to presidential history more like a performance review than a textbook. I really enjoyed how it highlights both the achievements and missteps of each leader without getting too heavy. The tone is smart, sometimes even witty, which kept me engaged the whole time. It’s great for anyone who wants a clearer picture of U.S. presidents without diving into dense political theory. I walked away learning a lot and having fun with it!

Entertaining and Surprisingly Insightful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Didn’t think I’d get into this, but it was brilliant. Gives a straight-up look at each U.S. president—no sugarcoating, just solid storytelling. Great narration and solid insight that actually made US history feel human. Worth a listen for sure.

Grit and Gloss of Power

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

I went into this not expecting much beyond a basic recap, but I was genuinely drawn in. The way each presidency is broken down made it easy to absorb without feeling like a lecture. What stood out most was how it focused on both achievements and missteps—felt honest without leaning one way or another. Great for anyone wanting a clearer picture of how the role of president has evolved.

Balanced, Engaging, and Insightful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Didn’t expect to enjoy a presidential review this much. It’s quick, snappy, and full of interesting tidbits. Learned a lot without getting bored, def not your usual dry history book.

fun & informative

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This engaging audiobook reviews the successes and challenges of every U.S. president. It provides a fair perspective on their accomplishments and failures, featuring intriguing facts that altered my views on confident leaders. If you’re keen on history or leadership development, this is an enjoyable and enlightening listen!

Captivating Audiobook on Presidential History!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

I picked this up expecting a dry overview, but it turned out to be a compelling listen. The author presents each president's tenure with clarity, highlighting both achievements and missteps without bias. The narration by Monte Van Vleet adds a dynamic touch, making the historical accounts feel alive. It's a concise yet informative journey through American leadership that kept me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone interested in U.S. history.

Presidential History Made Surprisingly Engaging

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews