Review of What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer

What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer is a monumental work, exploring the complex dynamics of the 1988 presidential election. Spanning over 1,000 pages, it covers the campaigns of George H.W. Bush, Michael Dukakis, Bob Dole, Dick Gephardt, Gary Hart, and Joe Biden, with appearances by figures like Al Gore and Jesse Jackson. 

Cramer’s achievement lies in the intimacy and depth of his portrayal, built on extensive research and personal relationships with the candidates, their families, and associates. The book is more than a recounting of events; it is a profound exploration of the psychological and personal sacrifices required to run for the highest office in the United States. Cramer reveals how candidates are isolated in a bubble, magnifying their strengths and weaknesses while simultaneously distancing them from the public. He argues that the grueling process of running for president demands an all-encompassing commitment—one must be willing to sacrifice virtually everything for the chance to lead. Cramer’s incisive analysis and vivid character sketches illuminate the paradox of this process: a candidate must be both connected enough to inspire others and detached enough to endure the brutal isolation of the campaign. This is a definitive look at what it truly takes to be president in America.