The Man in the Middle: An Inside Account of Faith and Politics in the George W. Bush Era

Timothy Goeglein spent nearly eight years in the White House as President George W. Bush's key point of contact to American conservatives and the faith-based world and was frequently profiled in the national news media. But when a plagiarism scandal prompted his resignation, Goeglein chose not to dodge it but confront it, and was shown remarkable grace by the president. In fact, Bush showed more concern for Goeglein and his family than any personal political standing. So begins The Man in the Middle, Goeglein's unique insider account of why he believes most of the 43rd president's in-office decisions were made for the greater good, and how many of those decisions could serve as a blueprint for the emergence of a thoughtful, confident conservatism. From a fresh perspective, Goeglein gives behind-the-scenes accounts of key events during that historic two-term administration, reflecting on what was right and best about the Bush years. He was in Florida for the 2000 election recount, at the White House on 9/11, and watched Bush become a reluctant but effective wartime president. Goeglein, now the vice president with Focus on the Family, also looks back at how Bush handled matters like stem cell research, faith-based initiatives, the emergence of the Values Voters, the nominations of both Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito-in which Goeglein had a direct role-and debates over the definition of marriage. In all, The Man in the Middle backs historians who view the legacy of President George W. Bush in a favorable light, recognizing his conservative ideas worth upholding in order to better shape our nation and change the world. From the Inside Flap &;President Bush begins each day with prayer. He believes the Bible is truth, and he believes the United States of America is exactly what New England Puritan John Winthrop said it was, &;The shining city upon a hill.&; He believes this is an exceptional country that has been called out of all of history to be the great beacon of liberty and freedom. The depth of his belief in this impacts his attitude about everything . . .&;This is a story about the depth of a man&;s character. It is a story about his magnanimity, sense of gratitude, servant-leadership, loyalty, and concern for real people, not just abstractions or &;staff.&; It is about something far deeper.&;Washington has too few men and women who exhibit this kind of moral fiber. It was my privilege and joy to work for one of them.&;&;Timothy S. Goeglein, The Man in the MiddleTimothy S. Goeglein is vice president of External Relations for Focus on the Family. He served as deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison under President George W. Bush for nearly eight years. Goeglein and his wife have two sons. From the Back Cover Timothy Goeglein spent nearly eight years in the White House as President George W. Bush?s key point of contact to American conservatives and the faith-based world and was often profiled in the national news media. But when a plagiarism scandal prompted his resignation, Goeglein chose not to dodge it but confront it, and was shown remarkable grace by the president. In fact, Bush showed more concern for Goeglein and his family than any personal political standing.The Man in the Middle is Goeglein?s unique insider account of why he believes most of the 43rd president?s in-office decisions were made for the greater good, and how many of those decisions could serve as a blueprint for the emergence of a thoughtful, confident conservatism. From a fresh perspective, Goeglein gives behind-the-scenes accounts of key events during that historic two-term administration, reflecting on what was right and best about the Bush years. He was in Florida for the 2000 election recount, at the White House on 9/11, and watched Bush become an effective, confident wartime president.Goeglein, now a vice president with Focus on the Family, als