Politics as a Noble Calling: The Memoirs of F. Clifton White F. Clifton White with Jerome Tuccille Introduction by David Broder

As this memoir reveals, American politics has been stalked by a relentless "posse" of conservatives during the thirty years since the Republican presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater in 1964. In November, 1994 this posse finally gunned down an aging political establishment, giving rise in the media and elsewhere to the question, "Who ARE those guys?"

In this memoir, Clif White answers that question, revealing the principles and the people of the conservative movement in politics.

In addition to telling fifty years of American political history and giving practical lessons for running for public office, his book is also a moving account of White's spiritual journey through and event filled life.

Clif White burst into the national scene as the architect of the Goldwater nomination--the "sheriff" of that first conservative posse. His fascinating life story began in teaching and service in World War II, but soon turned to politics under Governor Tom Dewey of New York. After his team of conservatives took control of the Republican Party in 1964, he next followed with the spectacular 1970 upset victory of James Buckley for the U.S. Senate in New York on a third party line, and then helped elect Ronald Reagan in 1980-- using the political team he had taught and nurtured since the capture of the GOP in 1964.

Distinguished political reporter and columnist David Broder of the Washington Post writes in his forward: "Clif White was different. He was always teaching and few people in postwar politics had more to teach than he did. . . he understood most of the tidal forces in American politics, better than most others. . . he imparted a great deal to me and to scores of others over a long and useful life. He was special. And so is this book."

This book not only helps explain the "Who Are those guys?" question of the recent elections, it also shows what is in store for the future of American politics now that the students of Clif White have created the basis of a new political establishment.

Introduction by David Broder
Prologue
1. A Second Beginning
2. Let Reagan Be Reagan
3. The Troika
4. Pragmatists and Opportunists
5. A Pioneer Spirit
6. My Training Begins
7. A Schoolteacher?
8. The Regensburg Raid
9. An Offer I Couldn't Refuse
10. The AVC
11. The Most Exciting Profession
12. My Course Is Set
13. Ike
14. Political Patronage
15. The Right to Know
16. Snowed Out
17. Teaching Politics
18. Meeting the People
19. A Star Falls
20. A New Political Movement
21. The Draft
22. Mr. Conservative
23. Goldwater for President
24. Filling the Vacuum
25. Not Our Turn
26. The Tragic Flaw
27. Jim Buckley
28. A Bad Campaign
29. A Revolution Begins
30. Persona Non Grata
31. The Ashbrook Center
32. IFES
33. A Center of Knowledge
34. The Election Process
35. Promoting Freedom
36. Remaining Optimistic
Postscript