4946. The Palace Guard, by Dan Rather and Gary Paul Gates (read 4 Aug 2012) Although this book came out in 1975 I still found it fascinating reading and throwing light on what led up to Watergate. The book was conceived in 1971 and relates in great detail how Haldeman and Ehrlickman came to the powerful positions they held in the Nixon White House. One gains insight into the big puzzle about Watergate--that the Nixon people would do such stupid things when the political climate for Nixon's re-election was so favorable. The book shows why Watergate happened; and one cannot help but gain satisfaction that the dangerous situation which prevailed at the Nixon White House fortunately came crashing down on the people responsible for it. The book has no source notes but events show that the authors were reading the situation right. ( )

With just 2 months left until American decide between McCain or Obama this is an especially interesting book. I had the advatage of reading it just after reading Haldeman's diary, published in 1994, the year of his death. What choices will the candidate make for advisors and cabinet ? How can I find out them as soon as possible on line and through the print media as soon as possible.