The Pursuit of Happiness in Times of War

In this wonderful read, Carl Cannon has charted how U.S. presidents from George Washington to George Bush―and patriots from Frederick Douglass to John McCain―have used the galvanizing language of the Declaration of Independence to rally Americans to a cause larger than themselves. That cause―that truly noble cause―is the inexorable expansion of Thomas Jefferson’s ‘unalienable rights’ to those who do not have them. The book has a strong narrative thread from start to finish, but each of Cannon’s dozen chapters comprises an essay that would be worthy of the price of the book by itself. — Joel Garreau, author of The Nine Nations of North America

One of our ablest President-watchers tackles an even bigger subject with grace and originality. — Richard E. Neustadt, Harvard University

Carl Cannon gives us an elegant tone poem to the purpose of the American idea. Through reflections on leaders historic and contemporary, Cannon delivers a patriotism far more engaging and profound than sticking an Old Glory pin on the lapel. He has captured something essential about the American spirit―at a time we need it most. — Michael D. McCurry, former White House press secretary to President Bill Clinton

A moving, personal restatement of America’s ideals by one of the very finest of American journalists. — David Frum, author of The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush

Words matter. Carl Cannon tells the story of how the words ‘the pursuit of happiness,’ have led generations of Americans to understand why they are willing to fight for their freedom. Cannon is a gifted writer, and this is a book you will find hard to put down. — Michael Barone, senior writer, U.S. News and World Report and author of Our Country: The Shaping of America from Roosevelt to Reagan

As a White House correspondent who covers his beat from a broad perspective, Carl Cannon is the perfect reporter to explore the ways in which our presidents have used the term ‘pursuit of happiness.’ Including in his discussion presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush, Cannon demonstrates how significant the concept has been to our presidents and how Chief Executives have used the term in ways mirroring their contemporary political values. — Martha Joynt Kumar, Towson University

I intend to keep this book close by as a reminder that pursuing happiness is not a guilty pleasure, but an act of defiance against tyranny. Against a nation thus armed, terrorists don’t stand a chance. — Kathleen Parker ― Nationally Syndicated Columnist For The Orlando Sentinel<

Cannon has filled Pursuit of Happiness with lots of tasty details that make the broader lessons about politics and presidents go down more easily. ― Chicago Tribune

A highly readable and interesting volume. ― The Washington Times

In this sprawling meditation, Carl Cannon, a White House correspondent for National Journal, looks at how a large cast of notables have spoken of the pursuit of happiness during wartime. The results are sometimes surprising. ― The Wilson Quarterly