A. Merriman Smith

Merriman Smith ruled the WH Press Corps with firmness and fairness. At the time of his tenure, the reporters assigned to cover the president were required to adhere to an unwritten rule not to embarrass the president or his family. Smith saw to it that this was accomplished. He was the liaison between the WH Press Office and the reporters. Watergate coverage abolished this once and for all. Everything is fair game now. The reporters now can dig into the personal life of the first family and expose any thing that is real or imagined. This book reveals the way Smith and the other reporters covered 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. up to the late 60s.

Nonfiction. Reviews and analyzes the various roles a President of the United States must play and fulfill. Written from the perspective of 1948 as Truman begins his election campaign. Fascinating perspective when compared to moden presidential activities and expectations. Written by the famous UP White House Correspondent, responsible for establishing the tradition of "Thank you, Mr. President" conclusion to presidential news conferences.