Book details

  • Genre:biography & autobiography
  • Sub-genre:Political Process / Media & Internet
  • Language:English
  • Pages:344
  • eBook ISBN:9798317827663
  • Paperback ISBN:9798317820312

Press Secretary

By Walt Riker

Overview


"Press Secretary" is a page-turning journey that proves the American Dream is alive and well. While it's a tour de force on political life, Walt Riker bares his soul to bring riveting color to his unlikely journey from the Bronx to drumming in rock bands, from a TV news career to Capitol Hill. Working side-by-side with Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, a wounded World War II hero, Riker gives you a front-row seat in one of Washington's most successful press secretary's offices and does it without partisan rancor or academic babble.
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Description


"Press Secretary" is a page-turning journey that proves the American Dream is alive and well. While it's a tour de force on political life, Walt Riker bares his soul to bring riveting color to his unlikely journey from the Bronx to drumming in rock bands, from a TV news career to Capitol Hill. Working side-by-side with Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, a wounded World War II hero, Riker gives you a front-row seat in one of Washington's most successful press secretary's offices and does it without partisan rancor or academic babble. With a reporter's eye for detail, a refreshing take on politics, and a self-deprecating wit, Riker puts you on the high wire of risk and reward—and right inside the political pressure cooker. "Press Secretary" is loaded with never-before-seen stories, with stunning encounters with dictator Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Pope John Paul in the Vatican, Mikhail Gorbachev in the Kremlin, and the Eastern European heroes who helped topple the Soviet Union. Also inside, you will find exclusive color photographs that help paint this remarkable story. Back in bustling Washington, DC, walk the glittering hallways of the U.S. Capitol and see how Senator Dole bridged legislative divides for the good of the country, witness Richard Nixon's final visit to the Capitol, appreciate Bill Clinton's communications mastery, feel the intensity of Senator Dole's longtime rivalry with President George HW Bush, stand on the frontline managing the global news media, watch Riker collect the autographs of seven U.S. Presidents on one magic baseball, feel the emotion as Senator Dole returns to the Italian battlefield where he was left for dead, and feel the sorrow and pride as America's flags are lowered to honor the Senator's epic funeral journey from Washington to Kansas. History comes alive within the pages of "Press Secretary," and it's as fresh as today's headlines.
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About The Author


Walt Riker has spent thirty-four years on the frontlines of high-profile, high-pressure communications. He was a top reporter for a CBS-TV affiliate, a thirteen-year Capitol Hill press secretary for Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas, and vice president of media relations for McDonald's Corporation. An oft-quoted political and corporate spokesman, key strategist, and creative writer, Riker knows what pressure is all about when the global media calls, crises explode, deadlines pile up, and no-nonsense bosses demand 24/7 excellence. Riker has English and Journalism degrees from the University of Kansas. For several years, Riker was also a rock drummer with several Midwestern bands. He brings these rarefied experiences to life in his soul-baring book, "Press Secretary," a twisting, always surprising journey that takes readers inside worlds few people will ever know. Currently, Riker lives in Wyoming with his wife.
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