Year Zero - (Miller Center Studies on the Presidency) by Christopher P Liddell

About the Book

"Examines the crucial work performed by presidential transition teams and proposes a solution to the current, ad hoc system. Liddell argues that transition teams should begin their work in "Year Zero," a year before inauguration, and he lays out concrete steps, highlighting how these reforms would fundamentally improve the functioning of the executive branch, and in so doing pay dividends for our democracy"--

Book Synopsis

Designing and operating an effective White House are critical to the success of any presidency--and to democracy in the United States. Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Christopher Liddell offers a strategic approach to building a strong and successful presidency. An astute and experienced operative, he demonstrates persuasively that action must be taken early, comprehensively, and visibly, starting in what he calls Year Zero, the year before governing. His book lays out concrete nonpartisan steps and recommendations that would significantly improve how the White House functions and thus rebuild trust in one of our most fundamental institutions.

Review Quotes

Liddell's thesis is grounded in an important underlying reality: Our federal government is unimaginably vast; its structures are impossibly complex; and its pace of operation is frustratingly slow. . . . Liddell knows whereof he speaks, having worked for decades in the private sector--as chief financial officer at Microsoft and at General Motors, among other positions--before becoming a deputy chief of staff in the Trump White House.. . . . [and he] has a healthy understanding of the limits of any government process, no matter how well thought out and improved it might be.-- "Wall Street Journal"

A former Trump White House insider suggests a program of reform for better preparing candidates to serve in the highest office in the land...with advice that candidates for higher office should surely take under consideration.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Christopher P. Liddell has held senior roles in politics, the private sector, and philanthropy. He was a White House Deputy Chief of Staff and has been involved in three presidential transition cycles. In the private sector, he has been Chief Financial Officer of several major companies, including Microsoft and General Motors.