Elizabeth Drew

Elizabeth Drew is an American political journalist and author known for her extensive coverage of American politics and government since the 1970s. Her career spans decades of writing for publications like The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, and The New York Review of Books. Drew gained prominence through her detailed coverage of the Watergate scandal and its aftermath, publishing "Washington Journal: The Events of 1973-1974" which provided an inside account of the political crisis. She has authored over a dozen books on American politics, including works on presidential campaigns and political figures. Throughout her career, Drew has maintained a position as a respected political commentator, contributing regular columns and analysis pieces to major publications. Her work is characterized by thorough research and detailed observations of political processes and personalities in Washington. Drew's influence extends beyond print journalism through her appearances as a political commentator on television news programs and her lectures at various institutions. She received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and has been recognized for her contributions to political journalism.

Readers value Drew's detailed political reporting and insider access, particularly in her coverage of Watergate and Washington politics. Her work is seen as thorough and well-researched. Positive reviews focus on: - Clear explanations of complex political events - First-hand observations from being present during key moments - Documentation of behind-the-scenes details - Neutral, fact-based reporting approach Common criticisms include: - Writing style can be dry and academic - Some books move too slowly with excessive detail - Tendency to focus on process over personalities Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 across her books Amazon: 4.1/5 average "Washington Journal" receives her strongest reviews (4.3/5 on Amazon) with readers praising its immediacy. "Richard M. Nixon" draws more mixed responses (3.5/5) with some calling it "exhaustively researched" while others find it "plodding." Multiple reviewers note her accessibility for general readers despite complex subject matter, though some feel her books work better as reference materials than narrative reads.

Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixon's Downfall (1975) A day-by-day account of the Watergate scandal from 1973-1974, written as events unfolded during the author's time as Washington correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly.

Portrait of an Election: The 1980 Presidential Campaign (1981) A detailed chronicle of the 1980 presidential race between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, based on Drew's firsthand coverage of the campaigns.

Politics and Money: The New Road to Corruption (1983) An examination of how money influences American politics, focusing on campaign financing and its effects on the political system.

On the Edge: The Clinton Presidency (1994) A close study of Bill Clinton's first year as president, covering both domestic and foreign policy challenges.

Showdown: The Struggle Between the Gingrich Congress and the Clinton White House (1996) An account of the political battles between President Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich during the 104th Congress.

Citizen McCain (2002) A political biography of Senator John McCain, focusing on his 2000 presidential campaign and his role in campaign finance reform.

Richard M. Nixon (2007) A biographical assessment of Nixon's life and presidency, examining his political career and the Watergate scandal.

George W. Bush's Washington (2004) An analysis of Bush's presidency and its impact on Washington's political culture during his first term in office.