📖 Overview
Carl M. Cannon is an American journalist and author known for his political reporting and analysis of American politics and presidential history. He serves as the Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics and has previously worked for notable publications including the Baltimore Sun, National Journal, and Reader's Digest.
Throughout his career, Cannon has covered every presidential campaign from 1984 through 2020 and has authored several books on American politics and presidential history. His book "The Pursuit of Happiness in Times of War," published in 2003, examines how American presidents have used the Declaration of Independence's promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" during wartime.
Cannon has received multiple journalism awards, including the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency and the National Press Club's Lee Walczak Award for Political Analysis. He frequently appears as a political commentator on television news programs and has contributed to various publications discussing American politics and policy.
His writing style combines detailed historical research with contemporary political analysis, particularly focusing on the American presidency and electoral politics. Cannon has also co-authored books with his father Lou Cannon, including "Reagan's Disciple: George W. Bush's Troubled Quest for a Presidential Legacy."
👀 Reviews
Readers view Carl Cannon as a knowledgeable political journalist, citing his deep understanding of presidential history. Amazon reviews highlight his balanced, fact-based reporting style, with one reader noting "he presents multiple perspectives without pushing an agenda."
Readers appreciate:
- Clear writing and accessible explanations
- Historical research and context
- Interviews with primary sources
- Fair treatment of complex topics
Common criticisms:
- Too much detail slows narrative pace
- Some books lack a strong central thesis
- Can be overly focused on behind-the-scenes minutiae
Ratings averages:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (428 ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (312 ratings)
"Reagan's Disciple" - 4.0/5 (89 ratings)
"Boy Genius: Karl Rove" - 3.5/5 (67 ratings)
Notable reader comment: "Cannon provides insider access but sometimes gets lost in the weeds of Washington process stories." -Goodreads reviewer
📚 Books by Carl Cannon
Reagan's Disciple: George W. Bush's Troubled Quest for a Presidential Legacy (2008)
A historical analysis examining George W. Bush's presidency in relation to Ronald Reagan's political influence and legacy.
Boy Genius: Karl Rove, the Architect of George W. Bush's Remarkable Political Triumphs (2005) A biographical account of Karl Rove's career and his role in George W. Bush's political campaigns and presidency.
The Pursuit of Happiness in Times of War (2003) An examination of how American presidents have used the concept of "pursuit of happiness" to justify military actions throughout history.
Character: Politics and Responsibility from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era (1991) A study of political reform and moral character in American politics during the transition from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era.
On This Date: From the Pilgrims to Today, Discovering America One Day at a Time (2017) A chronological collection of significant events in American history, presented as daily entries throughout the year.
The Way We Live Now: American Plays and the AIDS Crisis (1990) An analysis of how American theater addressed and portrayed the AIDS epidemic during the 1980s.
Boy Genius: Karl Rove, the Architect of George W. Bush's Remarkable Political Triumphs (2005) A biographical account of Karl Rove's career and his role in George W. Bush's political campaigns and presidency.
The Pursuit of Happiness in Times of War (2003) An examination of how American presidents have used the concept of "pursuit of happiness" to justify military actions throughout history.
Character: Politics and Responsibility from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era (1991) A study of political reform and moral character in American politics during the transition from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era.
On This Date: From the Pilgrims to Today, Discovering America One Day at a Time (2017) A chronological collection of significant events in American history, presented as daily entries throughout the year.
The Way We Live Now: American Plays and the AIDS Crisis (1990) An analysis of how American theater addressed and portrayed the AIDS epidemic during the 1980s.