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Five Presidents

My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford

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Five Presidents

By: Clint Hill, Lisa McCubbin Hill
Narrated by: George Newbern
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About this listen

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Kennedy and Me and Five Days in November comes a revealing Secret Service memoir that offers a rare behind-the-scenes view of presidential protection and life inside the White House of five US Presidents—Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford.

The assassination of one president, the resignation of another, and the swearing-in of the two who followed those unprecedented events: Secret Service Agent Clint Hill was there on duty through five administrations.

After an extraordinary career as a Special Agent on the White House Detail, Clint Hill retired in 1975. His career spanned the administrations of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and Gerald R. Ford. A witness to some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century America, Hill lets you walk in his shoes alongside the most powerful men in the world during tumultuous times in America’s history—the Cold War; the Cuban Missile Crisis; the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy; the Vietnam War; Watergate; and the resignations of Vice President Spiro Agnew and President Nixon.

It was indeed a turbulent time—and through it all, Clint Hill had a unique insider perspective. His fascinating stories will shed new light on the character and personality of each of these five presidents, as Hill witnesses their human sides in the face of grave decisions.

From the laughter and quirks of Eisenhower’s golf outings, to the heroic urgency of Dallas on November 22nd, 1963, to Johnson’s White House besieged by protest, to Nixon’s meltdown and Ford’s fraught ascension, this book brings history to life as told through the eyes of the man whose job was to keep the man in office safe.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a Secret Service agent or to peer into the inner corridors of presidential power, this is the book for you.
Americas Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State United States Dwight Eisenhower Vietnam War Russia Historical Nonfiction
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I really loved listening to this book. I listened in my headphones and in my car audio system and I always hated arriving places as I had to stop listening. The audio version of a page turner! As a person who loves to learn about all US Presidents (despite being Australian), I thought this was a great story! It’s always such a treat to hear about the human sides of these men who are often sidelined and limited by the personalities characterized by the media. I had never heard much about Eisenhower or Johnson, in particular. It’s just a shame the author wasn’t on Nixon’s detail, because I am keenly interested in the human side of the man who everyone seems to cast aside. Well worth it!

Really interesting!

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This is the best audiobook I have ever read. If you have even the slightest interest in any of the 5 US presidents from Eisenhower to Ford then this is a must read. Full credit to the narrator George Newbern who's voice seemed to take me back in time to the 1960's.

Clint Hill as a member of the secret service has done a great service in writing this book. It makes you realize the great sacrifices that these agents make for their job.

Outstanding!

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"Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford" by Clint Hill offers an insightful and engaging look into the life of a dedicated Secret Service agent. From the moment I started listening to this audiobook, I was drawn to Clint Hill's charismatic personality, which made him a fascinating central character throughout the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the way it epitomizes the essence of what it means to be a Secret Service agent. Clint Hill's unwavering dedication to his career shines through, and it's truly admirable. His experiences protecting and serving five presidents from Eisenhower to Ford offer a unique perspective on some of the most critical moments in American history.

I particularly appreciated Hill's candid storytelling, especially when he recounted his time with Jacqueline Kennedy and the tragic events surrounding JFK's assassination. It was evident that Hill had a profound respect for both Mrs. Kennedy and President Kennedy, which added a personal touch to the narrative.

Hill's descriptions of his time with LBJ were also captivating, as it highlighted the evolution of a professional relationship into something resembling friendship. The Kennedy and LBJ sections were undoubtedly the highlights of the book, offering a deeper insight into the dynamics of the Secret Service during these presidencies.

While the sections on Nixon and Ford may not delve as deeply into detail, it's clear that Clint Hill's sentiments regarding President Nixon are less favorable. These anecdotes provide an interesting contrast and add depth to the narrative.

The audiobook is well-written and well-researched, offering a comprehensive overview of the period during which Clint Hill served in the Secret Service. However, with a duration of around 14 hours, I found myself losing some interest after the LBJ sections. It might have been more engaging with a slightly shorter runtime.

In conclusion, "Five Presidents" is a captivating read, especially for those interested in the Secret Service and the history of the United States during the presidencies of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Clint Hill's storytelling and insights make this audiobook a valuable addition to any nonfiction collection. Despite its length, it's a well-rounded and enjoyable listen that offers a unique perspective on an extraordinary career in the Secret Service.

Very enjoyable read

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The life of this particular Secret Service agent has long interested me. Hearing his perspective across presidencies brings a lot to life.

George Newbury is a great reader.

Insightful and touching

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.