Bob Woodward: "Peril"

A story stands or falls on the strength of its characters. This is why the Trump saga can generate so many books.

A part of me regrets having started Bob Woodward's "Peril," a book that repeats quite a bit of information already published in Michael Wolff's "Landslide." Once again, we watch Trump's presidency sputter; we watch the embarrassing "stop the steal" weeks; we watch the events of January 6.

But there is so much chaos in the Trump World, a new writer can bring out new angles.

Woodward has Nancy Pelosi calling military leaders, asking who will be sure that Trump doesn't obtain sole custody of "the football"--and doesn't then start a nuclear war. There is also Melania, shrewdly saying to Trump, "You'd be insane not to hire Bill Barr. He looks like he is straight out of central casting." (Trump then tells Barr, "I like you. You have the right look.")

There's Lindsey Graham, involving himself in a call with President-Elect Biden. "You know I have no problem with you.....But this stuff about Hunter? If Pence's son did what Hunter did.....Democrats would go nuts.....It would be game, set, match...." (Apparently the Biden/Graham relationship hasn't recovered from this phone call.)

I'm enjoying Woodward's book.

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