- 1. What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer is a gripping and insightful exploration of the 1988 American presidential race, centered around the intense and often chaotic lives of the candidates vying for the highest office in the land. Cramer offers a detailed narrative that goes beyond just the political strategies and public personas, delving into the personal backgrounds, character flaws, and the intricate motivations that drive individuals to pursue power. Through in-depth profiling of key figures like George H.W. Bush, Michael Dukakis, and others, the author paints a vivid picture of the political landscape of the late 1980s, capturing the emotional highs and lows of the campaign trail. Cramer's meticulous research and compelling storytelling provide readers with a unique perspective on the sacrifices, determination, and sheer tenacity required to run for president, revealing not only the candidates’ public masks but also their vulnerabilities and human experiences. This book is not only a political chronicle but also a profound commentary on ambition, identity, and what it truly means to seek leadership in the public arena.
What is the primary subject of Richard Ben Cramer's book 'What It Takes'?
A) The Watergate scandal
B) The life of a professional athlete
C) The 1988 U.S. presidential election
D) The history of the Space Race
- 2. How long did it take Cramer to research and write 'What It Takes'?
A) One year
B) Six years
C) Two years
D) Ten years
- 3. The book is famous for its detailed, behind-the-scenes look at what aspect of politics?
A) The personal sacrifices of candidates
B) Supreme Court nominations
C) The federal budget process
D) The writing of legislation
- 4. Which candidate's chapter opens with the famous line, 'It was never about the issues'?
A) Bob Dole
B) George H.W. Bush
C) Michael Dukakis
D) Joe Biden
- 5. Which candidate is depicted as struggling with the legacy of his father?
A) Gary Hart
B) Jesse Jackson
C) Michael Dukakis
D) George W. Bush
- 6. What was the original intended length of the book before editing?
A) Nearly 2,000 pages
B) Exactly 500 pages
C) Over 1,000 pages
D) About 300 pages
- 7. How does Cramer gain such intimate access to the candidates?
A) By using hidden recording devices
B) By embedding with them for long periods
C) By interviewing only their enemies
D) Through Freedom of Information Act requests
- 8. Which running mate is profiled for his role in the campaign?
A) Al Gore
B) Lloyd Bentsen
C) Dan Quayle
D) Dick Cheney
- 9. What historical event casts a shadow over the 1988 election?
A) The Vietnam War
B) The Iran-Contra affair
C) The fall of the Berlin Wall
D) The Challenger disaster
- 10. What is a key takeaway about the nature of modern presidential campaigns?
A) They are cheap and easy to run
B) They are controlled by the media
C) They are exhausting and all-consuming
D) They are decided by a few key states
- 11. What personal tragedy deeply affected Joe Biden's life before the 1988 campaign?
A) A bankruptcy
B) A serious illness
C) The death of his wife and daughter
D) A loss in a previous Senate race
- 12. What is the book's legacy in the field of political journalism?
A) It set a new standard for campaign biographies
B) It was quickly forgotten
C) It ended the author's career
D) It was made into a major film
- 13. Ultimately, who won the election that is the focus of the book?
A) George H.W. Bush
B) Bob Dole
C) Michael Dukakis
D) Jesse Jackson
- 14. Which candidate's chapter opens with a detailed scene of him eating a pork chop?
A) George Bush
B) Michael Dukakis
C) Bob Dole
D) Pat Robertson
- 15. For what major award was 'What It Takes' a finalist?
A) The Pulitzer Prize
B) The PEN/Hemingway Award
C) The National Book Award
D) The Man Booker Prize
- 16. The book suggests that a successful candidate needs a powerful sense of what?
A) Humor
B) Skepticism
C) Indifference
D) Destiny
- 17. Which candidate is profiled as a televangelist with a strong grassroots following?
A) Al Gore
B) Gary Hart
C) Jesse Jackson
D) Pat Robertson
- 18. The title 'What It Takes' refers to the qualities needed to do what?
A) Write a bestseller
B) Win the presidency
C) Manage a corporation
D) Become a journalist
- 19. The book is considered a classic in what genre of writing?
A) Science fiction
B) True crime
C) Historical romance
D) Political journalism
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