Presidents tell lies to justify wars, to cover up wars and to excuse some of the worst atrocities in history. In this provocative study of eight presidents, David Model shows why presidents just can't stop themselves from lying-and what happens to the world when they do. You'll meet: Harry Truman torched whole cities with nukes just to score diplomatic points with the Russians. Even high-ranking military officials expressed revulsion. Dwight Eisenhower, famous for warning against the "military industrial complex" had no compunction against using it to topple democracy in Guatemala using propaganda and dirty tricks. Lyndon Johnson relentlessly attacked South Vietnam, the country he claimed we were saving. No study of presidential propaganda can omit Richard Nixon's bombing of Cambodia, a major crime against humanity. From the arms for hostages deal, to the contra war to topple Nicaragua's government, Ronald Reagan set the standard for future presidents.

George H. Bush provides a useful lesson in diplomacy when planning war: head off negotiations at any cost. His refusal to negotiate cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Not to be outdone in service to empire, Bill Clinton managed to paint bombing Serbia and killing civilians as an effort to save them. George W Bush, the final president reviewed in this study sets new standards for brazenness in lying over his invasion of Iraq. David Model offers strong evidence that George W. Bush is a psychopath.