From Arthur Schlesinger’s work in John Kennedy’s campaign and administration to Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s role as the Democrat in the Nixon White House, through Sidney Blumenthal’s efforts to secure intellectual support for a scandal-plagued Bill Clinton, every president since 1960 has used intellectuals to shape their images and advance their agendas.
Drawing on popular sources, White House memoirs, and presidential archives Tevi Troy, author of “Intellectuals and the American Presidency: Philosophers, Jesters or Technicians?” explores how intellectuals and presidents have used, misused, and abused each other.
The author, a former Labor Department official, will talk about his book at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, August 28, at the Main Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S.
A book signing with the author follows. Books will be available for purchase at the event.