At the Margins: Presidential Leadership of Congress

In this book George Edwards explores how and under what conditions presidents lead Congress, what we can reasonably expect of them, and how we should evaluate their performance. Integrating quantitative analysis with documentary and historical research, Edwards argues that the most effective chief executive is a facilitator, who works at the margins-rather than at the core-of coalition building. Presidents are not by themselves going to bring about major changes in public policy, says Edwards, and we must adjust accordingly our expectations of their leadership.