Based on hours of unprecedented interviews with members of the Bush family, The Bushes tells the inside story of the unique dynasty at the heart of American power. As well as laying out the secretive family’s inner workings, this intimate and fascinating group portrait probes into such sensitive matters as their dealings in the oil business, George W.’s turbulent youth, and Jeb’s likely run for the presidency in 2008. In this first full-scale biography, Peter and Rochelle Schweizer insightfully explore the secrets of the Bushes’ rise from obscurity to unprecedented influence. The family’s free-flowing, pragmatic, and opportunistic style consciously distinguishes them from previous political dynasties; they consider themselves the “un-Kennedys.” But with their abiding emphasis on loyalty and networking, the Bushes’ continuing success seems assured–making this book essential reading for anyone who cares about America’s future. "Fascinating. . . . Provides illuminating insights into the internal dynamics of the Bush family dynasty." – The New York Times “If you want to know as fully as can be told the story of how the Bushes rose from Midwestern obscurity to equal the records of families like the Roosevelts, the Kennedys and the Adamses–this is the book.” – New York Post “Revealing about the internal dynamics of this interesting familyÉ. The Bushes opened up to the Schweizers and discussed intimate details of their history.” – The Washington Post Book World “No one has gotten as close to penetrating the Bush family dynamics, and the complex relationship between father and son.” – The Providence Journal "This is a dynasty indeed, no matter how the family demurs. . . . The Schweizers have succeeded in humanizing what can be a curiously detached family by ferreting out fascinating detail." – Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Offer[s] rare--and controversial--insight into the family some call the Republican Kennedys." – Boston Herald "What the Schweizers do best is explore that dynamic over three generations of Bush males. . . . This book is the place to start if you want to understand how family has molded the Bush men." – Houston Chronicle “Offers insights on the Bush relationships and rivalries, their ambitions and their impressions of each other’s successes and problems.” – Tallahassee Democrat "Entertaining . . . full of charming anecdotes. . . . A delightful book." – National Review "[A] detailed history of the Bush dynasty--sprinkled with anecdotal family gossip that provides fresh humanizing insights . . . along with an intriguing snapshot of the conflicted relationship, fuelled in equal parts by love and competition, between 'Big George,' and 'Little George.'" – The Independent on Sunday Based on hours of unprecedented interviews with members of the Bush family, The Bushes" tells the inside story of the unique dynasty at the heart of American power. As well as laying out the secretive family's inner workings, this intimate and fascinating group portrait probes into such sensitive matters as their dealings in the oil business, George W.'s turbulent youth, and Jeb's likely run for the presidency in 2008. In this first full-scale biography, Peter and Rochelle Schweizer insightfully explore the secrets of the Bushes' rise from obscurity to unprecedented influence. The family's free-flowing, pragmatic, and opportunistic style consciously distinguishes them from previous political dynasties; they consider themselves the "un-Kennedys." But with their abiding emphasis on loyalty and networking, the Bushes' continuing success seems assured-making this book essential reading for anyone who cares about America's future. Peter Schweizer is a fellow at the Hoover Institution and the author of several books, including Reagan’s War . Rochelle Schweizer is a writer and a media consultant. They live in Florida with their two children. CHAPTER 10 ONE-ON-ONE Anytime the rains came to Midland, rejoicing could be heard in the Bush home. Little George would anxiously pace around the living room in a soiled T-shirt and jeans waiting for it to let up. When it did, he would burst out the front door and join his friends at a nearby pond. Thousands of frogs would be there, croaking and hopping about. "Everybody would get BB guns and shoot them," recalls Terry Throckmorton, a childhood friend. "Or we'd put firecrackers in the frogs and throw them and blow them up." For the Bush children, Midland was an idyllic place of adventuresome days and placid, star-filled nights. Little George, Jebbie, Marvin, and Neil had the run of the house. Each had their own place in the family, and each tried to define himself within it. Little George, the eldest by more than six years and also his father's namesake, spent his free time riding around on his bicycle looking for adventure. It could be something very simple like throwing dirt clods, or catching the matinee at the theater in town. "On Saturdays we'd meet at the ba