Summary of John W. Dean's Blind Ambition

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I was asked to work at the White House in 1970. I did not want to act coy, so I told Bud Krogh that I would not be lured by just any job. I liked the notion of powerful men negotiating for my talents. Nothing happened, but several weeks later John Mitchell called me and told me that my going to work at the White House had been discussed. #2 I was summoned to San Clemente to meet with Lawrence Higby, Haldeman’s chief gopher. He told me that Haldeman wanted to meet with me. I was half-serious when I said that I didn’t want to lose me, and that the last place in the world I wanted to be was in the White House. #3 I was excited and nervous about meeting with Haldeman, but I was also tired from the flight and the meal and drinks. I began thinking, Maybe I am too interested in this job. I feared that might be the wrong frame of mind. #4 I met with Haldeman, who was the President’s guard ramrod. He seemed genuinely pleased to meet me, and asked me to be the White House counsel. I was not sure if I could handle the job, but I decided to try.