White House Tell-Alls: A Genre in Decline?

The genre of White House tell-alls, while once invigorated by the groundbreaking work of Woodward and Bernstein, has seen a decline in both popularity and longevity. The recent release of “The Last Politician” by Franklin Foer, which examines President Biden's early presidency, highlights this trend. Foer’s work, while insightful, is emblematic of a broader pattern where such books experience a brief surge in sales before quickly fading into obscurity. This phenomenon is not new; tell-alls have historically enjoyed a momentary spike in interest, often making the New York Times bestseller list, only to be relegated to discount bins shortly thereafter. Michael Wolff’s “Fire and Fury,” which chronicled Trump’s first year, exemplifies the fleeting nature of these narratives. Despite its initial success, Wolff’s work also faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the sensational claims made about Trump’s personal life. The tension surrounding such revelations underscores the precarious balance authors must maintain between access and credibility. As the market for these tell-alls becomes increasingly saturated, the challenge for writers is to provide fresh insights while navigating the expectations of both their subjects and the public. Foer’s “The Last Politician,” released on September 5, 2023, attempts to capture the complexities of Biden’s presidency, particularly his handling of international conflicts. However, with only 13,000 copies sold approaching its first anniversary, it raises questions about the future viability of the tell-all format in a rapidly changing political landscape. As the genre evolves, it remains to be seen whether it can regain its former allure or if it will continue to dwindle into obscurity.