Wiseguys and the White House : gangsters, presidents, and the deals they made / Eric Dezenhall.
Wiseguys and the White House explores the influence of the mob on presidential power throughout American history. The book examines instances where connections between gangsters and presidents have shaped political outcomes and decisions. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Richard Nixon to Joe Biden, the mob has been involved in various activities such as assisting with political campaigns, carrying out covert operations, and influencing presidential actions. Key events include deals with mobsters like Lucky Luciano during World War II, the Chicago Outfit's role in John F. Kennedy's election, and the use of mob figures by presidents such as LBJ and Reagan. The book delves into the relationships between mobsters and political leaders, drawing on newly released government records and firsthand accounts to provide a detailed look at these often-hidden connections.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780063390614
- ISBN: 0063390612
- Physical Description: 351 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
- Edition: First edition.
- Publisher: New York, New York : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2025]
- Copyright: ©2025
Content descriptions
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 333-338) and index. |
| Formatted Contents Note: | Piker Ryan's list: centuries of pols and gangsters -- Franklin D. Roosevelt: Black Tom and 'the devil himself' -- Harry Truman: ragefor the machine -- John F. Kennedy: sharp practice and plausible deniability -- Lyndon B. Johnson: the grim reaper comes to the rescue -- Richard Nixon: 'a thievery basis' -- Ronald Reagan: Hollywood friends -- Donald Trump: 'very nice people' -- Joe Biden: colorful ancestors -- 'That license'. |
Search for related items by subject
| Genre: | aInformational works. |
Available copies
- 10 of 22 copies available at NC Cardinal. (Show)
- 2 of 2 copies available at Rockingham County Public Library.
Holds
- 6 current holds with 22 total copies.
Show All Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Library | 364.106 D (Text) | 31554012286349 | Adult New Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Madison-Mayodan Public Library | 364.106 D (Text) | 31554012286356 | Adult New Nonfiction | Available | - |
Summary:
Wiseguys and the White House explores the influence of the mob on presidential power throughout American history. The book examines instances where connections between gangsters and presidents have shaped political outcomes and decisions. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Richard Nixon to Joe Biden, the mob has been involved in various activities such as assisting with political campaigns, carrying out covert operations, and influencing presidential actions. Key events include deals with mobsters like Lucky Luciano during World War II, the Chicago Outfit's role in John F. Kennedy's election, and the use of mob figures by presidents such as LBJ and Reagan. The book delves into the relationships between mobsters and political leaders, drawing on newly released government records and firsthand accounts to provide a detailed look at these often-hidden connections.
