"Here is the brashest, most irreverent, most provocative television reporter in Washington telling us just how he got there, and how he gets away with it ... that is, with being the nation's most celebrated and outspoken White House correspondent ... From the press room at the White House to barbecues in Plains, to the Middle East during Carter's historic peace initiative, to the scene of the assassination attempt on President Reagan, to the superpower summits and the Iran-Contra scandal, Donaldson is always on the spot, asking tough questions and getting the answers ..."

Includes index.

Challenging Presidents -- Early years -- ABC news -- The Arledge Era -- Jimmy Carter -- Ronald Reagan -- Covering the President -- Press room wars -- News for television -- Covering the candidates -- Abroad -- When things go wrong -- This week with David Brinkley -- Fame -- Personal -- Quo vadis.