My goals in writing this book are twofold. First, I hope to paint a picture of what it was like to serve as president for eight straight years. My conviction is that it is virtually impossible to reach definite conclusions about my presidency for several decades. The passage of time allows passions to cool, results to clarify, and scholars to compare different approaches. This book can contribute to studies on this period in American history. Second, I gave an exhaustive account of the options I weighed and principles I complied with to give you a better sense of why I made the decisions I did. This book is primarily based on my recollections. If there are inaccuracies, the responsibility is mine.