AUTHOR’S PERSONAL NOTE

I had two of the most exceptional people assist me full-time on the reporting, writing, editing and thinking about this book:

Josh Boak, a 2001 cum laude graduate of Princeton and later of the Columbia University master’s program in journalism, came to work after reporting at The Blade in Toledo, Ohio, and the Chicago Tribune. He may be the most energetic, resourceful, fair-minded and good-natured young man I have had the good fortune to work with. On his résumé he described himself as “skilled in shoe-leather reporting and phone-jockeying.” True, but he is much more. Josh immersed himself in all the details and nuances of the Afghanistan War, the Obama administration and Washington politics. He became a part of my brain—the better part. At times, I came to think he knows everything. What is not in his head, he can and does find almost instantly. He is a skilled writer and a superb investigator. I leaned on Josh, pushed him as he pushed me. We never had even a half-serious disagreement. The result has been permanent trust and permanent friendship. There would be no book without him—not even close.

Evelyn M. Duffy, who worked with me on The War Within: A Secret White House History, 2006–2008, continued on this project. Thank God. At age 25 now, she is a wizard at everything—thinking, prodding and again transcribing hundreds of hours of recorded interviews with people ranging from President Obama to generals and intelligence officials. A 2007 English and creative writing graduate of George Washington University, she is a truly gifted writer. She has written and produced a one-act play, Nighthawks, based on Edward Hopper’s famous late-night diner painting. In her spare time, Evelyn has written a stunning young adult novel, which I’m sure will be published soon once I give her time to meet with agents and editors. She is both intellectual and practical—a rare combination. I stand in awe of her maturity, drive and independent spirit. A friend for life, Evelyn left her stamp of integrity on every idea, scene and page in this book.