White House says Bob Woodward book's portrayal of Obama is ‘just fine’

Bob Woodward latest book on president Barack Obama and what has transpired within the administration in over a year-and-a-half has been officially described by the White House as “just fine”.

"The president comes across in the [Afghanistan] review and throughout the decision-making process as a commander in chief who is analytical, strategic, and decisive, with a broad view of history, national security, and his role," the Washington Post quoted an official, as saying in an email.

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, comparing Woodward's book to a recent book by former Obama administration automobile task force chief Steven Rattner, said the net effect is positive for the president.

"In two very different books - one regarding the turnaround and recovery of the auto industry and the other regarding the turnaround of the Afghan war - what emerges in both is that despite difficult circumstances, the president brings a consistently tough, determined and clear-eyed strategic focus to these crises," Emanuel said.

But details of confidential meetings and classified documents, along with damning quotes from the principals, paint a picture of Obama's team that is at odds with the perception of decisiveness at the White House.
 
In responding to the book Wednesday, another senior administration official said, "I think the president comes across pretty well in the book, even if it looks crazy around him."