Lying has become pervasive in American lifeabut what happens when the falsehoods are perpetrated by the Oval Office? As the lies told by our government become more and more intricate, they begin to weave a tapestry of deception that creates problems far larger than those lied about in the first place. Eric Altermanas "When Presidents Lie" is a compelling historical examination of four specific post-World War II presidential lies whose consequences were greater than could ever have been predicted. FDR told the American people that peace was secure in Europe, setting the stage for McCarthyism and the cold war. John F. Kennedyas unyielding stance during the Cuban missile crisis masked his secret deal with the Soviet Union. Misrepresented aggression at the Gulf of Tonkin by the North Vietnamese gave LBJ the power to start a war. Finally, Ronald Reaganas Central American wars ended in the ignominy of the Iran-contra scandal. In light of George W. Bushas war in Iraq, which Alterman examines in the bookas conclusion, "When Presidents Lie" is a warningaone more relevant today than ever beforeathat the only way to prevent these lies is Americaas collective demand for truth.