“Presidents know these are the people who will drag you to safety in strange hotels and foreign countries, protect your secrets, and make the trains run on time...”—Marlin Fitzwater, Press Secretary to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush

“Swift has tales to tell and secrets to spill, and he does it with aplomb and humor.”—Kirkus Reviews

My Presidential Life: The Showdown at Putin’s Dacha and Other Misadventures on the Diplomatic Road is a whirlwind tour of a side of presidential history not found in presidential papers or biographies.

It is a wry insider’s look at iconic American presidents on the world stage and the unseen events that occurred off-camera. It’s an intimate look at events the public and historians rarely, if ever, see. My Presidential Life is an entertaining and informative account that offers front-row seats to the dynamics of world leaders and events that shaped the world as we know it today.

Among the tales told by Judd Swift include an obstreperous Lech Walesa threatening to disrupt George H.W. Bush’s mission to end Soviet control of Poland; Peru’s Shining Path guerillas setting off a car bomb outside the advance team’s hotel; an endless number of supposedly ultra-secret meeting rooms filled with electronic eavesdropping devices; an imperious Franco loyalist who did her best to sabotage a successful summit at El Pardo Palace between Ronald Reagan and the king and president of Spain; and the day Vladimir Putin had George W. Bush trapped inside the Russian president’s dacha without Secret Service protection and the man who carries the nuclear football; and many others.

Longtime Washington insider Judd Swift spent years on advance teams arranging meetings for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush that took him to all corners of the world. He was also appointed by G.W. Bush as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Fossil Energy at the Department of Energy. Today he is CEO of Synfuels Americas Corporation, a technology platform to promote international research and business developments to support sustainable, clean fossil fuel energy for the future. He lives in Washington, Virginia.

“Advance work for presidents is always demanding but never dull, and Swift describes it all in this colorful account. To make summit meetings or presidential speeches happen, there has to be a massive supporting architecture of secret machinery. It’s only noticeable if something goes awry, and people like Swift ensure that it doesn’t. The author worked on advance teams for Reagan and both Bushes, combining the skills of juggler, logistics expert, and firefighter… The author recounts a wealth of interesting behind-the-scenes stories about mayhem that was transformed into smooth success at the last moment, despite pompous local officials, terrorist threats, and even overenthusiastic crowds… Refreshingly, the author narrates his intriguing career without rancor or self-aggrandizement, providing an entertaining read about what happens behind the curtain. Swift has tales to tell and secrets to spill, and he does it with aplomb and humor.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“These are the stories that will shock and amaze you. Yet Presidents know these are the people who will drag you to safety in strange hotels and foreign countries, protect your secrets, and make the trains run on time. And Judd Swift did it all. From the streets of Moscow to the sands of the middle east, Judd Swift has guided America’s political leaders through physical obstacles and intellectual challenges. He did indeed lead a presidential life.”
— Marlin Fitzwater, Press Secretary to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush

“No one knows the behind-the-scenes stories like Judd Swift. Truthfully, what Presidents and senior White Officials came to realize was if Judd Swift was there, some kind of amazing magic was going to happen.”
— Craig L. Fuller, Former Assistant to President Ronald Reagan and Chief of Staff to Vice President George H. W. Bush

“Judd Swift could advance an astronaut to the moon. But wait. Hasnt he done that already? Not yet. But if there is anyone who could, it would be Judd Swift.”
— Robert F. Goodwin, former United States Ambassador

“Judd Swift’s My Presidential Life is the ultimate peek behind the proverbial curtain. What happens behind the scenes before and during a presidential trip? You are about to find out in stunning detail as Judd shares all his adventures—and sometimes misadventures—on his life as a presidential advance man, taking the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions.”
— Jean Becker, Chief of Staff to George H.W. Bush, 1994–2018

“To anyone who has the good fortune to pick up and read Judd Swift’s excellent memoir, you will be richly rewarded. Judd’s fast paced and well written account of his time in government alongside Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush makes for fascinating reading. Judd gives you an insider’s view of life in the fast track. His description of his experiences in organizing campaigns and trips for our past presidents offers an insider insight into how things really happen. I speak with knowledge, having worked with Judd during President Bush’s visit to Egypt. I found the memoir spellbinding and trust you will as well.”
— Frank G. Wisner, United States Ambassador to India (1994-1997), Philippines (1991-1992), Egypt (1986-1991), Zambia (1979-1982). Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (1995-1999); Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs (1992-1993)

"In My Presidential Life, Judd Swift provides a captivating glimpse into the delicate world of diplomacy and the challenges faced by those on the front lines of international relations. His encounters with world leaders, including the dramatic showdown at Putins Dacha, make for behind the scenes reading. Swifts book is a terrific read for anyone interested in politics, diplomacy, and global affairs.”
— Sig Rogich, United States Ambassador to Iceland (1992-1993)

“An insider’s view from the penultimate advance man for Presidents Reagan and the two Bushes. Swift describes in lively detail how to set the stage and drive positive media coverage at events, both home and abroad, enabling our Presidents to shine. An enlightening and fun read. If you enjoy politics and love being backstage with all the actors, then this is the book for you.”
— John Fox Sullivan, Former Publisher at Large, Atlantic Media

“I was honored to travel across the country and abroad with Judd Swift, doing our best to represent President George H.W. Bush and our great country. Judd is a legendary advance man who consistently delivered excellence. His book gives the reader a rare behind the scenes account of the complex work that makes a presidential trip successful.”
— Thomas J. Collamore, Former Deputy Chief of Staff for President H. W. Bush and Senior Advisor, George and Barbara Bush Foundation