A Question of Intent

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This narrative chronicles the journey of an American bureaucrat who challenged the tobacco industry and contributed to its decline. David Kessler, who led the FDA for seven years under Presidents Bush and Clinton, revitalized a struggling agency that oversaw a significant portion of American consumer spending. Initially hesitant to confront the powerful tobacco industry, Kessler shared the belief that it was too formidable a force in Washington. He recognized that challenging it could divert resources from other consumer benefits. As a controversial figure, especially as one of the few Republican holdovers in the Clinton administration, Kessler's focus ranged from routine FDA business to the pressing issue of cigarette regulation. He gradually realized that tobacco, while legal, posed unique dangers due to its lethal nature. His narrative illustrates his evolution from naiveté to expertise in navigating Washington's power dynamics. While claiming victory over Big Tobacco may be an exaggeration, Kessler and his team played a crucial role in compelling the industry to acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the cancer risks associated with smoking. Kessler advocates for stringent regulations to dismantle the current tobacco industry structure, viewing it as essential to ending the tobacco epidemic. The book unfolds like a compelling detective story, appealing to those interested in public policy.