Book Description
President Bill Clinton’s My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of a global leader who decided early in life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public.

It shows us the progress of a remarkable American, who, through his own enormous energies and efforts, made the unlikely journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House—a journey fueled by an impassioned interest in the political process which manifested itself at every stage of his life: in college, working as an intern for Senator William Fulbright; at Oxford, becoming part of the Vietnam War protest movement; at Yale Law School, campaigning on the grassroots level for Democratic candidates; back in Arkansas, running for Congress, attorney general, and governor.

We see his career shaped by his resolute determination to improve the life of his fellow citizens, an unfaltering commitment to civil rights, and an exceptional understanding of the practicalities of political life.

We come to understand the emotional pressures of his youth—born after his father’s death; caught in the dysfunctional relationship between his feisty, nurturing mother and his abusive stepfather, whom he never ceased to love and whose name he took; drawn to the brilliant, compelling Hillary Rodham, whom he was determined to marry; passionately devoted, from her infancy, to their daughter, Chelsea, and to the entire experience of fatherhood; slowly and painfully beginning to comprehend how his early denial of pain led him at times into damaging patterns of behavior.

President Clinton’s book is also the fullest, most concretely detailed, most nuanced account of a presidency ever written—encompassing not only the high points and crises but the way the presidency actually works: the day-to-day bombardment of problems, personalities, conflicts, setbacks, achievements.

It is a testament to the positive impact on America and on the world of his work and his ideals.

It is the gripping account of a president under concerted and unrelenting assault orchestrated by his enemies on the Far Right, and how he survived and prevailed.

It is a treasury of moments caught alive, among them:

• The ten-year-old boy watching the national political conventions on his family’s new (and first) television set.

• The young candidate looking for votes in the Arkansas hills and the local seer who tells him, “Anybody who would campaign at a beer joint in Joiner at midnight on Saturday night deserves to carry one box. . . . You’ll win here. But it’ll be the only damn place you win in this county.” (He was right on both counts.)

• The roller-coaster ride of the 1992 campaign.

• The extraordinarily frank exchanges with Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole.

• The delicate manipulation needed to convince Rabin and Arafat to shake hands for the camera while keeping Arafat from kissing Rabin.

• The cost, both public and private, of the scandal that threatened the presidency.

Here is the life of a great national and international figure, revealed with all his talents and contradictions, told openly, directly, in his own completely recognizable voice. A unique book by a unique American.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Intriguing
Even though I had the chance to live through the years that Bill Clinton was president, I cannot believe how much of the Clinton years I had forgotten. Bill has a great sense of humor and is a great storyteller with compassion, grace and style. He is one of my favorite presidents of all time.A great read. It made me want to know more about his early years growing up in Arkansas.

An interesting look at a complicated man
As someone who has written a lot on Bill Clinton I eagerly awaited the release of his biography.It met most of my expectations although at times he put in far more than I needed to or cared to know.Nigel Hamilton does an excellent job in his early years biography and it matches most of what Clinton talks about here. The need for Bill Clinton to please everyone around him really comes out in his own biography and while I feel he skirts around his disagreement with Carter and does not express the anger that most sources say he felt it is a very honest attempt.I would have liked more details about his college years and meeting Hillary which he jumps past fairly quickly and gets into their political relationship. It is very well written which is to be expected from someone as educated as Bill Clinton.

Better than expected but less than the hype
As I said to my fellow authors earlier, Bill's one of us. He's a writer. This isn't about agreeing with his politics, by the way. It's about, as the book title implies, his life. Which, as luck would have it, does feature a whole lot of politics. I can picture professors building courses around this book, and I think that'is probably a good thing. In China we use FORREST GUMP, which is quite good, but in the US let's go for the gold. MY LIFE goes way below the surface.

Bill Clinton has an amazing memory, in addition to detailed notes and journals and such, and he takes us on a very candid journey. It's almost like being an imbedded journalist. We start with a country boy and many southern tales, then move through some "small town hick in the big city" tales that include Oxford and the soul-searching of the Vietnam War years, then finally through his lengthy political career, one year at a time. Campaigns for others, then for himself. A lot of politics when he's in office.

Politics doesn't simply bore me. I find them downright painful. But I must admit that I've wondered where presidents come from. When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a writer, a teacher or perhaps a cop. Or an NFL quarterback, but I realized early on that might be a tad unrealistic. But president? It never occurred to me. Why did it occur to the poor bumbling fat kid from Arkansas? Read his book and you'll know the answer.

I admire anyone who can pull together a wide variety of seemingly contradictory influences into a consistent whole. You've seen me try to do it in this newsletter, and you can see Bill Clinton do it in this book. Those who equate "thinking" with "waffling" just don't get it. Quite probably they quit subscribing to THIS rag ages ago, if they ever found it at all. So I don't write for them. I write for you.

I'm reaching the age where it's getting very hard to find a non-fiction writer older than me writing about events that I find interesting. Bill qualifies. It's very good to watch history unfold through his eyes. The events I lived through and remember, the ones that preceded those, the ones I just plain missed because I was too busy with other things. One of life's little ironies is that I missed some of Bill's efforts to unburden the lower class because I was too busy shouldering that burden.

This is a 957-page monster, folks. It's a big-un, and it's largely narrative. I've been at it for maybe two weeks. There's no law saying you can't take longer. Stop to read something else, come back to it later, whatever. I'm glad I'm reading it. I think you will be too. (It helps to be American.) Heck, I think you already have read it and I'm just preaching to the choir over here. But hey, Mikey likes it.

Better than I was led to believe.
I like a story that takes its time and give me the details to make my own conclusions and that is just what Bill Clinton has done with his book.I didn't vote for him either time he ran for national office and I still enjoyed this book.

Life-Sized
Okay, so the man didn't exactly need redeeming in my eyes.I thought him a kind of hero before I picked up this book and think of him that way still, though now I have better reasons for it than his public humility, esteem on the world stage, and deft financing of public schools across the country.In his biography, Clinton plies his stock-in-trade, or better, his skill in spades, charm, to his life, both private and political, early and late.When was the last time a public figure acted with such transparency regarding his motives, failures, and frustrations?If he is guilty here of recasting his life favorably, as most biographers eventually are, it is not the usual kind of favoritism that has a large figure becoming mythic, larger-than-life.It is rather that he is uber-authentic, having been born of an alcoholic dad, and living aside an estranged and drug-addicted brother; these snapshots tend to emphasize his claim to the title "the nation's first black president," a street kid who made good through excessive pulling of bootstraps.Larger-than-life is precisely what Clinton is not in this story, but endearingly and precisely life-sized. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Bill Gertz, who covers national security for the Washington Times, lays out a chilling argument against Bill Clinton's foreign policy in Betrayal. In his view, Clinton's "naive" strategies of "appeasement" with China and Russia have resulted in a betrayal of American interests, leaving "the United States weaker militarily as its enemies grow stronger and the world becomes more dangerous." According to Gertz, Clinton's policies have compromised national security: Clinton opposed development of a missile defense system that would derail arms control agreements with the Russians--even though they are believed to be developing such a system themselves. Gertz also maintains that the Russians are using U.S. aid targeted for decommissioning nuclear weapons to develop new weapons of mass destruction and to continue to develop new nuclear weapons.

Gertz also makes the case that the Clinton administration's sale of sophisticated computer and satellite technology to China was influenced by campaign contributions to the Democrats from Chinese and American executives. "The small but growing force of Chinese strategic nuclear missiles has become more reliable--thanks to American high technology," writes Gertz. He further charges that the Clinton administration has attempted to downplay the Chinese threat to U.S. security even though "China has undertaken a steady military buildup that is directly aimed at fighting a future war with the United States."

Betrayal asserts that the "most important legacy" of Bill Clinton's presidency may be "his dead serious disarmament of the United States and his self-serving appeasement of powerful and determined foreign enemies.... The administration's policies have endangered not only the United States," Gertz concludes, "but the peace and security of the entire world." --Linda Killian Book Description
Bill Gertz has done more than any other reporter to expose the threat Bill Clinton's administration poses to U.S. national security.Now, using his extensive sources within the government and his unrivaled access to confidential documents, Gertz tells the whole, sordid story of an administration that has sold out our national security--and has gone to great lengths to cover it up. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (115)

Chinese Loving Clinton
Bottom line, if you are interested in national security and policy, this is a great book to read.I am one of those people who love Bill Gertz as an author but hate him as a reporter.On one hand I think some of what he publishes should not be making it out into the public, for national security reasons, and on the other we need to see the truth.I really enjoyed this book because it points out all of the things that went on behind the scenes of the Clinton administration.

Hillary's supporters need to read this book!WJ Clinton was one of the worst defense Presidents the US has ever had and will be even for the foreseeable future.He managed to take a strong modern military (built up by Regan and Bush) and destroy its capabilities.

The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars is that he sometimes seems to be spending a lot of energy on personal attacks against President Clinton.Granted, that is the gist of the book, but the arguments do seem a bit lopsided at times.In short, it gets a bit `ranty'.

Although I think Mr. Gertz needs to get some scruples as a reporter...in reality we need him to continue his digging.

The Second Cold War
I have a penchant for globetrotting intrigue and political mysteries, especially those involving secret power struggles and undercover, out of sight operatives dictating possible cataclysmic events. The only problem with Bill Gertz's "Betrayal: How the Clinton Administration Undermined American Security" is that it is all for real. Gertz, the national security reporter and defense correspondent for the conservative "Washington Times," must perform well at his day job to keep so well informed within the intelligence community. This work reveals the real tensions between the United States and Russia throughout the 1990s, a deadly tension cloaked amidst the smoke and mirrors but rendered insignificant or even false under President Bill Clinton's eight years of "peace and prosperity." Behind the spinning curtains, the U.S. and former Soviet Union remained as chilly, bitter rivals since the 'end' of the Cold War. Gertz dissects Clinton's pandering to the Yeltsin government and suggests that the administration's refusal to appear critical of the Russians led to their new nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities, which were developed and nurtured in deep secret. Now the authoritarian president Vladimir Putin is testing new missiles capable of penetrating European-based US defense systems. Is a second Cold War with Russia building underneath the shadows?

The book fails to mention the NATO-sponsored bombing of Kosovo, which also stoked the fires of the Russian behemoth in an attempt to intimidate the country with the US-led alliance. Russia wanted an occupation zone established in Kosovo, in the past a Soviet satellite. General Wesley Clark, after hearing of Russian plans to deliver armored vehicles to an airport in Pristina, near the border of Serbia proper, wanted to deny the Russians use of the airport by ordering British tanks to block the runways from incoming Russian planes. These events led British general Sir Michael Jackson to reply to Clark, "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you." after stoutly refusing the order. Former president Yeltsin even described how dangerously close a "world war" was when General Clark and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair proposed a ground invasion of Serbia. According to Webster Tarpley, the whole Kosovo operation harbored a behind-the-scenes proxy war between Russia and the United States (Webster Tarpley, "9/11 Synthetic Terrorism" 129-131).

Of course, Bill Clinton is not the end of the blame here. He rebuffed Clark and Blair's request of an invasion of Serbia. Although this book was published in the fall of 2001, an updated version should mention the May 2002 treaty between President Bush and Vladimir Putin to share American ballistic missile defense research/developments with Russia, including access to US command and control and testing data for U.S. theater and strategic ballistic missile defenses. Now the Russians are testing new missiles...

I never witnessed the Cold War. I was born as the Soviet Union began to crumble. May I yet live to see the day for another Cold War, another arms race?

Lackluster but marginally revealing...
This is a Washington Times correspondant's look at Clinton Administration boon-doggles from overtures to the Red Chinese to foolish nuclear aid programs to North Korea. Succinctly stated Gertz indicts the former Clinton administration for it's blind eyeon vital national security issues. Though, at times it seems trifling and it seems Gertz is fishing for intrigue. Since the highlight of the book is a spying Russian naval vessel blinding an American with a laser, I was kind of bored. But I still found some of the content redeeming.

Pretty Pernicious stuff
I am beginning to hate to read these books about President Clinton because it seems that everything he did as the President was to line his pockets.

In this one it starts out with a story that seems only mildly related with the lasers which was interesting.The next ones with the dealings with China makes you think that he did the sex stuff just to cause a diversion from what he was really doing.I could not believe how far his administration would go before they would put any sanctions on China considering they were selling all their nuclear secrets to Pakistan. China paid for him to get reelected.

It seemed like all the aerospace companies were hooked into this and they must have paid President.

The dealings with Russia seem to make Clinton out to be a fool allowing them to use the money to rebuild their country to build new nuclear weapons facilities.Then to let them stop us from creating a missile defense system so that they could sell Russia missile defense systems around the world.Finally we let them sell nuclear secrets to Iraq.

Did the Clinton administration think that no one would notice???I just don't under stand.

I you want to see some shady dealing with the Clinton administration on foreign policy you will enjoy this book if you are a Clinton support get those spin stories ready.

Accurate portrayal of a moral relativist former President.
Bill Gertz is probably the foremost authority in the United States on American-Chinese relations. During the Clinton years Gertz kept America informed, through his brilliant articles in The Washington Times, regarding the Administration's ill-advised "policy of engagement" with China, a policy which, at the end of Clinton's eight years in office, had served to permit China to aid rogue nations in the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to improve its arsenal of ICBMs, many of which were aimed at us, while aiding Mr. Clinton's Hollywood contributors and several unscrupulous high-tech corporations as they developed markets in China for their products.
As the author of "The China Connection," I was particularly interested in Gertz's carefully researched Chapter 5, "The Long March Forward" in which he describes how several American high-tech corporations, all huge contributors to the Democratic National Committee and to the Clinton Re-Election campaign, enabled the Chinese to not only greatly improve their commercial space launchers, but also to make their nuclear-tipped intercontinetal ballistic missiles more reliable. In my novel, "The China Connection" meticulously researched fact-based fiction, I show, through the actions and dialogue of characters, most of them based upon real people, the bankrupt moral and political philosophy behind the Clinton Administration in this area. I explain how moral relativism combined with political expediency can be dangerous characteristics when joined in politicians and others in positions of power who lack high moral standards. Yes! Character does count, and so does integrity, when electing our leaders.
I recommend "Betrayal" highly. After you've finished, I suggest picking up "The China Connection" as a painless, even enjoyable way of learning about the problem of moral relativism and how the actions of our former president strengthened the Chinese and endangered America during his years as president and far into the future. ... Read more

Book Description
President Bill Clinton’s My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of a global leader who decided early in life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public.

It shows us the progress of a remarkable American, who, through his own enormous energies and efforts, made the unlikely journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House—a journey fueled by an impassioned interest in the political process which manifested itself at every stage of his life: in college, working as an intern for Senator William Fulbright; at Oxford, becoming part of the Vietnam War protest movement; at Yale Law School, campaigning on the grassroots level for Democratic candidates; back in Arkansas, running for Congress, attorney general, and governor.

We see his career shaped by his resolute determination to improve the life of his fellow citizens, an unfaltering commitment to civil rights, and an exceptional understanding of the practicalities of political life.

We come to understand the emotional pressures of his youth—born after his father’s death; caught in the dysfunctional relationship between his feisty, nurturing mother and his abusive stepfather, whom he never ceased to love and whose name he took; drawn to the brilliant, compelling Hillary Rodham, whom he was determined to marry; passionately devoted, from her infancy, to their daughter, Chelsea, and to the entire experience of fatherhood; slowly and painfully beginning to comprehend how his early denial of pain led him at times into damaging patterns of behavior.

President Clinton’s book is also the fullest, most concretely detailed, most nuanced account of a presidency ever written—encompassing not only the high points and crises but the way the presidency actually works: the day-to-day bombardment of problems, personalities, conflicts, setbacks, achievements.

It is a testament to the positive impact on America and on the world of his work and his ideals.

It is the gripping account of a president under concerted and unrelenting assault orchestrated by his enemies on the Far Right, and how he survived and prevailed.

It is a treasury of moments caught alive, among them:

• The ten-year-old boy watching the national political conventions on his family’s new (and first) television set.

• The young candidate looking for votes in the Arkansas hills and the local seer who tells him, “Anybody who would campaign at a beer joint in Joiner at midnight on Saturday night deserves to carry one box. . . . You’ll win here. But it’ll be the only damn place you win in this county.” (He was right on both counts.)

• The roller-coaster ride of the 1992 campaign.

• The extraordinarily frank exchanges with Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole.

• The delicate manipulation needed to convince Rabin and Arafat to shake hands for the camera while keeping Arafat from kissing Rabin.

• The cost, both public and private, of the scandal that threatened the presidency.

Here is the life of a great national and international figure, revealed with all his talents and contradictions, told openly, directly, in his own completely recognizable voice. A unique book by a unique American.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Highly Recommend This Book
As a long time follower of Bill Clinton, I have enjoyed his books.Clinton's time as President was overshadowed by his sexual encounters, which is disappointing.In my opinion, Clinton was an excellent President.Clinton gives insight in to his adminstration and the condition of the political world during his time in office.It's an unknown fact that we have only had two Presidents who did not have mistresses or affairs at some point in their lives.As Nixon had to face the music for Watergate, Clinton faced the music for his sexual indiscretions. Both became poster children for actions that neither were the first to participate in, nor the last, leaving their legacy's forever tarnished.Politics is a dirty business and for those who manage to endure the mud slinging and back stabbing, I take my hat off to them. Bill Clinton is a survivor who has managed to shake off past negativity, to reemerge as a strong and trust worthy leader.I highly recommend this book for any Clinton follower looking for insight in to the Clinton administration, as it is a very detailed, honest accounting of his life.

Compare the reception among reviewers.
Most interesting of all is reader reception.For some reason, hundreds of readers commented upon the first volume of My Life.Yet, on the second volume, I am the fourth to make any remarks.So, why do people pay such great attention to the "developmental" volume and so little attention to the "consequences" volume?That is the question of prime importance, in grasping how Americans, in particular, have been overly receptive to issues of character and less attentive to more critical issues of policy formation, in the crucible of current circumstantial events.People would rather cling to some indefensible opinion of the man than explore the interleaved nuances of public necessity and private interest that we call politics.[Perhaps, volume III will draw our attention better to the stories we ought to read, of American public values processes!]

Review by Nan Kilar and Bob Miller
A homecoming of sorts, as much for Clinton as his readers---it's a weaving together of philosophy, religion, sex, and a deep love of country. Book was not what I expected, but in a word it was, compelling. Mr. Clinton explains the stress in those years in a manner that leaves the Clinton gang, I'm sure, wanting less compassion for those who tried their best to destroy him and his family. That's the difference between a politician, any politician, and a human being.

I too felt stress in those years. It was impossible to find employees--everyone who wanted a job had one. Even more stressful was what to do with the huge surplus of money in our national treasury. Then there was that fulltime worry about Bill's sex life. That wouldn't have been an issue for me had I had a sex life. Then there was all that training and money we were spending on our armed forces who were not out there earning their keep invading oil rich countries so the likes of Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton could exploit their natural resources.

Life has been worry free for me during the Bush years. It's the minorities and middle income whites who are doing the worrying now--about things like where to bury their war dead, employment and paying the bills. I confess, I'm not sure how these people are going to handle the national debt with me getting a tax cut and them without a job. But Mr. Bush said not to worry. What a relief! I'm Bob Miller, a registered Republican.

I would have liked to see him actually comment on the issues instead of list them
As someone who has written a lot about Bill Clinton over the years I was disappointed by his book.This was a chance for him to set the record straight on both the good and bad in his administration and he did neither. He talks about a lot of the issues but not how he approached them. He talks about what his administration looked at but not what he did and did not solve. He allows Yassir Arafat to get off completely free for his rejection of the Clinton plan the book is very well written and is still worth reading if nothing else to understand Clinton's perspective on what happened but overall it could have been far more enlightening.

A great book from a great president
As a Clinton Democrat, I grew up with issues like Social Security and welfare in my mind. I found out more about Clinton from this book then watching him for the last 14 years on TV. Clinton uses easy to understand words yet at some points he uses more complicated rhetoric. A fun book to read and will test what you know about Clinton's term in office. ... Read more

Amazon.com
An exhaustive, soul-searching memoir, Bill Clinton's My Life is a refreshingly candid look at the former president as a son, brother, teacher, father, husband, and public figure. Clinton painstakingly outlines the history behind his greatest successes and failures, including his dedication to educational and economic reform, his war against a "vast right-wing operation" determined to destroy him, and the "morally indefensible" acts for which he was nearly impeached. My Life is autobiography as therapy--a personal history written by a man trying to face and banish his private demons.

Clinton approaches the story of his youth with gusto, sharing tales of giant watermelons, nine-pound tumors, a charging ram, famous mobsters and jazz musicians, and a BB gun standoff. He offers an equally energetic portrait of American history, pop culture, and the evolving political landscape, covering the historical events that shaped his early years (namely the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and JFK) and the events that shaped his presidency (Waco, Bosnia, Somalia). What makes My Life remarkable as a political memoir is how thoroughly it is infused with Clinton's unassuming, charmingly pithy voice:

I learned a lot from the stories my uncle, aunts, and grandparents told me: that no one is perfect but most people are good; that people can't be judged only by their worst or weakest moments; that harsh judgments can make hypocrites of us all; that a lot of life is just showing up and hanging on; that laughter is often the best, and sometimes the only, response to pain.

However, that same voice might tire readers as Clinton applies his penchant for minute details to a distractible laundry list of events, from his youth through the years of his presidency. Not wanting to forget a single detail that might help account for his actions, Clinton overdoes it--do we really need to know the name of his childhood barber? But when Clinton sticks to the meat of his story--recollections about Mother, his abusive stepfather, Hillary, the campaign trail, and Kenneth Starr--the veracity of emotion and Kitchen Confidential-type revelations about "what it is like to be President" make My Life impossible to put down.

To Clinton, "politics is a contact sport," and while he claims that My Life is not intended to make excuses or assign blame, it does portray him as a fighter whose strategy is to "take the first hit, then counterpunch as hard as I could." While My Life is primarily a stroll through Clinton's memories, it is also a scathing rebuke--a retaliation against his detractors, including Kenneth Starr, whose "mindless search for scandal" protected the guilty while "persecuting the innocent" and distracted his Administration from pressing international matters (including strikes on al Qaeda). Counterpunch indeed.

At its core, My Life is a charming and intriguing if flawed book by an equally intriguing and flawed man who had his worst failures and humiliations made public. Ultimately, the man who left office in the shadow of scandal offers an honest and open account of his life, allowing readers to witness his struggle to "drain the most out of every moment" while maintaining the character with which he was raised. It is a remarkably intimate, persuasive look at the boy he was, the President he became, and man he is today. --Daphne DurhamBook Description
President Bill Clinton’s My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of a global leader who decided early in life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public.

It shows us the progress of a remarkable American, who, through his own enormous energies and efforts, made the unlikely journey from Hope, Arkansas, to the White House—a journey fueled by an impassioned interest in the political process which manifested itself at every stage of his life: in college, working as an intern for Senator William Fulbright; at Oxford, becoming part of the Vietnam War protest movement; at Yale Law School, campaigning on the grassroots level for Democratic candidates; back in Arkansas, running for Congress, attorney general, and governor.

We see his career shaped by his resolute determination to improve the life of his fellow citizens, an unfaltering commitment to civil rights, and an exceptional understanding of the practicalities of political life.

We come to understand the emotional pressures of his youth—born after his father’s death; caught in the dysfunctional relationship between his feisty, nurturing mother and his abusive stepfather, whom he never ceased to love and whose name he took; drawn to the brilliant, compelling Hillary Rodham, whom he was determined to marry; passionately devoted, from her infancy, to their daughter, Chelsea, and to the entire experience of fatherhood; slowly and painfully beginning to comprehend how his early denial of pain led him at times into damaging patterns of behavior.

President Clinton’s book is also the fullest, most concretely detailed, most nuanced account of a presidency ever written—encompassing not only the high points and crises but the way the presidency actually works: the day-to-day bombardment of problems, personalities, conflicts, setbacks, achievements.

It is a testament to the positive impact on America and on the world of his work and his ideals.

It is the gripping account of a president under concerted and unrelenting assault orchestrated by his enemies on the Far Right, and how he survived and prevailed.

It is a treasury of moments caught alive, among them:

• The ten-year-old boy watching the national political conventions on his family’s new (and first) television set.

• The young candidate looking for votes in the Arkansas hills and the local seer who tells him, “Anybody who would campaign at a beer joint in Joiner at midnight on Saturday night deserves to carry one box. . . . You’ll win here. But it’ll be the only damn place you win in this county.” (He was right on both counts.)

• The roller-coaster ride of the 1992 campaign.

• The extraordinarily frank exchanges with Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole.

• The delicate manipulation needed to convince Rabin and Arafat to shake hands for the camera while keeping Arafat from kissing Rabin.

• The cost, both public and private, of the scandal that threatened the presidency.

Here is the life of a great national and international figure, revealed with all his talents and contradictions, told openly, directly, in his own completely recognizable voice. A unique book by a unique American.


From the Hardcover edition.Download Description
President Bill Clinton¿s My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of a global leader who decided early in life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public. It is the fullest, most concretely detailed, most nuanced account of a presidency ever written, and a testament to the positive impact on America and on the world of his work and his ideals.

Here is the life of a great national and international figure, revealed with all his talents and contradictions. Filled with fascinating moments and insights, it is told openly, directly, in President Clinton¿s own completely recognizable voice.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (699)

A Long Road That Hasn't Ended
A long and interesting read, overly detailed on fairly mundane aspects of his life and unsurprisingly brief on more interesting times.

Nevertheless, an engrossing read. Who knows where his road will end.

Take him at his word?
Clinton supporter or not, you will find this biography to be fascinating.Clinton gives you the works, from his childhood all the way through his Presidency.If you're looking for lurid details, he doesn't give them.What he does give you is a chance to see how he saw things.What I found especially interesting were the stories about the fight over controversial issues with Congress and the long Whitewater investigation.This book is VERY long and is anecdotal, so be prepared to read a thousand short stories, with little or no overarching theme other than "this is how it happened".

Amusing & interesting read
Undoubtly Bill Clinton will be remembered as one of the most influential presidents of the US. Politically he was a moderate as opposed to a liberal as seen in different policies he pushed forward. He was a savvy president too in terms of his political skills. The government shutdown, I believe, was one of his greatest moves in this sense. The 1996 victory was the corollary of the latter, besides the fact that Bob Dole was not a strong opponent. Clinton would have won anyways.
A lot of lessons to be learned from Clinton's book. However, certain parts of it are too detailed.

From the Mind of a President
I am not a fan of President Bill Clinton, but to read his life and how he started from nothing to be President in the Oval Office shows that every American can fulfill your dreams if you dream big. President Clinton shares valuable insight into his life from childhood to his political years. Every time I walked into a bookstore I would pick up and book and look through it. I finally decide to give it a read, and I found out that I could not lay it down.

My biggest qualm with President Clinton is his wishy washy stand on life. You cannot believe to be pro-life, but believe to be pro-choice at the same time. It makes no sense. I am a Roman Catholic who is 100% PRO LIFE and I make no apologies. Life needs to be protected from conception to natural death. The respect for life has been lost since Roe vs. Wade.

President Clinton did accomplish wonderful things during his presidency, and sad to say he did better things for the American people than some of our Republicans in Washington.
I am glad I took the time to read this book. We hear a lot of jokes with his infidelity, and he admits his wrong and hurtful actions. But did Jesus not say, "He that is with out sin cast the first stone?"

We are use to hearing the term, "Slick Willie." But I believe that Bill Clinton honestly opened his mind and heart to the American people and told his story, and I am glad to have a better insight into his life. Being the President of the greatest country of the world is no easy job.

An interesting life

Since there are already 700 reviews, I'll keep mine short ;)

My life talks about the life of Bill Clinton, one of the more outspoken US presidents. As expected, it starts when he was born. The earlier years are gone over quite quickly and most of the book is about his time as president.

I've enjoyed "my life". Most of the things in the book are already public information and therefore I felt that the book didn't give me the extra insight and info that I was expecting. When you've followed Bill Clinton a little, then you'll find it a good summary of the info you already knew :)

One addition. The book does have a strong anti-republican political message. I do not mind it at all, but sometimes it felt more like a democratic attempt making republicans look bad than a biography. I do not know whether that was intended.

Worth reading, nothing shockingly new though. ... Read more

Amazon.com
These days, it seems like everyone's a Friend of Bill--Clinton's buddies from Arkansas are turning up in powerful White House positions faster than you can say "Whitewater." But make no mistake, British journalist Ambrose Evans-Pritchard is no F.O.B.: in the course of The Secret Life of Bill Clinton's 350-plus pages, he manages to connect the president to everything from 1997's Oklahoma City bombing to Arkansas's drug underworld to the mysterious death of White House aide and longtime Clinton friend Vince Foster, and, of course, to Paula Jones. According to Evans-Pritchard--who has reported for the London-based Spectator, Sunday Telegraph (where he served as Washington bureau chief), and Daily Telegraph newspapers--Clinton's "original sin" was the Waco incident, the FBI's much-criticized assault on the Branch Davidian community in Texas that led to the deaths of 76 people. From that point on, the author asserts, it was all downhill for the American people.

Evans-Pritchard's exposé of Arkansas's favorite son is indeed scathing: he documents the then-governor's drug use and consort with prostitutes (primarily in the company of ne'er-do-well brother Roger); innumerable lies to friends, staff members, and the people who empowered him; numerous infidelities; blackmail--the list goes on and on. Evans-Pritchard claims that, because he is not an American citizen, he is not "beholden to any political or financial interest in the United States," and he does not "hang on lips of official sources," nor does he "fear the loss of access in Washington, or the blackball of [his] profession"; in other words, he ain't afraid to call 'em like he sees 'em. And although many of his seemingly wild claims and accusations are substantiated by thorough notes and appendixes following the text (including copies of original FBI documents), you're never quite convinced of the author's theories. Whether or not you come to believe, as Evans-Pritchard does, that "Arkansas was a mini-Colombia within the United States, infested by narco-corruption"; that--because of William Jefferson Clinton--"you can sniff the pungent odors of decay in the American body politic"; that the president's "actions and character ... have engendered the most deadly terrorist movement in the industrialized world," you will most certainly be entertained and enlightened by the dirt this British muckraker has uncovered. You may not be an F.O.B., but after reading this book, you may not mind so much.Book Description
An illustrious investigative reporter adds shocking new and exclusive revelations to his swelling bag of Clinton scandals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (82)

Incredible Work
I just read this book for the second time after having read it a few years ago.It's amazing how time dulls the memory.I had forgotten about all of the scandals and crimes associated with the Clintons and it is chilling that after all of this time the Clintons still have not been held accountable and at this time Hillary is even in the running to become our next president.

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard has written a well-documented and well-researched book from years of investigation and interviews.He has meticulously laid out the evidence for the Clintons association with the Oklahoma bombing, Vince Foster's death, the sad murder of Kevin Ives, the "Dixie Mafia" and even Paula Jones.

I can understand why those who are enamored of Bill Clinton will not like this book but in typical left-wing form those who have given this book only one star and complain that it is filled with lies offer no facts to refute those supposed lies.

What a McGovernite Liberal is Really Like
Evans-Pritchard reveals what America gets when it elects a new age liberal.Bill Clinton a "new democrat"? Yes, if you mean New Left.

This Clinton is a man who served under the segregationist and anti-Vietnam war senator Fulbright.

Evans-Pritchard takes you behind the sanitized snapshots. What you see is at least a third of the American voting populace who does not mind Clinton's Arkansas corruption and subsequent White House coverup. "They all do it," was the Clinton defense.

Most reporters were too cowardly to investigate the suspicious activities at Mena, Arkansas airport, or the bumbling of Clinton's handpicked stooges in the Justics Department, and the subversion of the FBI's handling of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Before the dead kids bodies in the Murrah Building were even cold, Clinton blamed conservative talk radio for creating the climate that led to the bombing. That is what a real liberal does.

In retrospect, it now becomes clear why James Carville became Clinton's most staunch defender. To paraphrase a threat from Carville, "Ken Starr is one step away from having his kneecaps busted." THAT IS THE REAL BILL CLINTON, not the easy-going good-time charlie playing the sax on TV.

Bill Clinton was a Rhodes scholar . . . with extremely poor judgment. Crafty? Yes. Wise, like Reagan? Hell No.

A must-read to any American citizen...
I purchased this book after hearing review after review of it from my family members.Needless to say, they were right - this book is an absolute bombshell of information that pinpoints most, if not all of the ethical and legal faux pas raised by the Clinton Administration and the organizations under that regime.Some of the highlights include how the FBI blundered Waco, how the Murrah building was most definately more than a one-person job (but was apparently ordered not to investigate it as such), how Clinton was dealing in cocaine trafficking and how the Clintons managed to cover all of this up with the help of the liberal media.

... Ambrose Evans-Pritchard documents everything he asserts based on facts of witness testimony, comparing FBI affadavits, and other documents related to these cases.If there is any flaw with the book is that Pritchard couldn't 100% tie all of the incidents to Clinton, though 95% of the crimes mentioned in the book can be easily seen how they tie to Clinton or to someone high up in the Clinton administration.

I reiterate - this book is a must-read to anyone who is sick and tired of hearing how great the Clinton Administration is, and should be read by those people who continue to profess how wonderful Clinton was.

Partisan Revenge Tactics = Big Bucks
To the people who read this book, you really should do some research on the author, who was sure that he was going to be killed by Clinton's "Death Squads" while writing this.It's a perfect book to feed the conservative paranoia that the Clinton years cultivated.The guy couldn't even have a successful affair without getting caught, how he could have managed all that he is accused of in this book is borderline absurd.And the section regarding the advanced knowledge of the Oklahoma bombing is just plain ridiculous, especially when you compare it to the recent allegation of the Bush administration's advance knowledge of 9/11 activities.It's easy to dislike Clinton when you're a conservative, I understand, and this book certainly gives you fuel for the fire.But no one should take anything in this book as entirely factual or of any journalistic value.The elaborate footnotes and "documentation" are an almost comedic exersize in logical thinking.But hey, I'm not going to knock a book that so many people like.The only thing I object to is its classification as a "non-fiction" book.

It's time for One Term Limits for all Politicians
I just finished reading this book - on the heals of finishing Bernard Goldberg's book, Bias.It made me sick to my stomach.Not being one to swallow what someone tries to feed me without thinking for myself, if even some of the allegations made in this book are true, it's horrifying.

I'm wondering why no one in the media wants to uncover the truth about Vince Foster's death.I learned recently that his widow received a $286,000 wire transfer 4 days after his death and no one wants to account for the money trail.

What blows my mind is if Bill had a "nose like a vacuum" as the author alleges Roger Clinton stated on a surveillance tape, why isn't that front page news?Are we so gullible as a society that we tolerate such behavior from our leaders so long as it doesn't interfere with our own personal quality of life?

I admit I am no fan of the Clintons and I didn't vote for Al Gore.However, I'm having trouble sleeping at night in fear for the country my son will inherit if these allegations are true.I always knew the rich and powerful got different justice from the rest of us - I guess I always thought the press would protect us from ourselves.God help us all.

This book is powerful in its ability to "probe and disturb". ... Read more

Book Description
The best-selling, award-winning biographer's insightful, balanced, engaging, and much anticipated history of Clinton's first term in office describes his extraordinary effort to be a modern president, in a modern world--from the disastrous first few months to his triumphant reelection in 1996.

A decade-and-a-half after President William Jefferson Clinton first took the oath of office, biographer Nigel Hamilton tells the riveting story of what was possibly the greatest self-reinvention of a president in office in modern times. The Clinton presidency began disastrously--kicking off with the worst transition in living memory and deteriorating through a series of fiascos, from gays in the military to Hillary Clinton's failed health care reform. How Bill Clinton faced up to his failures and refashioned himself in the White House thereafter is an epic, hitherto unwritten story--a story that climaxes with the trouncing of Bob Dole in the landslide presidential election in 1996. Clinton began his second term as the undisputed and tremendously popular leader of the Western world.

In vivid prose, Hamilton charts Clinton's dramatic reversal of fortune and his ultimate triumph over himself--and his foes. Bill Clinton: Mastering the Presidency is a riveting narrative of American politics, an incisive character portrait, and powerful reminder of what a great president can accomplish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent biography on the first term of President Clinton
In the dozen or so books that I have read about Bill Clinton including his autobiography Nigel Hamilton's books always stand our. These are among the most balanced and well thought out books written on the presidency of Clinton.Hamilton takes time for painstaking research of not only presidential archives but newspapers and voluminous secondary sources.This book which follows Clinton's rise to the presidency and his time as governor focuses on the first term in office.It accurately and effectively assess the first years where Clinton learned how to be president.The book encompasses several areas from the scandals, the role of Hillary in the White House and of course domestic and foreign affairs.

The start of his first term can only be described in one word: disaster.Clinton was unable to effectively set up a transition team which would plague him through his early years in office when many of his candidates particularly in the justice department would have to resign over various scandals.Clinton himself was plagued by the scandals of Troopergate and Paula Jones while fending off his wife's scandals in Whitewater and Travelgate.These early years and political naiveté of the president were mastered by the end. As Hamilton points out and Clinton admits in his autobiography the stonewalling tactics that were used in these early scandals only fanned the flames quicker and in many cases particularly with Whitewater dragged the case along further than necessary.These scandals followed several legislative failures and executive failures from universal healthcare reform to gays in the military. Despite this those first two years were not entirely dark. The passage of NAFTA and the Oslo Peace accords were triumphs that came out of these dark days of his early presidency and a tax cut package that saved the American economy proved viable.

Hamilton argues that Bill Clinton finally began to master the presidency and appear presidential after two events.In his previous book Hamilton shows that Bill Clinton is at his finest when he is running for office.When Clinton decides to fight the contract of America and use Dick Morris triangulation arguments to reposition himself as a candidate he is given for the first time a solid position to run from since 1992.The bombing of the Oklahoma building was the second event that helped redefine his presidency. Here Clinton was able to be at his finest when empathizing with people and demonstrates leadership.He ends his co-presidentship with his wife and takes responsibility to lead the nation doing an impressive job for most people and his approval ratings soar.The Bosnian crisis gave President Clinton the best chance to showcase leadership and coupled with the republican shutdown of government he emerged on top of his republican opponents.

In the final analysis of President ClintonÂs first term he is seen as a brilliant politician but a flawed man.The scandals and poor organization of the White House plagued Clinton and forced him to spend his first two years at a public relations disadvantage.HamiltonÂs work is one of the best accounts on Bill Clinton and one of the fairest.It is encompassing of a wide range of sources and fairly asses them to come to logical conclusions.

Where can I get my presidential kneepads?
Since the end of the Clinton administration, we've been bombarded with the revisionist, whitewashed accounts of the Boy President's tenure in the White House. A reviewer for Madeleine Albright's previous book "The Mighty and the Almighty," commentated how unsuccessful politicians, unlike those of the Harry Truman variety who stick it out in the waiting room for history's judgment, trek across the globe in an attempt to tamper with the verdict beforehand, a dazzling effort to mislead and misdirect by way of giving speeches, writing books, and making endless TV appearances. They have every right, of course, in order to rationalize, or perhaps explain, their actions when occupying office. But we all know and remember what former New York senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said about those pesky 'facts', and it applies here fitfully. And, obviously, you cannot rationalize the unconstitutional.

Nigel Hamilton reminds me eerily of Ms. Monica Lewinsky. He likes giving full-throated 'presidential kneepads'. He approaches his subject matter with no thought to critical analysis. Mr. Hamilton does not do any in depth research. Is he too afraid to research the Big Creep, warts and all, and worried about the inevitable outcome? What is this book if nothing but a testament to the death of objective inquiry? Denouncing the toothless Branch Davidians and letting the federal government's unleashing of hell-fire damnation and carnage get a pass? No mention of the Boy President's 1993 Executive Order burying private propery (protected under the Fifth Amendment) under a federal zoning system, backed by groups like Planned Parenthood, dictating property in state and local communities? No mention of the destructive path that NAFTA would later entail for the future? Where is the critical research and intense questioning? Oh, he has much to say about the congressional Republicans and House Speaker Newt Gingrich, not kind words particularly, but nothing much objectionable. But he has nothing, total silence, on the Man from Hope. He was the "smartest president of the 20th century"! Bubba brought peace and prosperity! I haven't seen an author give a politician as good a hand job as this since the gasbag Fred Barnes and his "Rebel in Chief."

When are we going to stop being complacent puppy dogs giving these rich, elitist politicos a wink and a slap on the butt (they're our Kathleen Willey!), essentially as we forgive them for trampling on the Constitution? I don't care if the culprit is a philandering, deplorable man from Arkansas or a faux-conservative, cowboy-hat-wearing rancher like that of the Big Man from Texas. Maybe if the public decided to take their republic back from these stooges for the Council on Foreign Relations by hitting the books and studying, I would feel a little more faith in the American people. Oh well, I don't see it happening any time soon. Hey, look, Dancing with the Stars is on! Go back to sleep! This book is a complete waste of time.

(P.S. - For an experiment, I decided to give neocon Norman Podhoretz's "World War IV," a new neocon tract, one star. I didn't even read the book, while I spiced up the review with a few lines of "no more Zionist propaganda," "Israel Lobby stooge," "neocon Zionist terrorist nutjob," and the like. Amazon posted it in less than seconds. This review was submitted days ago. So, Amazon, where do your loyalties lie?)

Fascinating Material!
Nigel Hamilton chronicles the first Clinton term, covering all the (mostly) bad and good, including his reinvention after the 1994 mid-term elections.Its amazing that despite Bill and Hillary making so many major mistakes, Bill came back to win a second term (and make his biggest mistake of all - Monica).

Hamilton has no reservation in identifying Clinton's transition into the Presidency as the worst ever - beginning with his failure to appoint an effective chief of staff.(This is a topic Hamilton repeatedly returns to, contributing to Clinton's early lack of focus and being victimized by weak members of his administration.It does not get resolved until almost two years later.)It is also interesting (and scary) to read of Hillary's temper tantrums, beginning even prior to the Inauguration - concerning her wanting to take over the traditional V.P. office in the West Wing.Her decision-making also was a problem - eg. her choice for Attorney General (Zoe Baird) and for Attorney General in charge of civil rights (Lani Guinier) - despite warnings to the contrary, both nominations went forward and both went down in flames.

Then there was Clinton's early move to permit gays in the military (backed down, looking indecisive), Hillary's locking correspondents out of access to the White House press office, Hillary being appointed to reform health care in 131 days (she acerbated the problem with secrecy and refusing to even talk to industry insiders), the Waco fiasco, LAX "Hairgate,), Hillary's "Travelgate," the Vince Foster suicide (followed by Hillary's orders to remove her personal papers prior to any investigation), Black Hawk down in Somalia (Clinton expanded the mission while troops were cut 90% and Defense Sec. Aspin refused to send the requested armor), the troop-ship Harlan County carrying President Aristide being turned away by Haitians chanting "Somalia," "Troopergate" - allegedly procured and lied for Bill Clinton, Paula Jones, Watergate (no illegal Clinton action, by Hillary inflamed the issue by refusing to turn over documents), and Gennifer Flowers and Dolly Browning.

Then came New Gingrich and his "Contract with America," vs. a public perception that Clinton had no agenda.After losing both the House and Senate to Republicans, Clinton then re-invented himself as he moved to the center, and became a successful President.

Highly recommended
Obviously well-researched with fascinating, real-life detail, the book presents a considered, coherent and integrated contour of events and the personalities which shaped them. Penetrating where journalism so often founders. History will thank Nigel Hamilton for telling the truth. Though his timing may be inconvenient, the telling preserves the standards of Diogenes. Illuminating. A must read.

The last Clinton book you will need
If you want to read a book by someone who worships Bill Clinton, who throws rose petals in his path, who feels he is the second coming of Christ and can do no wrong, then this is your book. If not, then wait for another. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Bill Clinton By Inese
Bill Jefferson Clinton

Some specific events from the plot are:

October, 1975, when he marries Hillary Rodham.
A year later, he is elected Arkansas State Attorney General.
Then on January 10th, 1979, he is elected Governor of Arkansas.
He continues until January 1991. Next year, he is nominated president at the National Convention in New York.
On January 20th, 1993 William J. Clinton, was sworn into office, as the 43rd president of the USA.

A conflict that Bill faced was when he announced his presidency. He was asked questions like "Did you ever smoke marijuana?" or "Why did you go to a segregated golf club". By summer of 1992, people were still not sure if Bill should be president. The resolution that he made was to survive and continue on. The attacks on his character were very painful but he managed.

An enthusiastic intro to the new President, Bill Clinton
Because this Scholastic Biography of Bill Clinton was published in February 1993, the month after his first inaugural, it is more about how Clinton became President than it is about his presidency.Jack Roberts begins with Clinton begin nominated for President at the 1992 Democratic Convention, then goes back to the beginning when Bill Blythe was born in Hope, Arkansas.However, it is clear throughout this book that the focus is explaining Clinton's path to the White House.While not exactly partisan, this biography clearly wants to be enthusiastic about Clinton's election.Of course, this is not unique; I have found similar biographies about both George Bush and the new president, George W. Bush.On the back cover it appears there was a sub-title to the book, "Bill Clinton: A desire to make a difference."Roberts also makes an effort to highlight issues and concerns that would be of particular interest to young readers.The last chapter articulates Clinton's "New Covenant," that was supposed to be his vision for leadership.I am not sure any one even remembers that was his intended name for his administration, obviously chosen with an eye towards the history books."Our 42nd President: Bill Clinton" is without illustrations, although the back cover does have the now famous photography of young Bill Clinton shaking hands with President John F. Kennedy back in 1963.In retrospect, given what came to pass over the eight years Clinton was in the White House, this book seems rather naive, but as an introduction for young students to the person who had just been elected President of the United States, it does a nice job of providing as much political ideology as it does biographical detail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic reading
The book is easy to follow and explains the life of Bill Clinton to kids who are not ready for dictionary-size biographies.Superb work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

FIRST among Clinton Bios
As a Clinton fan, I read all of the bios and his autobiography."First"remains my favorite because it details Clinton's evolution from a boy born into less than ideal circumstances with only 3 assets---an adoring mother, scholastic achievement and a singleminded goal to become president---to making the american dream come true.I recently purchased another copy for my nephew, who is shopping colleges.This is a must read for all who doubt the power of education to change your life not just for the better, but for the best.

A candid look at Bill Clinton the man and political animal.
The intoxicating power of politics gives meaning to a young man's world.The book presents an interesting insight into Clinton's thirst for political and personal acceptance

Not a celebrity bio.Excellent work.Must Read For '96.
NOT your standard political biography.Excellent example of the craft of biography, regardless of the subject.This reads reads like fiction and author David Maraniss clearly deserved his Pulitzer for his balanced reporting on the Clinton '92 campaign.The 400+ page book ends with Clinton's announcement for president.This goes a long way to explain why Clinton is the way he is.Love or hate him you can't be indifferent.A must read before the electiion ... Read more

Amazon.com
It's fitting that after he left the White House, Bill Clinton moved his office to 125th Street in Harlem--the most famous black district in the country--for African Americans have consistently been the most supportive segment of his constituency. Even during his impeachment and other difficult times, blacks stood with him; on better days, Clinton's approval rating among black Americans was often higher than that of Jesse Jackson. In Bill Clinton and Black America, USA Today reporter DeWayne Wickham conducts a series of interviews with African American politicians, pundits, journalists, activists, entertainers, and educators to explore Clinton's "special bond with blacks" as both governor and president. As these interviews make clear, their love and support goes well beyond mere allegiance to the Democratic Party; in many ways the African American community sees Clinton as one of them. Several of those interviewed even refer to him as the "black president" because he was so receptive to their needs and because he worked to include them in the political process more than any other president.

Reasons cited here for Clinton's popularity among blacks include his poor Southern upbringing and underdog status, the fact that he appointed more blacks to his cabinet and other federal posts than any other president, and good timing (he came into office after three consecutive Republican administrations). But perhaps the biggest factor discussed is the genuine ease with which Clinton relates to black Americans. Blacks trust him to consider their perspective and do not view him as just another white politician who appears only during election years. This is not to say that Clinton always did their bidding; he often disappointed them. But they also shared common enemies and a common outlook that brought them together. He may not be their president any longer, but a majority of blacks still see him as a friend--and now, a neighbor. --Shawn Carkonen Book Description
While white Americans were evenly divided about Bill Clinton’s impeachment ninety percent of African-Americans opposed it. Now from a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists comes a groundbreaking new book that explores the deep and unique connection between the former president and the black community–in the words of journalists, celebrities, academics, and other thoughtful Americans.

Going well beyond mere TV punditry, luminaries such as Dr. Mary Frances Berry, Bill Gray, Kweisi Mfume, and Alice Randall, as well as ordinary citizens, offer insight into why African-Americans for the first time saw themselves in the soul of a president–Whether it was the large African-American presence in his administration, his perceived legal persecutions, his personal style, or his lasting yet tumultuous marriage–and why that kinship has sweeping cultural implications. Bill Clinton’s actions, associations, and essence are all analyzed in light of their effect on and appeal to this crucial constituency.

Much-awaited and long overdue, Bill Clinton and Black America features fascinating, provocative interpretations of the special relationship between the black people and this extraordinary man who, when his presidency ended, moved his office from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue–White America’s most famous address–to Harlem’s 125th Street–the heart of Black America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

My Opinion
The first time I knew I'd made a wise choice by voting for Bill Clinton was while viewing news footage taken of him the first few days he took office for his first term.He was walking with some aides around the White House and two elderly African American women waved and smiled to him.He walked over to them and began talking.Just then an aide stepped between Clinton and the two women with his back to the two elderly women.Clinton became furious and part of what he said to the aide had to be bleeped out to be shown on television.The footage was meant to show the temper of a new president.What I saw was a president rightfully ticked at a staff member for disrespecting two elderly African Americans.I remember thinking "d**n, Clinton gets it".To better understand why black america loves Clinton (besides hiring more blacks in his cabinet than any other president, balancing the budget and starting and supporting job and education programs), I would recommend that you read "Invisible Man".With Clinton, for a change, we weren't invisible, we mattered and weren't taken for granted.He didn't say dumb things like "It is a terrible thing to lose one's mind" at a United Negro College Fund function or assume that welfare benefit increases was an important issue to African Americans (we work!).He had a respect for the history and the people that had never been seen before or perhaps since ( I once saw him unexpectedly be asked to recite the Negro National Anthem.He recited the first two verses without struggle and then sang the THIRD!).For the first time, I had a feeling of safety.So, in a sense, he was "more black" than Clarence Thomas who climbed up the ladder of opportunity built by many black heroes and continues to block the climbing of it to young African Americans today by tearing down Affirmative Action laws.To the reviewer who had the nerve to make suggestions on what African Americans I should admire ("Thomas and Rice"), I'd thank you to mind your own business.How dare you?Do you have a clue about the black experience in America?I think not.I love this book because it's a reminder that even if I don't see another great president like Bill Clinton in my lifetime, I at least got to see one.And for that I am truly thankful.

Thought-provoking Book
While I began this book believing that African Americans are too inclined to support any white leader who isn't blatantly racist, I ended by at least acknowledging that President Clinton went further than previous presidents in adressing the complexities of race.It's a credit to the author that he presented a balanced view of a complex subject and represented a broad and diverse group of thoughtful individuals.This book makes you think. I highly recommend it.

Thought-provoking Book
While I began this book believing that African Americans are too inclined to support any white leader who isn't blatantly racist, I ended by at least acknowledging that President Clinton went further than previous presidents in adressing the complexities of race.It's a credit to the author that he presented a balanced view of a complex subject and represented a broad and diverse group of thoughtful individuals.This book makes you think. I highly recommend it.

Clinton:Up Close and Personal
While there may be countless books written about the lives of presidents from an historical perspective, "Bill Clinton and Black America" is a fresh look at the life of a president from the very mouths of his contemporaries.

Interviews with people from all walks of life give the reader an up close and personal look at Bill Clinton -- the man.It's candid, compassionate and real.Excellent read!

"A Race Man In the White House
Before reading interviews of various folk who comment on te love affair between former President Bill Clinton and black America, I suggest first reading the two chapters near the end of the book, "A Race Man in the White House" and "A Drum Major for Change."In these two chapters, Wickham puts his finger on a simple but important fact about Clinton when he writes that rather then distance himself from the black community he made an effort to bring the races together and "he tried harder than any other president to make race less of a factor in our lives.

Moreover, Wickham writes: "What impresses me about Bill Clinton is that he does not view black skin as a 'disagreeable mirror.' More to the point, he has shown a greater willingness than any other president to look African Amercans in the eye not with condescension, as Lew Payne points out, but with an uncommon sense of fairness."

In his 310-page book, Wickham makes it clear that Clinton did not use magic to woe black America.He appointed an unprecedented number of African Americans to top jobs in his administration and he tackled America's racial problems head on.And while the Republicans attacked affirmative action, Clinton promoted a "One America" initiative to help build a bridge of understanding between whites and blacks.

The book is loaded with interviews with a cross-section of black America.Over and over again, the same theme is sounded: Bill Clinton was well liked because he made the connection that other presidents ignored.Clinton made the connection that past president did not make because of racism or ignorance.

Wickham has weaved together a number of interesting interviews of African Americans of different walks of life in a way that make this book easy reading.I recommend this book to all students of history and those who want racial progress. ... Read more

Book Description
Journalist Rich Miniter uses his unparalleled access to sources and stories throughout the Middle East, Africa, and the United States.He paints a devastating portrait of how close the U.S. military was to killing bin Laden--on multiple occasions--and how, each time, Clinton dropped the ball and allowed bin Laden to grow stronger and more dangerous. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (141)

More Right Wing Hypocrisy
If only President Clinton had invaded Iraq,tortured the usual suspects, tapped our phones and gone trillions of dollars in debt!
Miniter followed this hit piece with a book telling the untold story of how the Bush administration is winning the war on terror. Mission accomplished!

This book should scare anyone
This is the first book I have read by Miniter.I have followed foriegn policy and terrorism since the late 70's.I felt I knew quite a bit of what there was to know about terrorism and foriegn policy but this book should scare anyone.I think it is illustrative of some of the depths of depravity terrorists will descend to and how they drag those without the intestinal fortitude to stand up to them down with them.

You will hear a lot of hand wringers and people without the stomach to fight the war on terrorism say a lot of things that are either wholly partisan, hateful or just plain inaccurate about this book.Read it, look at the footnotes, look at the references and decide for yourself.

I think Miniter nailed it, much as I hate that saying.Bill Clinton was concerned about terrorism but only as long as it could hold his rather short attention span.The bottom line is he never followed up and was too busy looking out for number one to keep his focus on what has become the #1 evil of our time.

Don't listen to the minions of the Leftist moon bats who regurgitate anything Michael Moore says ad nauseum and without the benefit of the first piece of serious research.Bill Clinton wasn't all that and he let us down.It wasn't just him, our entire government failed to recognize the threat for what it was and is.Many people still do not realize what we are up against or the dire consequences we will face if we do not stand up to this evil here and now.

Miniter did Clinton more than fair and nobody can call this a partisan hack job.At least not anyone who has a semi-open mind.Read it and make up your own mind.If it doesn't scare the bejeebus out of you, you weren't paying attention.

Damage Control for the current President
I found this book to be based on a kernel of truth wrapped in innumerable layers of unconfirmable speculation (how many people really have access to intelligence agency archives?) and one-sided 'analysis'.It is clear the Bin Ladin was 'lost' at Tora Bora when our troops were called back to garrison, allowing him to escape.This goes even farther to the right than Micheal Moore goes to the left.

If you want a look at the subject from someone who was involved through several Administrations, read "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror" by Richard Clarke.

If you buy this book, you are paying for propaganda.

Open-and-shut case indictment of Clinton's lack of interest in WOT
The author, Richard Miniter, provides a fair treatment of the Clinton adminstration's lack of going after terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden and lays out his case in a 241-page book, entitled "Losing bin Laden: How Bill Clinton's Failures Unleashed Global Terror." The title is a bit of a stretch, since President Clinton alone cannot be blamed for what happened on 9/11/01. But according to his ex-advisor, Dick Morris, Mr. Clinton never wanted to lead the charge to bring bin Laden and his Islamofascist minions to justice because he was acutely aware of how the American public would perceive his use of the military, and even refusing a Sudanese offer to take bin Laden into custody because of a short-sighted belief that there was nothing to pin on the Saudi-born terrorist. Miniter disagrees with this inaction.

Though it is true that Regnery Publishing is responsible for releasing Miniter's book, and therefore making those who lean left in the political spectrum naturally leery of reading it, this reviewer believes that Miniter treats the administration fairly; for instance, he refutes the long-held belief by those on the right that President Clinton ordered a retaliatory strike on Sudan to deflect his oncoming domestic problem due to the Lewinsky affair; Miniter notes that Clinton's order to strike bin Laden's headquarters and the Sudan was given immediately, even as he was aware the House could vote to impeach him for a variety of reasons.

Miniter does, in fact, argue that Mr. Clinton knew full well that something had to be done to counter the mounting terrorist attacks, and he had done some things...just not enough of them and often not the right amount. The author lays out the events chronologically to give the reader the right historical perspective. Whenever certain news items were found to be incorrect, Miniter clarifies them in his notes section, which is copious and quite helpful.

Miniter notes that a large problem in fighting the fledgling War on Terror had been also directly attributable to the lack of dialogue and sharing of intelligence between the NSA, the CIA, and the F.B.I., not even figuring in the gridlock common between the administration and the three bureaus. The author is quick to note that Clinton was not often eager to discuss possible threats to national security with his bureau chiefs. Interviews with National Security Advisor and former N.S.A. Tony Lake, along with those of Counter-Terrorism czar Richard Clarke go a long way in helping the reader to form his/her own opinion.

While this reviewer is inclined to believe, based on abundant evidence presented in this book and many others, that the Clinton Administration is found wanting when it comes to aggressively fighting the Islamic terror threat, one will come to realize that mistakes were made in previous administrations too. But Mr. Clinton had an opportunity to strengthen his presidential legacy by campaigning aggressively against bin Laden & Co., but squandered numerous chances to do so. Even Clinton supporter, Mansoor Ijaz, who was used by the administration as an unofficial diplomat to bring Sudan's intelligence files to Mr. Clinton's attention, could tell of the disappointments he encountered in dealing with Berger and the rest of the administration hacks.

This reviewer found this book to be a great read, engaging and thought-provoking to the max. It contains 28 pages (in Appendix B) of passports and intelligence files that the Sudanese government had offered gratis in an attempt to clean up its image and gain the trust of the administration, according to Miniter. As one reviewer also noted, it does read like a Tom Clancy novel; meaning, it is not dry reading in the least. My only caveat would be that it needed to focus a chapter or two more on the moribund tactics of the aformentioned national-security bureaus, as much as on those presented of the Clinton Administration.

Facts - verifiable and exhaustive
The one thing I have noticed about the majority (not all) of the negative reviews is that they don't address the exhaustive amount of collected evidence in this book.Instead, they attempt to smear the author, the current President, anyone associated with ideas contrary to their own.But the author here presents an incredible amount of research that is footnoted and referenced, and if readers care to, can verify on their own.I had questions on some sections of this book, and used the references in the back to do my own research.While some evidence can indeed be interpreted in different ways - the majority is straightforward and overwhelmingly supports the author's conclusions.It's sad to see the level of discourse, especially over books like this, reduced to childish name-calling and rants that have absolutely nothing to do with the contents of this material.

Miniter presents a startling story of political expedience that put Americans and the world at greater danger and led to numerous deaths and injuries that could have been prevented.Obviously, those responsible are more than just a single man in the office of the President.Clinton suffered from extremely poor advice from unexperienced political appointees who were more interested in winning elections and securing a 'legacy' than in the important job of protecting the citizenry.And as one reviewer noted, the attacks that followed Clinton's inauguration were partly the fault of the Bush Sr. administration as well.

Rather than being a 'hatchet job' on a single administration, as some have put it, this book points to a greater failure of intelligence agencies and political officials who failed to do all they could to protect the people they are sworn to.Clinton's administration, while not fully culpable for all terrorist attacks in the last 20 years, did exacerbate the problem and contribute to the inaction that led to the tragedy of September 11th.This book hilights those failures and shows the path that Osama bin Laden traveled to bring the worst attack on American soil in history.

Readers of this book are presented with the story that shows the difference between administrations and how they handle crises that makes this reader truly greatful for the outcome of the 2000 election.

This book is a must read for those who want to uncover the truth of how 9/11 came to pass, and what we MUST do to avoid similar attacks in the future.Eight years of escalating terrorist attacks, compared to the absence of attacks in the US in the last 4 shows that hopefully, the political structure has learned the lessons of previous failures. ... Read more

Book Description
Presents a biography of Bill Clinton ... Read more

Amazon.com
Primary Colors author Joe Klein offers a nonfictional take on his favorite subject, Bill Clinton, whom he describes as both "the most talented politician of his generation" and "the most compelling." Klein is of two minds when it comes to the man from Hope: he is at once disappointed by Clinton's failure to achieve greatness, but also a defender of what Clinton did do. He can be unremittingly harsh about the 42nd president's personal shortcomings: "Bill Clinton often seemed the apotheosis of his generation's alleged sins: moral relativism, the tendency to pay more attention to marketing than to substance, the solipsistic callowness." Yet he also credits Clinton with running "a serious, substantive presidency" whose chief success was dragging "Washington toward a recognition that a revised form of government activism might be appropriate in the anarchy of an instant economy." Klein is a smart and engrossing writer, and The Natural is an honest liberal's best effort to explain eight controversial years. Readers who supported Clinton will discover new insights into why he didn't accomplish more; those who opposed him will gain a sharper understanding of why he remained so popular with the public. --John Miller Book Description
Joe Klein, best-selling author of Primary Colors and one of our most brilliant political analysts, now tackles the subject he knows best: Bill Clinton.Astute, even-handed, and keenly intelligent, The Natural is the only book to read if you want to understand exactly what happened–to the military, to the economy, to the American people, to the country–during Bill Clinton’s presidency, and how the decisions made during his tenure affect all of us today.

Much has been written about Clinton, but The Natural is the first work to cut through the gossip, scandals, media hype, and emotional turbulence that Clinton always engendered, to step back and rationally analyze the eight years of his tenure, a period during which America rose to unprecedented levels of prosperity.Joe Klein puts that record into perspective, showing us what worked and what didn’t, exactly what was accomplished and why, and who was responsible for the successes and the failures.

We see how the Clinton White House functioned on the inside, how it dealt with the maneuvers of Congress and the Gingrich revolution, and who held power and made the decisions during the endless crises that beset the administration.Klein’s access to the White House over the years as a journalist gave him a prime spot from which to view every crucial event–both political and personal–and he sets them forth in an insightful, readable, and completely engrossing manner.

The Natural is stern in its criticism and convincing with its praise.It will cause endless debate amongst friends and foes of the Clinton administration.It is a book that anyone interested in contemporary politics, in American history, or in the functioning of our democracy, should read.Download Description

Joe Klein, best-selling author of Primary Colors and one of our most brilliant political analysts, now tackles the subject he knows best: Bill Clinton.

Astute, even-handed, and keenly intelligent, The Natural is the only book to read if you want to understand exactly what happened -- to the military, to the economy, to the American people, to the country -- during Bill Clinton's presidency, and how the decisions made during his tenure affect all of us today.

Much has been written about Clinton, but The Natural is the first work to cut through the gossip, scandals, media hype, and emotional turbulence that Clinton always engendered, to step back and rationally analyze the eight years of his tenure, a period during which America rose to unprecedented levels of prosperity. Joe Klein puts that record into perspective, showing us what worked and what didn't, exactly what was accomplished and why, and who was responsible for the successes and the failures.

We see how the Clinton White House functioned on the inside, how it dealt with the maneuvers of Congress and the Gingrich revolution, and who held power and made the decisions during the endless crises that beset the administration. Klein's access to the White House over the years as a journalist gave him a prime spot from which to view every crucial event -- both political and personal -- and he sets them forth in an insightful, readable, and completely engrossing manner.

The Natural is stern in its criticism and convincing with its praise. It will cause endless debate amongst friends and foes of the Clinton administration. It is a book that anyone interested in contemporary politics, in American history, or in the functioning of our democracy, should read.

"Joe Klein knew Bill Clinton before the rest of us did. Now he reminds us what we forgot -- and what history will remember. The best book yet on an astonishing presidency."
   H.W. BRANDS, AUTHOR OF THE FIRST AMERICAN AND T.R.: THE LAST ROMANTIC

"Any one of Joe Klein's skills -- dogged reporting, a thorough, subtle grasp of issues, and a clear-eyed, compelling style -- would make him the envy of most political journalists. By putting all of these skills to work on such a rich subject as Bill Clinton, Klein has produced the first indispensable book on the Clinton Presidency. He has performed the almost impossible task of fighting past the melodramas and sex farces to ask -- and answer -- the question so often obscured by the larger-than-life Clinton persona: 'What kind of President was this?' Friend or foe of the forty-second President, you will find your judgments challenged by this book."
   JEFF GREENFIELD, HOST OF CNN'S GREENFIELD AT LARGE AND AUTHOR OF OH WAITER! ONE ORDER OF CROW

"When they talk about the first draft of history, this is the epitome of what they mean."
   JOSEPH J. ELLIS, AUTHOR OF FOUNDING BROTHERS AND AMERICAN SPHINX

Customer Reviews (59)

A fair but ultimately very sad book
Joe Klein takes a detailed, dispassionate look at the Clinton Presidency. He takes great pains to put it in perspective, both generational (Baby Boomers take over from the WWII Generation) and international (pre-9/11). He acknowledges that it took Clinton a while to get a handle on being President, and bemoans how much was opportunity was squandered because of the President's own failings. Yes, Klein opines (and I agree) that Bill Clinton is one of the most staggeringly bright and naturally gifted men to ever hold the White House. But he also nails Clinton on character issues, even beyond Monica Lewinsky (once referring to the President as "a bimbo when he comes to flattery"). When you're done with the book, you appreciate all the nuanced things Clinton accomplished, but you're heartbroken over what he could have done, if not for the inexcusable distractions.

Clinton's intense but flawed humanity is what makes him interesting
This short, fast-moving book on Bill Clinton forsakes a historian's detailed and measured treatment to get at the essence of this man's presidency. Because it's more like a magazine article than a doorstop, you're likely to actually read it, maybe in one sitting.

The book has become timely again, in light of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. The "Hillaryland" liberal faction split the White House of her husband, elected as a "Third Way" moderate. Her premature insistence on addressing health care was the most grievous policy error of her husband's presidency. And Hillary's unbelievably complicated proposal, concocted in secret, showed no political sense. Aides described how Hillary could drive Bill, with a phone call, from a good mood to a staff-chastising tantrum, and how they distinguish those tantrums by the tone of his shouting.

She comes across as the more conspiratorial and paranoid of the two, an uncompromising liberal true-believer pursuing a scorched-earth policy against enemies. Sort of like, uh, that president she helped impeach, Richard Nixon. You wonder how she, and this country, would fare with her in the Oval Office.

Klein does not see this as a sham marriage, though. While ever aware they might be playing him, he sees them as devoted to each other.

One of his best chapters describes how Washington's culture of political warfare began with Watergate, intensified through the endless Iran-Contra investigations and the attack-ad era and culminated in the Gingrich speakership and the relentless Whitewater, Paula Jones and Lewinsky investigations.

Clinton failed his potential for several reasons. The placid Nineties were too tame for a truly great presidency. After the healthcare miscalculation, he never seized another opportunity to remake major domestic policy. And the impeachment scandal fatally distracted him in 1998 when he had the budget surplus and standing with Congress to make a real mark by fixing Social Security.

Like a charcoal sketcher, Klein has a fine eye for quick but telling detail. He sees Clinton as needy of praise and human contact. He'd keep dazed listeners awake into the wee hours, talking more and more intensely, unwilling to let the moment go.

Klein describes bowling with him one midnight just before the New Hampshire primary, after the candidate enters but finds the emptied-out joint devoid of hands to shake. Klein, awaiting his turn in the lane, would find Clinton standing so close he pressed up against him, seeming to crave human contact. Clinton's intense but flawed humanity is what makes him interesting, and endlessly so.

Pleasurable Read
The book shows that a journalist wrote it. That wasn't meant to be as backhanded as it seems. The stories about Clinton et al are those we can recall, this isn't a back room exposé full of conspiracy theory.
A good journalist (at least) writes as if he has something to tell you. Only in the last chapter does Klein really subject the reader to an opinion piece.
If you were alive at all for the eight years of Clinton's presidency then...no, none of this is really "new" or "insightful" but I, for one, found it none the less interesting.

A very Objective Look at Clinton
I have to admit that Klein's book about the Clinton presidency is one of the most objective accounts of Clinton I have ever seen. Although friendly with the ex-prez, Klein pulls no punches and presents Clinton's presidency warts and all. In the end we all know what Clinton did, but Klein gives us more insight as to the "whys" of his actions. Is Clinton the greatest president of all time? No. Is he the worst? Not even close. If all books on presidents were written as objectively as this one, we would all have a better understanding of what makes these men tick.
Is Clinton a better president than W? You tell me: peace and prosperity vs. war, a declining stock market, and skyrocketing gas prices.

too short, unorganized
I got the impression that Mr. Klein just threw together a bunch of odds & ends he had left over from another book and notes -- the way they made the movie "Midway" out of edit-outs from "Tora, Tora, Tora!" ... Read more

Amazon.com
Don't look for President Clinton's picture in The Book of Virtues; bestselling author and former Secretary of Education William J. Bennett considers Bill Clinton uniquely unvirtuous. In the wake of the White House intern sex scandal, Bennett accuses Clinton of crimes at least as serious as those committed by Richard Nixon during the Watergate imbroglio. Rising above anti-Clinton polemics, The Death of Outrage urges the American public--which initially displayed not much more than a collective shrug--to take issue with the president's private and public conduct. Clinton should be judged by more than the state of the economy, implores Bennett. The commander in chief sets the moral tone of the nation; a reckless personal life and repeated lying from the bully pulpit call for a heavy sanction. The American people should demand nothing less, says the onetime federal drug czar. In each chapter, Bennett lays out the rhetorical defenses made on Clinton's behalf (the case against him is "only about sex," harsh judgmentalism has no place in modern society, independent counsel Kenneth Starr is a partisan prosecutor, etc.) and picks them apart. He may not convince everybody, but this is an effective conservative brief against Bill Clinton. --John J. MillerBook Description
In this new, updated edition of a book heralded as a clarion call to the nation's conscience, William Bennett asks why we see so little public outrage in the fade of the evidence of deep corruption within Bill Clinton's administration. The Death of Outrage examines the Monica Lewinsky scandal as it unfolded, from Clinton's denials that he had had sex with a young White House intern, to his testimony before the grand jury, to the nation's decision not to remove Clinton from office. Brick by brick, Bennett dismantles the wall of defenses offered by Clinton and his apologists, and casts the clear light of moral reason and common sense on a shameful chapter in American history.

Download Description
We've all heard it: "The President's private life is his own business". "What difference does it make when the economy is booming, unemployment is low, and inflation is nonexistent? "Bill Clinton is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law". With enormous skill, the President and his advisors have constructed a defensive wall built of equal parts diversion, half-truth, equivocation, and sophistry...a wall that remains unbreached. Until now.In The Death of Outrage, former Cabinet Secretary and bestselling author Bill Bennett dismantles the President's defenses, brick by evasive brick, analyzing the meaning of the Clinton scandals. The Death of Outrage shows: -- How the President's private actions, far from being irrelevant to the conduct of public affairs, have severely restricted his ability to govern.-- That they all didn't do it -- the unprecedented recklessness of the Clinton administration in everything from influence peddling to sexual misconduct.-- Why the Clinton scandals -- are neither a creation of the tabloid press, nor independent of one another.Outrageous behavior demands an appropriate response. Millions of Americans, troubled by the Clinton scandals, but disarmed by the Clinton tactics, demand the means to fight back. And, this fall, bookbuyers will demand the ammunition supplied by The Death of Outrage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (149)

Worth Reading
I originally read this book several years ago but thought it was worth reading again in view of the lying and moral assault that is going on today.

It's not bad.Bennett makes some good points if you apply them to the ideal and not the person.I loaned it to my mom who is a die-hard democrat.She thought it was comedy.There's just no accounting for some people.

This book is a little out of date, but I still enjoyed it!!
Bennett supports his arguments with a wealth of facts as opposed to many on both sides of the political spectrum who are basically into name calling.While I agree that many who thought Clinton's sexual escapades were a disgrace to the office of president, they were forgivable.The perjury, subborning of perjury, and obstruction of justice should have caused his removal from office.It appears to me that the only difference between Clinton and Nixon was that the Republican congressional leadership had enough gumption to call Nixon's hand where the Democrats didn't and the opponents didn't have the power to go it alone.And now it seems that many on the left are hoping for Hillary, thinking this is a way to get Bill another eight years.Way to go, Bennett, in spite of your also having human frailties.At least you can make a point and support it without sinking to filthy language like some of the reviewers of this book.

Buy it used for $0.01?It is a waste of your money.
In this era of narrowmindedness and conservative and reactionary clap-trap, this serves as a sterling example that if you fill a book with enough vitriol, someone will buy it.I long for a day when the two nations of the United States (The "right" wing and everybody else) will be healed.Perhaps this is just a resurfacing of an even older wound, namely the Civil War.The Republicans of the South (and elsewhere) continually defending the Confederate battle flag (note: it was only a battle flag, not the CSA national flag) and by proxy segregation and slavery.It is with bitter irony that a Republican freed the slaves, since now they are the party of the elite.

This book is like all the other Clinton bashing books, high on venom, low on truth.If you like that kind of book...well you can buy one for a penny used.For everyone else, save your penny; God knows you will have to save more than that to survive this Bush economy!

A timeless account of events long past...
I read this short book recently, even though the events on which the book focuses are long past. I still do not know what made me pick the tiny thing up, but I am glad that I did.

Bennet's college major of philosophy is easily recognized here as he discusses the events and arguments which occurred in the midst of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.Each chapter is organized into a group of claims and arguments made in defense of Bill Clinton, followed by a clear, concise examination of those arguments with refuting points, except in the rare case where Bennet agrees with the defense. (I believe this only occurs once.)Again, the reader should appreciate Bennet's grasp on philosophy, both in his ability to clearly mold an argument as well as his convincing ideas on ethics.

The thing about this book that is best, though, is that Bennet frequently writes in general terms, offerring insights into what makes a respectable, effective, and moral leader as opposed to what does not - the latter often displayed through Bill Clinton's actions and words.The people who I believe should read this most are those who are inclined to make the very arguments with which Bennet begins each chapter.

I was disheartned by Clinton before, but my distaste turned to disgust after reading this.More so, however, I became upset with my own lack of outrage.This is a truly timeless examination of the importance of quality and morality for leaders of all time.

Holy Dice Rolling
The only thing Im outraged about is the sheer hypocrisy of Bennett. He has written a library full of books preaching to the rest of us about the virtuous life and morality and making millions in the process. Then we find all the while he has been blowing 8 million on the roulette wheels, slots, and dice, while drinking and chasing women. It galls me even more that today he has the guts to host a daily program on some Christian radio network, along with regular appearances on the Fox News Channel. (actually Fox News Channel appearances don't surprise me, he is in good company there). I can't wait for his next book, HOLY (DICE) ROLLING. ... Read more

Book Description
Kenneth Starr would love to have it.
Now it's yours--for just $7.95.

Everybody has his secrets, but our president has a few more than most. Now, newly unearthed--and re-created here in its entirety--is Bill Clinton's private little black book. They're all here: Gennifer, Paula, Monica--and many more you haven't heard about. Yet.
        From the Oval Office to your home: a completely fabricated, meticulous reproduction--including the president's private entries, jottings, and doodles. Finally, we can all see what is going on in the mind of the leader of the free world: He only wants one thing--and it's not a balanced budget. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Fun Book!
I laughed out loud! Make sure you pick this one up if you want a laugh at Bubba's expense. I wish I had thought of doing this one first . . . ... Read more

Amazon.com
The Survivor is the rare book with positive recommendations from both liberal historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. and Brit Hume of the Fox News Channel. The author, John F. Harris--who covered the Clinton presidency as a political reporter at The Washington Post for six years--finds the perfect balance for his subject, writing with point-blank frankness about Clinton's impressive strengths and many weaknesses and painting an utterly fair portrait of one of the most charismatic and enigmatic political figures of the last 50 years. Harris at times is harsher to Clinton than many of the president's critics were and at other times, as in the case of his impeachment, is far kinder. He occasionally editorializes on the motivations of the Clintons, that ultimate power couple: why their marriage was not (despite public opinion) a sham based on political opportunity; how Bill's upbringing contributed to his willingness to take risks (sometimes to his great harm); and how "permanent Washington," including the presidential press corps, was determined to teach these Arkansas outsiders a lesson in the administration's rocky early days.

Harris peppers the book with both fact and anecdote, moving swiftly from subject to subject. The Survivor shows Clinton's growth as a leader throughout the eight years of his presidency, and how his personal failings almost brought them to a close. Far from being a milquetoast summary of events, The Survivor is a gripping read set behind the scenes in the West Wing. Harris has crafted a brilliant book with writerly style and with an eye on history. The Survivor is one of the best political titles of the year, and--like its subject matter--may be appreciated even more as time goes on. --Jennifer BuckendorffBook Description
The definitive account of one of the most accomplished, controversial, and polarizing figures in American history

Bill Clinton is the most arresting leader of his generation. He transformed American politics, and his eight years as president spawned arguments that continue to resonate. For all that has been written about this singular personality–including Clinton’s own massive autobiography–there has been no comprehensive, nonpartisan overview of the Clinton presidency.

Few writers are as qualified and equipped to tackle this vast subject as the award-winning veteran Washington Post correspondent John F. Harris, who covered Clinton for six of his eight years in office–as long as any reporter for a major newspaper. In The Survivor, Harris frames the historical debate about President William Jefferson Clinton, by revealing the inner workings of the Clinton White House and providing the first objective analysis of Clinton’s leadership and its consequences.

Harris shows Clinton entering the Oval Office in 1993 primed to make history. But with the Cold War recently concluded and the country coming off a nearly uninterrupted generation of Republican presidents, the new president’s entry into this maelstrom of events was tumultuous. His troubles were exacerbated by the habits, personal contacts, and the management style, he had developed in his years as governor of Arkansas. Clinton’s enthusiasm and temper were legendary, and he and Hillary Rodham Clinton–whose ambitions and ordeals also fill these pages–arrived filled with mistrust about many of the characters who greeted them in the “permanent Washington” that often holds the reins in the nation’s capital.

Showing surprising doggedness and a deep-set desire to govern from the middle, Clinton repeatedly rose to the challenges; eventually winning over (or running over) political adversaries on both sides of the aisle–sometimes facing as much skepticism from fellow Democrats as from his Republican foes. But as Harris shows in his accounts of political debacles such as the attempted overhaul of health care, Clinton’s frustrations in the war against terrorism, and the numerous personal controversies that time and again threatened to consume his presidency, Bill Clinton could never manage to outrun his tendency to favor conciliation over clarity, or his own destructive appetites.

The Survivor is the best kind of history, a book filled with major revelations–the tense dynamic of the Clinton inner circle and Clinton’s professional symbiosis with Al Gore to the imprint of Clinton’s immense personality on domestic and foreign affairs–as well as the minor details that leaven all great political narratives. This long-awaited synthesis of the dominant themes, events, and personalities of the Clinton years will stand as the authoritative and lasting work on the Clinton Presidency. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Excellent Clinton Book !
This is an excellent book that gives the reader lots of interesting, insightful information about President Clinton.

Remember How Hopeful?How Infuriating It Was??
Remember the political nineties?I remember my own early enthusiasm for the New Democrat as political antidote.Bill Clinton's maddening foibles (sins?) have always in my mind had to be balanced with some real achievements like a balanced budget and welfare reform.If anything, Clinton personified a new kind of leader in that his private life and inner mind were exposed in ways Presidents had not been before.A President just simply wasn't supposed to feel our pain or twaddle with interns.I learned about "compartmentalization" watching Clinton as President on 24-hour news cycles.

John Harris does an admirable job navigating partisan invective and still sore political wounds.Harris tells key stories well, weaving throughout the narrative an intriguing capsule of the political survivor.I give his work four stars as I don't know that I gained any new insights beyond what I observed living through the nineties.Survivor is an enjoyable series of linked essays vividly recapturing the political nineties from a view alongside Clinton.

as close to fair as you can expect
If you feel Franken, M. Moore, Hannity or Rush are credible, than this book probably isn't for you.This is as close to fair and accurate as your going to get.While it's obvious the author is favorable to Clinton, he doesn't hesitate to point out his mistakes.Someone might complain the book doesn't mention every single incident, but what book can?Even "War and Peace" can't.I am very much enjoying the book.It's virtually impossible to find an unbiased book.Everyone has an opinion, just give me the information and let me decide.I despise Bush, I liked Reagan, and I don't believe either Nixon or Clinton should have been impeached.try it!

Excellent and Informative
This is an excellent book, which gives a thorough a balanced account of the Clinton presidency.The author gives good details about all of the controversies of this period ("Travelgate", "Whitewater", the numerous guest stays at the White House, etc.), so that the reader can get the facts about these events.We also get good information about many of Clinton's advisors, staff, and cabinet and who was influential and why and what the Clintons thought of them (e.g., George Stephanopoulos, Dick Morris, Lloyd Bentsen, Robert Reich).

Very Informative!
Reading "The Survivor" makes clear why others have labeled Clinton the "Comeback Kid." Clinton et al clearly enter Washington not ready for "Prime Time," and begin his Presidency with a series of seemingly non-stop blunders. The "good news" is that he is also sensitive enough to question why failures occur, and to try to revise accordingly.

Particularly surprising is how Hillary Clinton is portrayed - as a somewhat domineering "co-president" (at least in the first term) who commits what are probably the administration's two biggest blunders - withholding requested Whitewater documents (Hillary had done legal work for the failed Madison Guarantee S&L, and there was the appearance that Governor Clinton had blocked regulators from quickly taking over Madison in return for campaign donations - the result was to energize Ken Starr's never-ending independent investigation), and creating a horribly complex and comprehensive health care overhaul bill that circumvented normal legislative processes (1,342 pages, helping set the stage for the Republican takeover of Congress).

Clinton's comebacks begin early in the original 1991 campaign - from the Jennifer Flowers affair and his draft-dodging. After choosing Al Gore as running mate, Clinton's standing rose from last to first, and stayed there. After election, but prior to assuming office, he then created his next problem - appearing weak to his own party leaders.

Shortly after election came the embarrassing homosexuals in the Armed Forces flap, "Travelgate," having to reverse campaign promises for a middle-class tax cut (deficit reform took greater priority) and support for Haitian emigrees (reversed because of the likely heavy costs in both dollars and lives lost attempting to reach Florida), banning the press corp from the West Wing (quickly rescinded), Zoe Baird's Attorney General nomination (scuttled because of her failure to pay withholding taxes for her illegal immigrant household help), and pushing a tax increase (instead of leading off with more popular and bi-partisan welfare reform).

An on-going problem within the Clinton administration was the need to both assuage his Democrat base (especially prior to elections), and satisfy the public at large. In '95 this led to his rehiring Dick Morris as political consultant because Morris had helped Clinton get return to the Arkansas Governor's Office after being defeated for reelection, and was seen as master of the "dark art" of negative campaigning. Another aid to balancing these two demands was bringing David Gergen aboard - a veteran of three Republican administrations.

Re-election to President was immensely aided by Gingrich's overplaying his hand in the government shutdown over the budget, and Clinton's Morris-encouraged triangulation of the Republicans' best issues.

The second term, negatively was dominated by the Lewinsky affair, and positively by Clinton's efforts to bring Israel and Palestine together.

Overall very informative.
... Read more