The Survivor: Bill Clinton In The White House.

John F Harris

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Political Resilience: The title "The Survivor" suggests a focus on Clinton's political resilience, exploring how he navigated through challenges, controversies, and political setbacks during his time in the White House.

  2. Personal and Political Scandals: Expect discussions on the various personal and political scandals that marked Clinton's presidency, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal and its impact on his presidency.

  3. Economic Achievements: The book might highlight Clinton's economic policies and achievements, including the balanced budget, job growth, and the economic prosperity experienced during his tenure.

  4. Healthcare Reform: Clinton's efforts to reform the healthcare system in the United States were a significant aspect of his presidency. The book may delve into the challenges he faced and the ultimate failure of the healthcare reform initiative.

  5. Foreign Policy: Explore Clinton's approach to foreign policy, including his involvement in conflicts such as the Balkans, the Middle East peace process, and the expansion of NATO.

  6. Impeachment: The book is likely to provide an in-depth analysis of the impeachment proceedings against Clinton, shedding light on the political and legal aspects of the process.

  7. Public Image: Expect discussions on Clinton's public image, charisma, and the ways in which he managed to maintain popularity despite facing serious controversies.

  8. Relationship with Congress: The book may explore Clinton's relationship with Congress, his ability to navigate political negotiations, and the legislative achievements during his presidency.

  9. Legacy: Assess the book's perspective on Clinton's lasting legacy, both in terms of policy achievements and the broader impact of his presidency on American politics.

  10. Impact on Democratic Party: Consider how Clinton's presidency influenced the Democratic Party, its policies, and its positioning in the political landscape.

Language English
ISBN-10 0375760849
ISBN-13 9780375760846
No of pages 504
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Random House
Published Date 10 Oct 2006

About Author

Author : John F Harris

2 Books

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