Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
"The Natural - The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Misunderstood-Presidency-Bill-Clinton/dp/0767914120/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208041234&sr=1-3
I would like to slip quickly in between the spate of Obama
apologia to recommend this book by Joe Klein. It is an excellent short examination of the Clinton presidency, 200 pages double-spaced, an easy 1-day read from the well-placed author of "Primary Colors".
I have noticed in reading various posts and comments in here recently that there is a tendency to talk a lot about Bill Clinton and his presidency, without much depth of understanding as to what that event was actually about.
By "about", I mean not only the cartoons and soap-operas familiar to all, but the actual serious policy warfare that made its determined way forward against entrenched opposition on every side.
By "about", I mean the state of the nation for better or worse that the Clinton Administration found in 1992 and left in 2000, and what has become of that state since then.
I bring this up, because it is impossible in my opinion to have a truly realistic perspective on the 2008 election (and the implications of a choice between Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton) without a canny, balanced appraisal of the former Clinton Administration firmly fixed in your mind. You can get that in this book
I'm in no way interested in changing hearts or minds, but if you find yourself wondering, and unable to sort thru the half-truths and mis-information, this is a very good place to start.
Comments (3)
Always appreciate someone suggesting people become more informed.
For me, the book would only be relevant if Bill Clinton were running for President in 2008.
In fact, it's my belief that the best way to judge Hillary as a candidate and a potential president is independent of Bill.
April 12, 2008 8:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I disagree. They have shown that they are and always will be a two-for-one deal. This is not a bad thing in all cases. Just like Hillary, Bill is capable and bright. However, if she wins the nod and goes on to win the election, it is clear that there will be a lobbyist whispering in her ear as she takes those 3am phone calls.
April 12, 2008 8:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. As well, seeing the way her campaign has been run with so much energy and who knows how much resources spent on damage-control of Bill's antics, can anyone extrapolate what a Hillary-Bill Clinton presidency would be like? How much public funds will be spent on cleaning up after Bill? How much distraction would that represent for a president Hillary? I shudder at the thought!
April 12, 2008 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment