About the Book
An invaluable history of an extraordinary presidency, and the chronicle of a generation's political odyssey
When in 1997 Bill Clinton appointed Sidney Blumenthal as a senior advisor, the former writer was catapulted into the front lines of the Clinton wars. From his first day in the White House until long after his appearance as the only presidential aide ever to testify in an impeachment trial, Blumenthal acted in or witnessed nearly all the battles of the Clinton years. This major book--part history, part memoir--is the first inside account we have of the presidency of William Jefferson Clinton.
The Clinton Wars begins in 1987, when Blumenthal first met Bill and Hillary Clinton. His chronicle of Clinton's first presidential campaign and first term draws on his experiences as confidant to both the President and the First Lady, and is enriched with previously unpublished revelations about both. This remarkable personal interpretation goes far in explaining the polarizing nature of Clinton's presence on the national scene.
The narrative of Clinton's second term is even more dramatic. Blumenthal takes special note of the battle that was waged within the media between the President's detractors and defenders, which he expands into a vivid picture of Washington society torn apart by warring factions. But he does not neglect the wars fought on other fronts--in Kosovo, against Congress, and for economic prosperity. His remarkable book ends with the inside story of the fight to elect Al Gore in 2000 and extend the legacy of the Clinton-Gore Administration.
Every page of this unrivaled, authoritative book, with its intimate insights into Clinton's personality and politics, attests to Blumenthal's literary skill, profound understanding of politics, and unique perspective on crucial events of our recent past. The Clinton Wars is a lasting contribution to American history.
About the Author :
Sidney Blumenthal wrote for The Washington Post and The New Yorker before serving as assistant and senior advisor to President Clinton from August 1997 until January 2001. He is the author of several books, including The Permanent Campaign, The Rise of the Counter-Establishment, and Pledging Allegiance: The Last Campaign of the Cold War. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife; they have two sons.
Review :
"A welcome addition to the literature on Bill Clinton's tumultuous second term . . . Blumenthal brings a reporter's keen eye for telling detail and a columnist's talent for considered analysis and unmistakable opinion to his reconstruction of what he calls 'the Clinton wars' . . . Powerful . . . Persuasive . . . For anyone who wants to revisit the political acrimony of the Clinton years, Blumenthal's book is the place to begin." --Robert Dallek, The New York Times Book Review
"A riveting read . . . Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable." --Adrienne Miller, Esquire
"Uncompromising and compelling." --Adam Joyce, Associated Press
"Agree with him or not, I don't see how anyone can expect to understand the political history of the past decade without reading [Blumenthal's] new book." --Eric Alterman, MSNBC News
"Terrific and engaging . . . It reflects the extraordinary contradictions and gargantuan follies and achievements of the Clinton years." --Martin Walker, United Press International
"Brutally rrevealing." --Andrew Sullivan, The New York Observer
"There hasn't been this much anticipatory buzz about a political memoir in years, and for once, it is justified." --Bill Bell, Daily News
"Provides the first full sweep of the Clinton presidency, as told by an insider . . . Blumenthal tells it all." --Jack Bass, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A welcome addition to the literature on Bill Clinton's tumultuous second term . . . Blumenthal brings a reporter's keen eye for telling detail and a columnist's talent for considered analysis and unmistakable opinion to his reconstruction of what he calls 'the Clinton wars' . . . Powerful . . . Persuasive . . . For anyone who wants to revisit the political acrimony of the Clinton years, Blumenthal's book is the place to begin. Robert Dallek, The New York Times Book Review
A riveting read . . . Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable. Adrienne Miller, Esquire
Uncompromising and compelling. Adam Joyce, Associated Press
Agree with him or not, I don't see how anyone can expect to understand the political history of the past decade without reading [Blumenthal's] new book. Eric Alterman, MSNBC News
Terrific and engaging . . . It reflects the extraordinary contradictions and gargantuan follies and achievements of the Clinton years. Martin Walker, United Press International
Brutally rrevealing. Andrew Sullivan, The New York Observer
There hasn't been this much anticipatory buzz about a political memoir in years, and for once, it is justified. Bill Bell, Daily News
Provides the first full sweep of the Clinton presidency, as told by an insider . . . Blumenthal tells it all. Jack Bass, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"
A welcome addition to the literature on Bill Clinton's tumultuous second term . . . Blumenthal brings a reporter's keen eye for telling detail and a columnist's talent for considered analysis and unmistakable opinion to his reconstruction of what he calls 'the Clinton wars' . . . Powerful . . . Persuasive . . . For anyone who wants to revisit the political acrimony of the Clinton years, Blumenthal's book is the place to begin. "Robert Dallek, The New York Times Book Review"
A riveting read . . . Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable. "Adrienne Miller, Esquire"
Uncompromising and compelling. "Adam Joyce, Associated Press"
Agree with him or not, I don't see how anyone can expect to understand the political history of the past decade without reading [Blumenthal's] new book. "Eric Alterman, MSNBC News"
Terrific and engaging . . . It reflects the extraordinary contradictions and gargantuan follies and achievements of the Clinton years. "Martin Walker, United Press International"
Brutally rrevealing. "Andrew Sullivan, The New York Observer"
There hasn't been this much anticipatory buzz about a political memoir in years, and for once, it is justified. "Bill Bell, Daily News"
Provides the first full sweep of the Clinton presidency, as told by an insider . . . Blumenthal tells it all. "Jack Bass, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution""
"A welcome addition to the literature on Bill Clinton's tumultuous second term . . . Blumenthal brings a reporter's keen eye for telling detail and a columnist's talent for considered analysis and unmistakable opinion to his reconstruction of what he calls 'the Clinton wars' . . . Powerful . . . Persuasive . . . For anyone who wants to revisit the political acrimony of the Clinton years, Blumenthal's book is the place to begin."
--Robert Dallek, "The New York Times Book Review"
"A riveting read . . . Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable."
--Adrienne Miller, "Esquire"
"Uncompromising and compelling."
--Adam Joyce, "Associated Press"
"Agree with him or not, I don't see how anyone can expect to understand the political history of the past decade without reading [Blumenthal's] new book."
--Eric Alterman, "MSNBC News"
"Terrific and engaging . . . It reflects the extraordinary contradictions and gargantuan follies and achievements of the Clinton years."
--Martin Walker, "United Press International"
"Brutally revealing."
--Andrew Sullivan, "The New York Observer"
"There hasn't been this much anticipatory buzz about a political memoir in years, and for once, it is justified."
--Bill Bell, "Daily News"
"Provides the first full sweep of the Clinton presidency, as told by an insider . . . Blumenthal tells it all."
--Jack Bass, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
