Synopses & Reviews
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. His major new 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term draws on his experiences as confidant to both the President and the First Lady, and is enriched with previously unpublished revelations about both.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.
Review
"Although this invective-filled memoir does come across as a little suck-uppy in places...the author's memoir of his four years with the former president is nevertheless a riveting read. Blumenthal, Clinton's presidential assistant from 1997 to 2001, is naming names here. And what fun it is to watch him destroy Clinton's enemies: Kenneth Starr, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, David Brock, William Safire, The Wall Street Journal. Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable." Adrienne Miller, Esquire (read the entire Esquire review)
Review
"[Y]ou don't read a former adviser's memoir looking for a detached take on events; nevertheless, The Clinton Wars (re-) constructs a history so selective that it calls into question [Blumenthal's] veracity on almost every point....But as an insider's take on a perpetually besieged White House, The Clinton Wars is an often fascinating and exhaustive look at the bunker mentality that set in at the West Wing." John Giuffo, The Village Voice
Review
"[T]his will more than satisfy conspiracy theorists and anyone with a fascination for the power and the perfidy of American presidential politics, even, as is often the case in these matters, it raises more questions than it answers about that great nation's constant stretching of the definition of democracy." Sean O'Hagan, The Observer
Synopsis
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. His major new book part history, part memoir is the first inside account of the presidency of William Jefferson Clinton. 32 pages of photos.
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, T
he 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.