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96th out of 100 books
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26 voters
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The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House
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 mas...more
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 mas...more
Paperback, 560 pages
Published
October 10th 2006
by Random House Trade Paperbacks
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I picked up this book because I was looking for a neutral account of the Clinton years that provided some historical context on his presidency as we get further and further away from 2000. This book delivered to a degree.
The pros -- it is neither a politically charged book, nor a play by play of every conversation that occurred in the Clinton White House, and it provides a reasonably balanced and thorough account of good, the bad, and the ugly of the Clinton presidency.
T...more
The pros -- it is neither a politically charged book, nor a play by play of every conversation that occurred in the Clinton White House, and it provides a reasonably balanced and thorough account of good, the bad, and the ugly of the Clinton presidency.
T...more
This is a great book which provides a lot of interesting background for anyone interested in the subject. A LOT of things here that I didn't know and on the whole it's fairly balanced. It actually provided me with a more skeptical view of my chosen historical subject. Many fascinating anecdotes and of course it is spurring me on to further reading. However---John Harris, throughout the book, frequently writes that one of the biggest problems Clinton had was in not catering to the needs of the Wa...more
I am certainly not the first one to pick up a biography of anyone, let alone a president, which is a bit ironic since my BA is in political science. This was written by John Harris, a journalist. The historian/political scientist in me cringes a bit to admit that but I was looking for a book I could read quickly and learn a little bit from. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book and found myself throughout the book actually entertaining thoughts of reading another political biography.
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Harris admirably supports his contentions with evidence and shows readers the tension between Bill Clinton's light and dark sides. His treatment of Hillary Rodham Clinton, from her imperious role as "Deputy President" to her rivalry with Al Gore to her beleaguered marriage, is especially revelatory in light of her reputed 2008 presidential ambitions. In its evenhanded approach, The Survivor is like a Rorschach inkblot that elicits each reviewer's individual opinion of Clinton and his p
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Jeff
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not gonna lie, you have to be pretty into bill clinton to enjoy this book
Occasionally sound glimpses into Clinton's fragile/complicated mind, but mostly a slightly above average play-by-play of what I suppose was a truly unique presidency (if you believe this dude anyway).
If you're my age, you probably don't remember most of the Clinton years on any kind of intellectual level so this makes for a good retrospective, but the operative motif seems to be confusion/awe toward what Clinton was thinking at a given time, and the author lets that theme dominate h...more
If you're my age, you probably don't remember most of the Clinton years on any kind of intellectual level so this makes for a good retrospective, but the operative motif seems to be confusion/awe toward what Clinton was thinking at a given time, and the author lets that theme dominate h...more
It's interesting to think of Bill Clinton as a survivor. Most would get the impression from television appearances showing thousands of adoring fans that Clinton was and remains a well loved man, and president. He probably is loved by many, but probably not most. Moreover, the fact that he was even elected, and held on to his office was nothing short of surprising.
According to Harris, Clinton did achieve much in his 8 year tenure, but was hurt by his own indiscretions that gave him v...more
According to Harris, Clinton did achieve much in his 8 year tenure, but was hurt by his own indiscretions that gave him v...more
Tlcp
added it
...even tho I am not a fan of Clinton, this book had historical value and interest
Fascinating look into the Clinton White House. It seems that so much happened in that eight years, some of which I remembered vividly but other events on which this book provided a fresh perspective. Very well-done narrative style.
Interesting and very well written.
A great review of how Clinton held in there through all the issues!
It's a fun read, and I would give it four stars on its face, but Harris has a bit of a history with accuracy and Republican slant. He recently wrote a Karl Rove apologia with ABC's Mark Halperin, "The Way to Win," has a skeezy relationship with Matt Drudge, and continues to carry the GOP's water as editor-in-chief of The Politico. These realities make it hard to regard as a genuine history of Clinton's Presidency.
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Excellent look at Bill Clinton and his tenure in the White House. Great insight into the personalities around Clinton from Hillary to the various administration officials and aides that came and went during the eight years. Probably the best book I've read on the Clinton years so far.
As far as a political history of the Clinton administration, this book is very interesting. It is definitely one of the most balanced accounts of the eight years of the Clinton Presidency. I am enjoying it, and about half way through the book.
I've been reading this on and off for a while. I usually hate doing that with books, but this one is moving rather slowly. I like Clinton, and this gives pretty balanced look at his time in the White House.
a clear unbiased view on clinton, the book was filled with so much insight into the 8 years he was in office, i doubt theres a better clinton book out there.
A superbly written history of Bill Clinton in the White House. Politics enthusiasts like myself will love it. 4 stars.
Love him or hate him, it's worth the time. This gives great insight into a brillant political mind.
A fairly balanced assessment of Clinton in the White House. Easy to read and journalistic in style.
A great book about Clinton's White House years from an unemotional source.
Interesting if somewhat brief look at the Clinton presidency.
Terri
marked it as to-read
Rory
marked it as to-read
Lori Taber
marked it as to-read
Randy Sauer
marked it as to-read
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