Ten years after one of the most polarizing political scandals in American history, author Ken Gormley offers an insightful, balanced, and revealing...
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Jan 04, 2012
Jerome
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It's often been a goal of mine the past ten years to really read about what I call modern presidential events. Historically speaking, we could look back to many American presidents of the past and ring off their personal scandals or major events hitting them personally in their time in office. The Petticoat Affair with Andrew Jackson, the Credit Mobilier Scandal in Grant's term, The Teapot Dome Scandal, etc. And why is that fact? Because so much has been written on these particular events, ove
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Jan 04, 2012
Jack
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This is THE book on the Clinton scandal(s). It's as even-handed as one can be. Gormley thoroughly analyses all that went into the scandals of the Clinton years, how they were investigated, and how the President and his team responded to all of that. One really gets a sense of how good we had it in the 1990s: we could actually fight ruthlessly over what a guy did with his penis, all the while knowing that many of the people going after the guy with the uncontrollable penis could not control th
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Jan 25, 2011
Mary
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Although I thought I had followed this episode closely at the time, most of what is revealed in this excellent book was new to me. It is a horrifying tale of a turning point in American history, when partisan politics became so toxic that the president was pursued into a closet in an effort to unseat him. Laws were repeatedly broken in the guise of upholding the law. One wonders why anyone would want to be a politician after witnessing this persecution. And one’s faith in the rule of law is
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Sep 12, 2010
Kathleen
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I heard the author being interviewed by Terry Gross on Fresh Air and decided I had to read this book. Gormley has gone back and interviewed every living person who was involved in the Clinton vs. Starr matter, and he got candid answers from both Clinton and Starr. The story starts with the Whitewater real estate deal and moves through Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, and the impeachment. I learned many things that I didn't know or didn't recall -- that Whitewater matter was largely concluded by
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Mar 04, 2010
Alan
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I have just finished reading Joe Gormley's book, "The Death of American Virtue: Clinton Vs. Starr."
This book is surely the definitive account of the sad saga in U.S. history known as the Lewinsky scandal. Ken Gormley, a law professor, interviewed almost all the principle players in the drama (including some now deceased) -- President Clinton, Ken Starr and his wife, Lewinsky as well as both her parents, other prosecutors and judges, Linda Tripp, Susan McDougall, Webster Hub More...
This book is surely the definitive account of the sad saga in U.S. history known as the Lewinsky scandal. Ken Gormley, a law professor, interviewed almost all the principle players in the drama (including some now deceased) -- President Clinton, Ken Starr and his wife, Lewinsky as well as both her parents, other prosecutors and judges, Linda Tripp, Susan McDougall, Webster Hub More...
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Dec 07, 2010
David
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Extremely detailed recounting of the events that led up to the impeachment of President Clinton-- and actually is fairly balanced. You might change your opinion of all the major players-- Bill Clinton, Hilary, Paula Jones, Monica, even Ken Starr. But regardless of your opinions as you start the book, and even if they don't change, there is an amazing amount of new information here, behind the scenes impressions, and a straight forward chronological account of who did what and why and how it almo
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Dec 04, 2011
Barb
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This engaging, in-depth examination of the Whitewater investigation and ensuing impeachment is almost impossible to put town--over 700 pages, and we all know how it comes out, but it is a real page-turner! The people involved pop to life in the text, with close descriptions of their actions and motivations at the time, and with reflective statements from interviews long after the events. The intransigence of the opposing parties may not have been born here, but certainly came of age during these
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Mar 23, 2011
Mike
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Good comprehensive account of Clintons legal problems. Show the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Starr was knowledgeable, but he was not wise. One of Mr. Gormley's other subjects, Archibald Cox, was both knowledgable and wise. I thought the title a little overwrought. I think it's interesting that no one treasure's their experience in this matter. Only regrets. The only hero I saw was the Arkansan who made the speech on the floor of the senate. He is the one who had the bet handl
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Feb 10, 2012
Superfluous
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Few writers could delve into a subject as fraught as l’affaire Lewinsky with Mr. Gormley’s grace, fair-mindedness, erudition, and patriotic shame, let alone any law professors. The book’s jacket puts it succinctly: “Ten years after one of the most polarizing political scandals in American history, author Ken Gormley offers an insightful, balanced, and revealing analysis of the events leading up to the impeachment trial of President William Jefferson Clinton.” My review is available here.
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Nov 26, 2011
Stephanie
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A surprising page-turner! Who knew you could plow through a 690 page book about the many trials and tribulations of the Clinton dynasty. A very objective, informative, and fascinating read that I highly recommend. That guy Gormley can write.
(I also learned quite a bit about Ken Starr, who I still think is a misguided Puritan - not a good trait for a lawyer, especially the one who becomes the Independent Council prosecuting Bill Clinton. What a train wreck.)
(I also learned quite a bit about Ken Starr, who I still think is a misguided Puritan - not a good trait for a lawyer, especially the one who becomes the Independent Council prosecuting Bill Clinton. What a train wreck.)
Mar 17, 2011
John
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Well written book by a law professor on the whole Paula Jones/Clinton/Lewinsky/Kenneth Starr business.
Very well written and very informative. The author doesn't seem to side with anyone in particular: he is very even-handed. I think his opinion is expressed in the title -- no one involved exhibited any admirable traits. After half paying attention to each turn in the story back when it occurred, it is interesting to have all the details in one coherent picture.
Very well written and very informative. The author doesn't seem to side with anyone in particular: he is very even-handed. I think his opinion is expressed in the title -- no one involved exhibited any admirable traits. After half paying attention to each turn in the story back when it occurred, it is interesting to have all the details in one coherent picture.
Dec 09, 2010
This book went back to the library unfinished along with Susan Schmidt's Truth at Any Cost, which I didn't even start. Gormley's book appears from the 100 or so pages I read to be scrupulously balanced but it was too painful to read about the sleaze and grime of the second Clinton administration. I had to live through it and once is enough.
I didn't give it any stars because I didn't read enough of it to really judge and it would be unfair to give it only one star because I didn't lik More...
I didn't give it any stars because I didn't read enough of it to really judge and it would be unfair to give it only one star because I didn't lik More...
Mar 23, 2011
Nannie
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Well researched, interesting and seemed to be fairly presented but in the end, I had to quit. It was ust making me sick to read about these political types trying to see what they can get away with and everything is someone else's fault. I felt like I should take a shower! YUCK! No reflection on the author's talent intended. I'm not sure if that era was 'the Death of American Virtue' (Did it ever exist?)but it is certainly when the news media started publishing the obituary!
Mar 26, 2010
Ben
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This is the definitive history of this bizarre moment in American civic life. Although I would have gone further in analyzing the consequences of these events, Gormley is a thorough researcher and writes a very uncluttered prose that is almost as compelling as a novel, despite a few awkward turns of phrase here and there. His analysis is cogent and easy to understand for the layperson.
Apr 19, 2010
Rob
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The moral of this story, from my reading, is that you should be honest when consulting with your lawyer. If either Ms. Lewinsky or Mr. Clinton had been honest with their respective attorneys, their attorneys would have kept them out of the legal trouble that ultimately occured. If Clinton's attorney knew of the relationship he wouldn't have permitted Clinton to make misleading statements at the deposition. Likewise Lewinsky's attorney wouldn't have let her sign the affidavit denying a sexual
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Aug 15, 2011
Glitnir
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An exhaustive look at the Whitewater and impeachment cycle. Well researched yet not overly dry in its style. A depressing look at a contributing factor in the rise of partisanship in Congress that overrode desires for comity amongst a few of the level-headed members serving at the time.
Feb 02, 2011
I'm about 100 pages into a 600-page tome. It's quite good. I find that I have to supplement my current events with books since newspapers have been doing such a lamentable job.
May 29, 2010
Sandy
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A very long but interesting account of the Clinton Vs. Starr saga. Want something non-fiction to read all summer? This is the book!
Oct 11, 2011
Amy
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I was loathe to jump into this subject matter again, having lived through the media horror show when it happened; but the author, through exhaustive research, interviews with almost all the players (except Hillary), and fantastic writing made it not only palatable, but a riveting and completely addicting read. I learned a lot and got a much deeper perspective on that whole episode in our nation's history. My only caveat is that his descriptions at two points in the book of federal Judge Susan
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Dec 23, 2010
Mark
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Really good book about Clinton, Lewinsky, Starr, Impeachment, a good read
Aug 01, 2010
Bob
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Very detailed account from Whitewater through Lewinsky past impeachment. Tragic with all players making big mistakes.
Mar 19, 2010
David
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A marvelous history. For now, this is the definitive account of the hounding and attempted take down of Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Nov 15, 2010
Tom
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Gormley presents a balanced look at the entire Clinton-Whitewater-Jones-Lewinsky situation and the approach utilized by Ken Starr and the entire Office of Special Counsel. In the end a terrible waste of taxpayers money. This was an interestinig book that I recommend.
Aug 30, 2010
Ashley
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Breathless. This book left me breathless; I was always in a rush to read the next page, the next chapter. No wonder nearly everyone spoke to the author, they could trust him to write an even-handed and balanced account. Wow, what an amazing read.
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Aug 31, 2010
Jim
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This is a fascinating look at the long face-off between Bill Clinton and Ken Starr. This reads like a novel and you will look at all the protagonists in a different way after reading this. An impartial look at a turbulent time in US history.
Sep 15, 2010
Austin
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Fascinating read. Having lived through that history, it was really interesting to read it from a different perspective in my life: As a prosecutor, it was really intriguing to see how my "colleauges" handled things.
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 08, 2012
