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Rewriting History
Now, for the first time, Fox News political analyst and former Clinton adviser Dick Morris turns his sharp-eyed gaze on Hillary, the longtime First Lady, current New York senator, and bestselling author. For, as he argues, no politician in America today is better aligned to become president in 2008—and none would bring more baggage to the White House—than Mrs. Clinton. In Rewriting History, Morris draws on his own long working relationship with the Clintons, as well as his trademark deep research and candid, nonpartisan analysis, to create a rebuttal to Hillary's bestselling autobiography, Living History. Morris documents how Hillary hides her true self behind a "Hillary" brand that is chatty, charming, giggly, and warm—but is far from her true personality. In Rewriting History, Morris pierces the mask to get at the truth behind the distortions and omissions of Hillary's memoir. Here we meet the real Hillary, both good and the manager who makes the trains run on time, but also the paranoid who sees all those who disagree with her as personal enemies; the idealist, but also the "advice addict" easily misled by the guru of the moment. Morris describes Hillary's sense of entitlement, and warns that it may lead deep into financial scandal. And he demonstrates how Hillary dodges criticism by pretending that every attack is directed not just at her, but at every working woman in America. Ultimately, Morris argues, the Hillary Clinton of today is marketing a false front, obscuring both her wants and her assets behind the phony facade of a domestic Everywoman. But as she pursues higher office, she also faces a choice. Will she, like Bobby Kennedy, see the error of her ruthless ways, and embrace the sincere idealism she professes? Or, like Richard Nixon, will she allow the darker angels of her nature to overcome her, jeopardizing herself and the country in the process? As Rewriting History suggests, we can only hope that Hillary Clinton's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2004
15 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Dick Morris
49 books66 followersDick Morris, the President of Vote.com, was President Clinton's chief strategist and advisor in the 1996 campaign. He has handled the campaigns of a large number of American politicians including Trent Lott, William Weld, Pete Wilson and a whole lot of others. He's now a commentator on the Fox News Channel and writes a weekly column in the New York Post. He has written four recent books: Behind the Oval Office, The New Prince, Vote.com and Power Plays.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 9, 2018
It's from such a close position (her political consultant) that I won't give it 5 stars. Because the author being part and particle of the "works" from Arkansas and into the latter Bill Clinton presidency- I discern that the base information and the voice and "eyes" of the author himself to be "relative" to a facade of disingenuous behavior, as well. Others feel this makes Dick Morris the encyclopedia of Hillary, but I think it holds piles of baggage in itself. He does know the details of minutia place, times, purpose.
I have loathed her personality traits of assumptions from early, early days- so this was little surprise to me. But having the real history in particulars here from Dick Morris detailed as opposed to her "Living History" written "facts"? And yet how hard she tries, I'm sure that is actual and eternal. As is her greed and her duplicity to "facade" profile for the moment being constantly applied (and quickly too- she is a genus at this for "explanations"). But what is the most insidious to millions of us is her "eyes" reactions to the differences or opinions as "other" being not only wrong, or averse or opposite to her own "logic" but as evil. Morris describes how her psyche is founded in this belief/ feeling. So people are no longer opposed but evil entities in identity to/ as targets if they disagree with her. Redefining her roadblocks or opposition as not only wrong or bad but having base in an evil morality. It's practice in her role model of this "evil other" belief is now common. That's become her main legacy in progressive development, IMHO. As the progressive movement learned well from her examples of positing in this way as often as she does herself. Often. No other opinion being allowed as it is "evil" to not agree with the "we think" redefined terms (being one of victim, historic, or identity politics). The Nixon personality comparisons to "eyes" in this book was 5 star outstanding. So different from a Bill Clinton or JFK who could float opinions like waves in the sea- taking on new forms or directions at will in a "fellow well met and liked too" congeniality that leaves the majority in civil discourse or a good will intent ocean.
This is the best psychological description profile of Hillary's core perceptions that I've ever read. I've seen all the physical profile "forms" of changes myself with my own observant eyes over the years- and so guessed most of them were reason formed, but not to the marketing extent that they actually were as detailed here. Especially in her firing habits or how she posits/makes all of her own troubles or affronts in speech declaration as ones which "all women" suffer in a generic tribal sense of "we women".
She was never going to adopt a baby. Nor did she ever clean out closets during the Paula Jones court case. On and on and on. And she has always, as long as I remember any speaking or apart from being "the couple" pose speech- consistently disdained "the others" or some generic deplorable "enemies list" to assault in generality. Or at times very specifically too.
Other books are more instructive to her later Presidential run. But this is the best book on her core flaws and "eyes" superior attributes. Both. And her will power and ability to morph. They have not changed since she was dark and curly haired with thick black glasses and no makeup.
I have loathed her personality traits of assumptions from early, early days- so this was little surprise to me. But having the real history in particulars here from Dick Morris detailed as opposed to her "Living History" written "facts"? And yet how hard she tries, I'm sure that is actual and eternal. As is her greed and her duplicity to "facade" profile for the moment being constantly applied (and quickly too- she is a genus at this for "explanations"). But what is the most insidious to millions of us is her "eyes" reactions to the differences or opinions as "other" being not only wrong, or averse or opposite to her own "logic" but as evil. Morris describes how her psyche is founded in this belief/ feeling. So people are no longer opposed but evil entities in identity to/ as targets if they disagree with her. Redefining her roadblocks or opposition as not only wrong or bad but having base in an evil morality. It's practice in her role model of this "evil other" belief is now common. That's become her main legacy in progressive development, IMHO. As the progressive movement learned well from her examples of positing in this way as often as she does herself. Often. No other opinion being allowed as it is "evil" to not agree with the "we think" redefined terms (being one of victim, historic, or identity politics). The Nixon personality comparisons to "eyes" in this book was 5 star outstanding. So different from a Bill Clinton or JFK who could float opinions like waves in the sea- taking on new forms or directions at will in a "fellow well met and liked too" congeniality that leaves the majority in civil discourse or a good will intent ocean.
This is the best psychological description profile of Hillary's core perceptions that I've ever read. I've seen all the physical profile "forms" of changes myself with my own observant eyes over the years- and so guessed most of them were reason formed, but not to the marketing extent that they actually were as detailed here. Especially in her firing habits or how she posits/makes all of her own troubles or affronts in speech declaration as ones which "all women" suffer in a generic tribal sense of "we women".
She was never going to adopt a baby. Nor did she ever clean out closets during the Paula Jones court case. On and on and on. And she has always, as long as I remember any speaking or apart from being "the couple" pose speech- consistently disdained "the others" or some generic deplorable "enemies list" to assault in generality. Or at times very specifically too.
Other books are more instructive to her later Presidential run. But this is the best book on her core flaws and "eyes" superior attributes. Both. And her will power and ability to morph. They have not changed since she was dark and curly haired with thick black glasses and no makeup.
February 16, 2022
Interesting read about the Clintons from a former insider; lots of details that were seen on the news and opinion pieces. But also expanded details behind the scenes look at motivations and character traits as well as speculations based on personal experiences with them by Dick Morris about what a Hillary Clinton presidency might be like. The only real negative for me was that the book was published in 2005 and is somewhat dated. But it also presents the author's predictions and projections of what might happen that can be compared to what actually did happen. Great book for anyone trying to understand some of the top political figures in America today.
August 20, 2007
Disclaimer: I've loathed the Clintons from the get-go.
Do I respect Dick Morris? Not much. Does he offer us new information here? Not much. Is the book worth reading? Yes.
Why? Because the author has been behind-the-scenes with the Clintons; he's seen her without The Mask (What-you-see-is-what-you-get with Bill, although that changes in a kaleidescopic manner). The Clinton apologistas - I consider them stark raving mad, but that's their perspective - are a lost cause. I'd urge readers who feel they are open-minded on the subject of the Clintons to read this book, and Ed Klein's. It should be obvious that, while many politicians will say anything to get ahead, Hillary leaves the rest eating her dust. Both books also do a good job outlining her pattern of sheer greed as well.
Do I respect Dick Morris? Not much. Does he offer us new information here? Not much. Is the book worth reading? Yes.
Why? Because the author has been behind-the-scenes with the Clintons; he's seen her without The Mask (What-you-see-is-what-you-get with Bill, although that changes in a kaleidescopic manner). The Clinton apologistas - I consider them stark raving mad, but that's their perspective - are a lost cause. I'd urge readers who feel they are open-minded on the subject of the Clintons to read this book, and Ed Klein's. It should be obvious that, while many politicians will say anything to get ahead, Hillary leaves the rest eating her dust. Both books also do a good job outlining her pattern of sheer greed as well.
August 11, 2015
Dick Morris was a very close advisor to the Clintons and therefore, I think his characterizations and accounts of their actions and behavior are quite reliable. At that time that this book was written, Morris was speculating on a presidential run by Hillary as soon as 2004, but most likely 2008. What he writes about her personality and way of conducting herself seems as applicable to a 2016 run as it did back in the early 2000's. While she is a very smart and disciplined person in many ways, there is a sense of entitlement and unwillingness to be truthful that remains relevant in her actions today. The email scandal is a perfect example.
September 21, 2016
This is probably the most important book to read to get an understanding of Hillary Clinton. Morris was a political consultant who worked with the Clintons starting back in Arkansas and continuing into the Clinton presidency. If you have the idea that Hillary has never been proven to have done anything wrong, this book will clear up your misconception. From the Whitewater land deal to managing the "bimbo eruptions," Hillary has been utterly determined to gain power at any price, and no doubt feels the end justifies the means. Morris has a new book, "Armageddon," written for the campaign. It might be more comprehensive, but I haven't read it.
April 24, 2017
Rating - 7.7
Starts off very slow & comes across as a polite, unsupported rant against Hilary & the Clinton administration but at P140 actually morphs into a hard-hitting evidence log against the Hilary presidency
Further supports the theory that politics is rift w corruption (Whitewater, Commodities, Fundraising, Lewinsky) & it is surprising that the US public would overlook all of these blatant transgressions
Interesting Thoughts
Hilary lied about Chelsea being close to the 911 site to garner sympathy during the tragedy
Presidential Character - are they active or passive in personalities and self-image
Hilary states that she played for a Junior High soccer team when in fact no such team existed
Hilary chose to run in NY even though she had previously demonstrated no passion for the state
Hilary wanted to run for Arkansas governor in 1988 but the polls indicated that she would get trounced as being Bill’s shadow
A tax increase will generally never get you re-elected but Clinton was forced as he had to show he was serious in reducing the deficit
Triangulation - two polar positions where neither can be seen moving to the other, they move to a third position
As Hilary’s influence in the first administration waned, his popularity as a leader went up
She greatly diminishes her involvement as a student radical w the Black Panthers in her book
She introduced a teacher test in Arkansas for educational reform
She got toasted on health care reform as she could not compromise - after the fiasco, she bowed out and focussed on foreign travel
She has a history of being money-oriented by accepting donations and taking White House furniture for their own possession. Very active just before passing over to Bush in taking $28M worth of gifts prior to leaving
Hilary benefited from insider trading on the Arkansas commodities market in the early 1980’s and refused to release tax returns that indicated as such. The person who gave the tip was the head of Tyson foods which were on the receiving end of favorable policy in the Clinton-led administration.
Whitewater was a real-estate deal that was all reward no risk for the Clintons (91% of the cost for only 50% of the equity) and the benefactors stopped them from losing significant amounts of money. Same benefits as the commodities were granted
Harding and Grant saw their administrations ruined by the greed and arrogance of family and friends
Bill Clinton gave a pardon to three drug felons that were paying money to Hilary’s brothers
Travelgate - Bush’s staff were fired to hire a Clinton friends - the issue was in the cover-up
Viacom gave Hilary an $8MM signing bonus for the book
The Clintons were considering divorce in 1989
Bill is supremely empathetic but is devoid of emotional attachment
Hilary leveraged Bill, pardons and political donations to win the NY Senate race
As a Senator, Hilary has only-focussed on fund-raising. She has only made two key votes - the support of Bush to use force on Saddam and against prescription Medicare for the elderly
Starts off very slow & comes across as a polite, unsupported rant against Hilary & the Clinton administration but at P140 actually morphs into a hard-hitting evidence log against the Hilary presidency
Further supports the theory that politics is rift w corruption (Whitewater, Commodities, Fundraising, Lewinsky) & it is surprising that the US public would overlook all of these blatant transgressions
Interesting Thoughts
Hilary lied about Chelsea being close to the 911 site to garner sympathy during the tragedy
Presidential Character - are they active or passive in personalities and self-image
Hilary states that she played for a Junior High soccer team when in fact no such team existed
Hilary chose to run in NY even though she had previously demonstrated no passion for the state
Hilary wanted to run for Arkansas governor in 1988 but the polls indicated that she would get trounced as being Bill’s shadow
A tax increase will generally never get you re-elected but Clinton was forced as he had to show he was serious in reducing the deficit
Triangulation - two polar positions where neither can be seen moving to the other, they move to a third position
As Hilary’s influence in the first administration waned, his popularity as a leader went up
She greatly diminishes her involvement as a student radical w the Black Panthers in her book
She introduced a teacher test in Arkansas for educational reform
She got toasted on health care reform as she could not compromise - after the fiasco, she bowed out and focussed on foreign travel
She has a history of being money-oriented by accepting donations and taking White House furniture for their own possession. Very active just before passing over to Bush in taking $28M worth of gifts prior to leaving
Hilary benefited from insider trading on the Arkansas commodities market in the early 1980’s and refused to release tax returns that indicated as such. The person who gave the tip was the head of Tyson foods which were on the receiving end of favorable policy in the Clinton-led administration.
Whitewater was a real-estate deal that was all reward no risk for the Clintons (91% of the cost for only 50% of the equity) and the benefactors stopped them from losing significant amounts of money. Same benefits as the commodities were granted
Harding and Grant saw their administrations ruined by the greed and arrogance of family and friends
Bill Clinton gave a pardon to three drug felons that were paying money to Hilary’s brothers
Travelgate - Bush’s staff were fired to hire a Clinton friends - the issue was in the cover-up
Viacom gave Hilary an $8MM signing bonus for the book
The Clintons were considering divorce in 1989
Bill is supremely empathetic but is devoid of emotional attachment
Hilary leveraged Bill, pardons and political donations to win the NY Senate race
As a Senator, Hilary has only-focussed on fund-raising. She has only made two key votes - the support of Bush to use force on Saddam and against prescription Medicare for the elderly
March 25, 2016
I stopped about 2/3 through this book.
I read this in 2016, while she was running for the Democratic nomination for POTUS, because at the moment the Republican front-runner is Donald Trump. So the big question on the table for me was "If I'm going to vote for the lesser of the two evils and these are the best the D & R parties can do, would I vote for HRC?" - the answer for me is no. So I'm probably voting third party this year.
The thing that bugged me, though, is I can't tell if Dick Morris is a credible source, given that he was fired by the Clintons. I also can't tell if he was comparing HRC to Nixon out of spite, or if it was an apt comparison because they both think they are above the law. I don't have a solid answer yet, but it bugged me enough that I bought a book about the Nixon administration and plan to read it this year.
Edited to add: The other thing that bothers me about women in power, like HRC, is their downplaying of how smart and cut-throat they are because these aren't "publicly accepted" virtues of women. And that drives me up the wall. I don't agree with HRC's politics, and I don't agree with her assertion that those we disagree with are THE ENEMY on some moral level. I think that's dangerous on both sides of the aisle.
I read this in 2016, while she was running for the Democratic nomination for POTUS, because at the moment the Republican front-runner is Donald Trump. So the big question on the table for me was "If I'm going to vote for the lesser of the two evils and these are the best the D & R parties can do, would I vote for HRC?" - the answer for me is no. So I'm probably voting third party this year.
The thing that bugged me, though, is I can't tell if Dick Morris is a credible source, given that he was fired by the Clintons. I also can't tell if he was comparing HRC to Nixon out of spite, or if it was an apt comparison because they both think they are above the law. I don't have a solid answer yet, but it bugged me enough that I bought a book about the Nixon administration and plan to read it this year.
Edited to add: The other thing that bothers me about women in power, like HRC, is their downplaying of how smart and cut-throat they are because these aren't "publicly accepted" virtues of women. And that drives me up the wall. I don't agree with HRC's politics, and I don't agree with her assertion that those we disagree with are THE ENEMY on some moral level. I think that's dangerous on both sides of the aisle.
February 21, 2009
It was like reading Hillary's biography and then finding out the truth without actually having to read the lies first. Brilliant!
January 12, 2025
I just finished this 2004 book analyzing Hillary Clinton and the prospect of Hillary running for president. I am unsure how I acquired the book but found it during an office cleaning. Looking back from 2025, I found the content enlightening. I have to presume that the author who was on the inside during the Clinton's rise to prominance knows his stuff. The author continually makes direct comparisons between Hillary's style and that of Bill which are also very instructive, though obviously opinions. The primary fault with the writing is that it is sometimes too detailed and often repetitive. I have always been suspecious of both Bill and Hillary presenting a made for TV persona which is one of the primary hypotheses presented within the text. I did enjoy the read but since I am biased to start with you might not if you are a B & H fan. Overall it is a short read which with some editing could be significanly shorter.
August 4, 2024
Written by an author who would know her best, Dick Morris does another great job covering the subject matter of the book. Hillery is a woman of many masks and is defined more by her scandals and mistakes than by her strengths. To be fair, the author covers her many strengths, but unfortunately they are overshadowed by and forgotten because of her many failings. Why does a person with so much talent, skill, and potential continually sabotage and destroy herself? The answer lies within the book: greed and blatant wantoness of power, prestige, and wealth. Surely the author had a lot more detailed depth he could have written about Hillary or HILLARY the brand, but cross her and she may have your suicide note already written. This book is one of his better ones, and I highly encourage reading it. It is rather dated but still relevant to today's political climate.
February 14, 2022
While the book is 18 years old and the speculation about the political scene of the '00s is obsolete, this is still an interesting look into the background of HC into her senatorial years. Rumors continue to be floated about another run for the presidency, which makes this insight into her personality, character, and history still relevant. A sequel covering the past 18 years would be even more interesting - has she learned from her past? Is she fundamentally the same? While Dick Morris did not shy away from spilling the facts and the personal interactions that painted her in an unflattering light, he was also not remiss in praising her talents.
January 18, 2020
Stopped reading about 1/4 of the way through. Was very repetitive and providing very little in the way of specific examples to back up the author's points. If the author had worked with her as closely as he said he did, I would have expected a lot more details of specific decisions or interactions that lead him to form his opinion of her.
June 26, 2022
I didn't know this was a rebuttal to Hillary's book "Living History," which I hadn't read, so it was a waste of time for me. Also, Mr. Morris's mission to warn the public that Hillary will make a terrible president if elected is moot. She ran, she lost, she's retired—end of story.
January 4, 2014
Overall worth reading for anyone interested in the Clintons. I'm not a big fan of Morris, as I consider him an amoral, opportunistic populist; therefore, I usually read his books with a good deal of skepticism. Nonetheless, he is an experienced political operator connected to a lot of the who's who, and he knows Washington. Therefore he is often worth reading, and this book is no exception. As one might expect, either from the title or Morris' recent history, the book is generally a criticism or even expose of Hillary Clinton. To be fair, Morris made more positive remarks about Hillary (and Bill) than I expected from him. The most valuable parts of the books were Morris' own recollections, as he was a fly on the wall for a lot of interesting times. As is usual for his books, this one is filled with minor contradictions; for example, one is left wondering how closely tied Hillary's fortunes were to Bill and Bill's political success in the 1970s, Morris trying to have it both ways in various chapters. These minor issues distract the reader but don't really undermine his overall observations about Hillary. Morris does do a bit of self-justifying here, noting when his own moral standards were higher than the Clintons, and even essentially rationalizing his kiss-and-tell approach to his former business clients, having since made a cottage industry of writing generally critical pieces on the Clintons. The book is easy to read, though a careful reader will pause upon the various points that conflict with one another. I would recommend the book for anyone interested in the Clintons, or, for that matter, anyone interested in how running for political office works.
November 26, 2016
This is the first political book I've ever read. So, from someone like me, I'm gonna be honest – it was kinda boring. I saw it on a family bookshelf right around the time that it was obvious Hillary would win the 2016 primaries (and I was an avid Bernie supporter), so I figured, "Hey, a free book about Hillary, might as well try to read it before the general election."
I read it here and there for the past few months and didn't finish it until after the general election (so everything I read towards the end of the book felt really ironic). The book was published in 2004, and Morris basically predicted that she would be president at some point and wonders if she'll behave differently in the White House than how she previously behaved.
There's nothing super scandalous revealed; but he does give specific examples of lies Hillary has told. So overall, I only learned a couple new things about the Clintons. Didn't really effect my vote, though, so I'm not sure how it will change many other people's opinions.
I read it here and there for the past few months and didn't finish it until after the general election (so everything I read towards the end of the book felt really ironic). The book was published in 2004, and Morris basically predicted that she would be president at some point and wonders if she'll behave differently in the White House than how she previously behaved.
There's nothing super scandalous revealed; but he does give specific examples of lies Hillary has told. So overall, I only learned a couple new things about the Clintons. Didn't really effect my vote, though, so I'm not sure how it will change many other people's opinions.
June 24, 2008
I'm not a huge Dick Morris fan, but you have to appreciate someone who has inside knowledge and a story to tell.
Morris does an excellent job of setting the record straight on many of Hillary Clinton's exaggerations. I particularly enjoyed the section on the "HillaryCare" debacle.
Morris makes an interesting case for recognizing the "Hillary Brand", and Hillary's efforts to reinvent herself. Some things I completely disagree with, though. Why not come forward and expose Hillary as the events in the book were happeneing. The problem with a "tell-all" book like this, written years after the fact, is that they almost always look spiteful and underhanded. If Morris would have come forward much, much earlier, he could have been part of the Solution, not a big part of the problem.
When "insider" books are so en vogue (think Scott McLellan's book), it's good to revisit some that have already been published, and that offer an unabashed view.
Morris does an excellent job of setting the record straight on many of Hillary Clinton's exaggerations. I particularly enjoyed the section on the "HillaryCare" debacle.
Morris makes an interesting case for recognizing the "Hillary Brand", and Hillary's efforts to reinvent herself. Some things I completely disagree with, though. Why not come forward and expose Hillary as the events in the book were happeneing. The problem with a "tell-all" book like this, written years after the fact, is that they almost always look spiteful and underhanded. If Morris would have come forward much, much earlier, he could have been part of the Solution, not a big part of the problem.
When "insider" books are so en vogue (think Scott McLellan's book), it's good to revisit some that have already been published, and that offer an unabashed view.
November 16, 2007
This is a non-smearing, rebuttal book to Mrs. Clintons "Living History" book that came out previous. The author speaks to events and conversations referred to or NOT reffered to in her book that he was present and privy to and nothing else. This man worked for the Clintons for 25 years. He said he wanted to make sure people knew who they were dealing with if they thought of voting for this woman in the future. It is a fascinating read to recall all of the things she has said or done that the press and public have given her a pass on. It's scary actually. Read things before you vote for her. It's not about the party, it's about the person.
February 5, 2009
I wasn't a fan of Hillary's to begin with; this book just strengthened my feelings. I'm not very much into politics, so I learned a lot, but mistrusted some of the author's perspectives on certain events.
June 3, 2011
While it was an interesting book, it wasn't entirely accurate. Dick Morris is very biased, and though I'm sure some of the things that happened are true, some were also seen through his distorted memory. A good read, as long as you take it with a grain of salt.
November 12, 2016
Actually, I did not finish but got about 3/4 of the way into it. It was helpful to understand Hillary but I just got tired reading about her & seeing her face everyday on the cover. Happy she didn't win!
April 27, 2008
Must read for anyone thinking of voting for Mrs. Clinton this year.
September 13, 2008
Interesting follow-up to her "Living History."
March 20, 2009
Enlightening, frightening - I am more than ever pleased (and relieved) that Obama is our president.
August 19, 2011
Turdish...
December 28, 2012
Shows a side of Hillary that she would likely prefer to keep hidden; reminds me that politicians really are just self-serving.
Read
December 8, 2012about Hillary, not flattering
April 19, 2013
Bleh. Borrowed from a friend. Did not particularly enjoy this hit-piece...
September 23, 2016
Is there an updated version of this?
July 28, 2009
Eye opening look at the Clintons
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews