The Survivor - Bill Clinton in the White House

I love Bill Clinton – and when I had the opportunity to hear him speak at a Madison, WI campaign rally in 1992 I knew he loved me too. In my continuing quest to learn more about the man I just finished John Harris’ fascinating book about Clinton’s White House years. Harris provides a well written account of the workings of the White House – how decisions were made, who was in, who was out, how the aides struggled to keep Clinton away from the pretty ladies. A Washington Post reporter, Harris has done his research and fairly paints a picture of the personal and political strengths and weaknesses of Bill Clinton. As Harris points out in his concluding chapter “Clinton had made it to the end – still standing after everything, his political fortunes and personal dignity intact, if a bit scuffed by the long ride. There had been many seasons during the preceding decade when this result was in doubt.”  The continuous crisis and recovery from crisis makes for an interesting story and in Harris capable hands a very good read.