Clinton Wars

“[With] a reporter's keen eye for telling detail” a former advisor reconstructs the political turmoil of  the Clinton presidency. “Powerful. . . . Persuasive” (Robert Dallek, The New York Times Book Review).

When in 1997 Bill Clinton appointed Sidney Blumenthal as a senior advisor, the former journalist 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.

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term draws on his experiences as confidant to both the President and the First Lady, and is enriched with previously unpublished revelations about both.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.

Every page of this authoritative book attests to Blumenthal’s unique perspective on crucial events of America’s recent political past. The Clinton Wars is a lasting contribution to American history.

“Riveting. . . . Blumenthal's account of the 'right wing conspiracy' which sought to annihilate Clinton is both chilling and irrefutable.” —Adrienne Miller, Esquire

“Brutally revealing.” —Andrew Sullivan, The New York Observer