Bill Clinton
The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House by John F. Harris
Tier 2
Love him or hate him, Bill Clinton is a fascinating figure in American history. His presidency delineates a marked change in how we, as a nation, process and consume the presidency (and politics at large). Yes, these changes began before him, but his presidency (and the litany of scandals that have clung to him) mark the final shift. John F. Harris's book, The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House, comprehensively examines Clinton's tumultuous presidency. Unfortunately, given the emphasis the book places on Clinton's time in the Oval Office, it leaves readers yearning for more insight into his pre and post-presidential years. Nevertheless, Harris's exploration of Clinton's presidency sheds light on the intersection of politics and tabloid culture, a phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on American political discourse.
Harris's book delves deeply into the eight years of Bill Clinton's presidency, offering readers an in-depth look at the challenges, triumphs, and failures that defined this period. From the Whitewater scandal to the Monica Lewinsky affair, Harris meticulously navigates the complex landscape of Clinton's presidency, portraying him as a resilient figure who weathered political storms with remarkable finesse. He seemed doomed more than once in his early years, yet by the end of his presidency, it seemed clear he’d have won a third term running away. It was, in fact, Gore’s insistence on distancing himself from Clinton that likely lost him that controversial 2000 election.
The book's limited focus on Clinton's time in office leaves a noticeable gap in our understanding of the man behind the presidency. Clinton's early life and rise in Arkansas politics and his post-presidential endeavors are given only cursory attention. A more thorough exploration of these periods could have provided readers with a more holistic view of Clinton's character and the lasting impact of his political legacy.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is its exploration of how politics became entangled with tabloid culture during Clinton's presidency. The 24-hour news cycle, the rise of cable news networks, and the emergence of the internet transformed political reporting into a sensationalized spectacle. Clinton's personal scandals, particularly the Monica Lewinsky affair (what a shameful moment to look back on in our nation’s history), became fodder for tabloids and mainstream media alike, blurring the lines between serious political analysis and scandalous gossip.
Harris chronicles the transformation of political journalism during this era, highlighting how the media's focus on Clinton's personal life often overshadowed important policy discussions. The sensationalism surrounding the scandals contributed to a shift in public perception as voters grappled with the juxtaposition of Clinton's private indiscretions against his political acumen.
The Clinton presidency marked a turning point in American political culture, ushering in an era where scandal and spectacle became intertwined with governance. The fusion of politics and tabloid culture during this time had far-reaching consequences, shaping how subsequent administrations were covered and altering public expectations of political figures.
The 24/7 news cycle, fueled by the emergence of the internet, has only intensified the trend set during Clinton's presidency. Today, political news is often consumed in bite-sized, sensationalized pieces, with scandals and personal controversies taking precedence over policy debates. The legacy of tabloid politics remains embedded in American political discourse, contributing to the divisive and polarized environment that characterizes contemporary politics.
Some accusations and gossip about Bill (and Hilary) were wholly fabricated (something that has become a staple of our modern political discourse), but many weren’t. Clinton was, and is, a shady figure with many skeletons in his closet. The true legacy of his presidency may very well be that these skeletons no longer doomed a politician's career as they once might’ve. As the scandals piled up, they seemed to lose their power, and he emerged from them stronger.
While Harris's exploration of Clinton's presidency is thorough and insightful, readers are left wanting more, particularly regarding Clinton's pre and post-presidential life. Clinton's early years in Arkansas, his political ascent, and the factors that shaped his leadership style are given minimal attention. A more comprehensive examination of these formative years would have provided valuable context for understanding the complexities of Clinton's presidency.
Likewise, Clinton's post-presidential years are glossed over, leaving readers curious about his philanthropic work, diplomatic efforts, and continued influence on American politics. Understanding the trajectory of Clinton's life beyond the Oval Office is essential for comprehending the lasting impact of his political career. I will have to seek out a different, more exhaustive biography of the man to scratch this itch.
Highs and lows marked his presidency. The highs range from the economic boom (presidents are always given too much credit or blame for these things), the Balanced Budget Act, the expansion of NATO, and some of the last genuinely bipartisan legislation our nation has seen. The lows are just as pronounced—inaction in the Rwandan Genocide; Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; continuance of deregulatory supply-side economics; and a failed attempt at Healthcare Reform. The last of these particular stings as it was was a phenomenal opportunity to get nationalized healthcare, and the Clinton administration failed. There’s no polite way to put it. They had Hillary Clinton, the first lady, head this initiative. Whatever your opinion on Hillary is, this was a mistake of epic proportions. Healthcare reform was an incredibly popular policy, but by the time the media and interest groups got through with it, it was DOA. Putting someone else with less baggage and more of a legitimate standing in the administration in charge of this initiative would’ve made it much more likely to pass. This was a failure, and we all live in the ashes of that failure.
John F. Harris's The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House is a compelling exploration of a transformative period in American politics. While the book falls short of fully capturing Clinton's life beyond the presidency, it successfully navigates the intricacies of his time in office. The examination of politics morphing into tabloid culture remains a poignant reminder of the enduring impact Clinton's presidency has had on the media landscape and public perception of political figures.
As we reflect on the legacy of the Clinton era, it is imperative to recognize the lasting effects of the changing media landscape on contemporary discourse. The blurred lines between serious political analysis and scandalous gossip, as illuminated by Harris, continue to shape how we consume and interpret political news. In an age where sensationalism often trumps (get it?) substance, "The Survivor" prompts us to critically assess the evolving nature of political journalism and its enduring impact on American politics.