Rating: 
Summary: never complain, never explain
Review: My beef with Maraniss's book is that I don't think you take a page from a person's life, make that the most humiliating and lowest point in his career and somehow extrapolate that into a microcosm of his character. The mere choice of this as the exemplary icon seems to indicate a deep prejudice on the issue. A spontaneous denial of a sex act, one that in no way had any public significance or compromised the office is only a signal of primitive reactive impulse, not a sign of character-- which is developed of maturity and obligation and displayed as a product of reason. The sterling symbol of the Presidency has almost always been filled with individuals of contradictions and compromises, some driven by exemplary ideals, some by pure ambition. The Clinton character is far more complex than can be summed up in 4 minute speech. At Clinton's core there is deep compassion for people. It is when he speaks to issues of race or social equity that he becomes most authentic. That is wrought of childhood where he was forced into adult roles of protectiveness and responsibility at an early age, which might explain why an unresolved adolescent nature forms an element of his personality. Adversity brings out only his grim determination to overcome, and because of this only peace and prosperity denied his Presidency greatness.
Rating: 
Summary: Gives Powerful Insight into Bill Clinton
Review: Only Clinton's autobiography will do a better job at realistically assessing the behavior of this very unique president. He was such a blend of good and bad.
The author captures this perfectly. Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
Rating:
Summary: Rodham at the Helm of Narcissim, Arrogance & Stupidity
Review: Packed into a mere 110 pages is enough material to keep one spinning in speculation and turbulent thought for hours. There have been many books written about the Clintons but none is more concise than this production by Maraniss; especially with regard to what motivates Hillary Rodham Clinton, the power behind the throne, co-president to some and a marriage seemingly made for the sole purpose of acquiring and retaining power at any cost. Taking a chance with Bill (p.78) paid off handsomely in spite of the enormous price in the interim. In this context, one cannot help but recite a few lines from Philip Wylie's "Generation of Vipers," if only to round out the author's observations and background material on Hillary. Quote: Mom is organization-minded. Organizations, she has happily discovered, are intimidating to all men, not just to mere men. They frighten politicians to sniveling servility and they terrify pastors; they bother bank presidents and they pulverize school boards. Mom has many such organizations, the real purpose of which is to compel an abject compliance of her environs to her personal desires...As an interesting sidelight, clubs afford mom an infinite opportunity for nosing into other people's business. Nosing is not a mere psychological ornament of her; it is a basic necessity. Only by nosing can she uncover all incipient revolutions [i.e., the "vast right-wing conspiracy"] against her dominion and so warn and assemble her co-cannibals. Close quote. Even more intriguing is the use of religion to smooth out the ramifications of having stepped over the line either from alleged crimes or ethical violations, not to mention the countless "bimbo eruptions," purported or otherwise. For example, the author mentions the Clintons praying with the high-profile Rev. Jackson in the White House (p.100), the night before the four-and-half minute speech Maraniss brilliantly analyzes in this book. It is not without accident that the Christian concept of forgiveness allows one to commit any transgression, no matter how repugnant, on an ongoing basis simply because the opportunity is always there to wipe the slate clean; something Clinton has used with masterful expertise. That Rev. Jackson would appear on camera shortly thereafter only leads one to conclude that, not only does one hand wash another in politics and prayer -- with the public's credulity serving as the soap to facilitate the process -- but that the employment of such a strategy as a photo-op would have Tzu Sun relishing the moment. Moreover, Maraniss' book, perhaps unwittingly, breathes new life into Ambrose Bierce's definition of politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. Close quote. At any rate, the author saves the best for the last: Did he [Clinton] believe in life after death? "Yeah, I have to," Bill Clinton said. "I need a second chance."
Rating: 
Summary: Terrible and boring.
Review: The Clinton Enigma by David Maraniss David Maraniss, Clinton's personal acquaintance and biographer since he had become governor of Arkansas, after studying Bill for three years, expresses his opinion on the Clinton situation. A tedious and weary biography on Clinton exposes his past, unknown and dark secrets. Bill was supposed to be just another boy growing up in Hope, Arkansas until he became absorbed in the treacherous world of politics. He learned how to live and survive in a small town and then hit it big as the President of the United States. That is where the controversy comes in. On the date of August 17, 10 o'clock in the morning, Bill Clinton sat in the Map Room of the White House ready to address the nation. As the cameras zoomed in, and played live on national television, Bill then gave a bewailing four and a half minute speech trying to apologize on his latest sex scandal with Monica Lewinsky. His "plead" said that he wanted the nation to turn away from the sex and focus on the nation so he and others can perform their jobs without unnecessary and undesired interruptions. David Maraniss sat in front of a television monitor at the White House and watched in disgust as Bill Clinton had made a fool of himself. While David listens to his speech he then realizes that Bill is actually telling his life story to the United States. Bill Casidy(Clinton) grew up in a modest town of Hope, Arkansas. His mother, Virginia Cassidy had lived there all her life. She had married a man named William Jefferson Blythe, also known as WJ, who she had met at a Tri- State hospital. He had claimed to be a traveling salesman. After only knowing each other for 2 months they had gotten married. Soon after marriage he was shipped off to Africa for service in World War II. On his return to Hope, 3 months before Bill was born, William Jefferson had died in a car accident. When Bill was 4 years old his mother had married again to a man named Roger "Dude" Clinton. He had run a nearby whiskey store for many years. It wasn't until many months later had Bill legally adopted the name "Clinton". Roger was an alcoholic and beat Virginia many times. The last instance was when Bill was 16 and he threatened his father that if he had ever abused her again he would literally kill him. He never touched Virginia again. Young Bill had breezed through school at ease. He attended Hot Springs High which was an elite school in itself. His second grade teacher even predicted that he would become President of the United States. His mother boasted also that he would one day run the country, but all parents make up fantasies like so. Most of his teachers admired his moderate work skills and his unrelenting study habits. Bill also grew up as a humble boy with not many friends and had always kept to himself. Bill also grew up without any serious girlfriends, which might be hard to believe since he enjoys messing around with the latest interns, a.k.a. Monica Lewinsky. His first true love was Hillary when they had met at Yale Law School in 1970. They both liked books, politics, power, policy and each other. A few years later they then had gotten married and later had a beautiful little girl named Chelsea. It is amazing how a sex scandal with a persons husband wouldn't really bother you. Hillary keeps her cool in public and refuses to show any emotion. In the recent past Hillary and Bill were known to have their moments like any other marriage. Between arguing with each other over everything it is amazing that they are still together. Many times had they been in a car at a red light or a stop sign, they would argue, and Hillary would get out of the car, slam the door and proceed to walk to wherever she desired. As you know Bill Clinton has been involved in a few sex scandals including Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, and the latest Monica Lewinsky scandal. Bill of course had oral sex with Monica in the Oval Office. When asked about it under oath he had lied. Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr decided to prosecute the President for his actions. As everyone knows the charges are perjury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and abuse of power. In office Clinton has had some good days away from sex in the Oval Office. He has made an incredible health care program, care for the elderly and has created better educational environments for children. He has also made a number of friends, obviously, and along the way learned how to "pull a few strings" to benefit himself when imperative. David Maraniss has a vague outlook on the Clinton speech. He totally makes many things inflated to what they really were. It was an inadequately written book which was not meant for high flying entertainment to say the least. It lingered on going off on little stories which absolutely made no sense at all. Maraniss should reconsider his outlook and will not hit the "all time favorite list" or the "best seller list" anytime soon, guaranteed. Clinton is a very intelligent and insidious person. He knows the "ropes" and knows what it takes to be an American President. Even if it is a little pleasure outside of marriage. Clinton represents the people of America and its best interests. After interpretation of this book, I might reconsider the previous statement.
Rating:
Summary: No Mystery about this Enigma
Review: The Clinton Enigma is misnamed. The book is not about an enigma at all - the theory about Clinton is that he's all too predictable. The only real mystery that Maraniss struggles with is why some people so viscerally hate Bill Clinton. This book won't do much to diminish that hatred, but it seems less written out of hate than disappointment and frustration. But Maraniss' frustration seems driven by Clinton's avoidance of him. This may have some metaphorical application for the rest of us, but it's a somewhat misleading motivation to write this mini-biography in the middle of the Monica incident. The book is worthwhile as a brief, speculative psycho-biography of Clinton, but it won't endure. Its more like New Yorker article written in the middle of a story that is very much in play. Less than two years later, the book is well out of date. Still, at 110 pages it's hardly a waste of time to read.
Rating: 
Summary: I now know why Clinton does what he does.
Review: This book analyzes different parts of President Clinton's arrogant August 17th speech, and incorporates them into his past to try and savor his reasons behind his risky behavior. After reading this book, the reader will understand why Clinton stayed in office amidst being impeached and put on trial in the United States Senate rather than resigning. This is a very moving thesis on a very wreckless character.
| 
