The Clinton Scandals: Political Satire in Cartoon-Illustrated Poetry

Rating:
Summary: Book is not for Democrats
Review: Reporter with the Sussex Countian

The Clinton Scandals by William A. Whitaker is a political satire set to poetry on the public and sometimes alleged private life of Bill and Hillary Clinton. The story is told from Bill Clinton's point of view in a gun to temple manner (instead of tongue in cheek) and is very hard hitting. This book is not recommended for young children or those who agree with or are left Rush Limbaugh on the political scale.

The 160-page book starts swinging at the Clinton dynasty from the cover and only lets up when the book is placed in the drawer. This book is funny in many ways and gets the point across that the president is less than faithful or even discreet.

With 45 pages of political satire cartoons, which are minorly risqué, this is not a book for children or those of the Democrat persuasion.

Whitaker begins this yarn with Clinton explaining how he became president. "My fellow Americans, I've got a song to sing about how I became

y'alls scandal king first I shucked my morals, ethics and all soon I was sleazin' and havin' a ball..."

The opening lays the groundwork for a Clinton roast that would make a Texas barbecue seem like an English tea party. The tale takes pot shots at everyone ever associated with Clinton.

Intertwined in the Clinton tableau is a "Clinton Scandal Quotient" quiz. It can be taken while the reader is going through the book the first time. But I don't recommend it. It stops the flow of sometimes foul poetry that takes many of its hits Clinton style-below the belt.

Not one scandal has been untouched. It is almost Ken Starr style in which Whitaker may have spent too much time grinding his ax. Portions of this book kneeled lower than Monica. Especially the parts that deal with Vince and Ron and the controversy surrounding their mysterious and untimely deaths.

One cartoon depicting the scene of Ron's death is rather graphic in its nature and done in poor taste. Perhaps death should not give all people absolute respect. However, their families should be considered.

The book ends with the following excerpt: "I'll be moving to Hollywood in pursuit of my new career where my good buddy Stephen will help me turn into a profiteer nobody else could accurately portray this scoundrel, don't y'all see? the leading role of the disgraced president is custom made for me."

If you enjoy political satire and can get beyond some of the seedier side of this book, which may or may not reflect the core of the Clinton Administration, I encourage you to do so. The book is thought provoking and makes you wonder how much is satire and how much is truth.

But it bears repeating this book is not for those of the Democrat persuasion.