The Judge: William P. Clark, Ronald Reagan's Top Hand (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Patricia Clark Doerner (Author)
Key Phrases: Jesús Muñoz, political travesty, top hand, Bill Clark, White House, Washington Post (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

William P. Clark served as National Security Advisor and Secretary of the Interior during Ronald Reagan's two terms as President, sharing an uncanny bond with the Gipper as well as his peculiar gift for succeeding at high office with few formal credentials and little prior experience. This uncritical look at Clark posits that his apparent simplicity, like Reagan's, belied a deep sagacity that proves how common sense and sound judgment trumps narrow intellectualism and left-wing sophistry. Author Kengor (God and Hillary Clinton) and historian Doerner make no secret of their admiration, crediting Clark for his unswerving loyalty to Reagan's vision of communism while other of his advisors fought against the hard-line approach to the Soviets, calling economic sanctions and the "Star Wars" Strategic Defense Initiative ill-advised, and the Cold War unwinnable. These little-seen inter-administration struggles make up this volume's most informative and intriguing parts; otherwise, this career biography offers readers a sympathetic, largely anecdotal record of the Reagan White House.
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Review

"Bill Clark was at Ronald Reagan's side during some exciting and challenging times. This book is an insight into a man who, though perhaps not a household name, served our country well. He will always have my respect for all he did for the United States of America." -- President George H. W. Bush

"It's now more than time that Bill Clark get full recognition for all that he did with and for Ronald Reagan. He was one of the most influential people in Washington.... He was enormously important in the achievement of the President's goals and his success-- including during the governor years--but that's generally not known today." -- Casper "Cap" Weinberger, Former Secretary of Defense

"Readers of this book will see that Bill Clark not only served Ronald Reagan as counsel, close advisor, and friend, but at times as a form of conscience. This is not only a great book about Bill Clark but a great book about my dad. No one who worked for Ronald Reagan knew him like Bill Clark, and that fact comes through in this book. I learned more about my dad in this biography than probably any other. The Judge is not only informative and eye-opening but a riveting read. I couldn't put it down." -- Michael Reagan, President Ronald Reagan's son

"Under sometimes difficult circumstances, Bill Clark knew how to make friends--even with Democrats. I am proud to have been one of them." -- President Jimmy Carter

"With the coming of The Judge we now have the definitive Reagan-era biography ... Judge Clark was Ronald Reagan's only real friend and soul-mate. These two men operated on the same wavelength for thirty years....Best of all, the insights into key movements of Reagan history is unique. No one else had the access. This is the definitive history. Do not miss it; its a great read." -- T. C. Reed, Former Air Force Secretary and author, At the Abyss: An Insider's History of the Cold War

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (October 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586171836
• ISBN-13: 978-1586171834
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #320,031 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Remarkable Men, November 2, 2007

By	James A. Webb, Jr. (Ruidoso, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A fine study of how one remarkable man added to the strength of another remarkable man guiding this country to a peaceful ending of the Cold War.

A very informative and rewarding reading experience -- somewhat like a good novel, you hate to have it end. Although this book is a biography of Judge Clark, it is extremely valuable in placing before the American public how and why Ronald Reagan was a successful President and led the United States to Victory in the Cold War.

The author's emphasis on Judge Clark's philosophy of "Let Reagan Be Reagan" is so important and in such contrast to other key advisors. Judge Clark's exemplary style of Leadership and Management contributed much to his function as Reagan's "top hand." Clark's humility, loving care and concern for those who worked for him, plus his family and friends, displays great character. The concern and dignity Secretary Clark paid his driver, Joe, is obvious by considering this driver his friend rather than "government chattel." Especially touching is the scene where Clark brought Joe before the President to show off his belt buckle. Joe had served another Secretary for three years who had never bothered to speak a word to him.

References to the "Divine Plan" for Judge Clark and President Reagan, along with their Faith and belief in God, exemplifies what is missing at the top in our government today, something we desperately need. Strengthened by his belief in God and his devout Catholic background, Clark was able to serve Reagan well in various critical and important assignments. Clark's wise judgments added immeasrably to the success of President Reagan.

Authors Kengor and Doerner are to be commended for bringing this valuable Biography and Presidential History to the attention of the American public. Job well done.

James A. Webb, Jr.
Major, USAF (Retired) and
Associate Professor of Business,
Louisiana Tech University (Retired)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Judge, December 2, 2007

By	Anthony M. Marino - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book showed a different side to Ronald Reagan.One that many people may not have known about.But as always, it did show that Reagan had strong bedrock values and surrounded himself with knowledgable people.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Necessary Read, January 9, 2008

By	Todd D. Hurlburt (Kansas City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A wonderful look at one of America's unsung heroes. William Clark was indeed a patriot who went above and beyond the call of duty. As President Reagan's key advisor these two great men had a relationship unlike any other political figures in recent history. Almost telepathic in nature they were like brothers united like no other. Elemental in the ultimate "end game" in dismantling the Soviet Union piece by fractured piece to ensure the safety of America and preserve our freedom. It may not ever make the mainstream media's top ten list for obvious reasons and that is a shame. A must read for anyone who grew up during the Cold War.