No Surprises: Two Decades of Clinton-Watching [Hardcover]

Paul Greenberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1996

No Surprises provides a chronicle of 20 years of watching the Clintons, as observed by the editorial page editor and columnist of the most important newspaper in Arkansas.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Greenberg, editorial page editor of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, is the third Arkansas journalist (following Meredith Oakley, On the Make, LJ 7/94, and John Brummett, Highwire, LJ 9/15/94) to present a thought-provoking, critical account of Clinton's prepresidential years. The coiner of the "slick Willie" nickname brings together topically arranged columns, with helpful introductory notes, that comment on Clinton's failures and successes as governor as well as president, his place in Arkansas politics, and his character. All too frequently, Clinton is unfavorably compared with Orville Faubus, the segregationist former governor. Greenberg is most eloquent describing the "clintonized culture" of the 1990s?a society defined by ambition without purpose, with an emphasis on sentimentality, political expediency, and self- absorption. For large collections and Arkansas public libraries.?Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, Pa
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 317 pages
• Publisher: Brassey's Inc; 1 edition (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574880055
• ISBN-13: 978-1574880052
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,438,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author brings unique perspective, uncanny analysis to bear, November 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: No Surprises: Two Decades of Clinton-Watching (Hardcover)

I have read several books about Bill Clinton. This one is unique, and in that much of it is pre-presidential, provides uncanny insight into the range of events surrounding Clinton today. Author is a recognized, awarded civil rights writer, with convictions which defy partisan affiliations or stereotyped ideology. There were several times when things he had written made me laugh out loud. Many times he speaks with great conviction, always hopeful for Clinton's best, ready to forgive, and then the next disappointment. I've not seen another Clinton book like it, and I've read at least 30. Greenberg even correctly analyzes the problem that Republicans have had against Clinton, and the misperception that has led their strategy astray. Because the book uses as source material, articles that he had written as a journalist, you get that perspective that comes as the events take place. It's rewarding to read the author's interpretations of those events without knowledge of what would happen in the years ahead, and at times uncanny how on target his read of an event's significance was, with regard to future behavior. He couldn't care less about most of the sexual stuff - he's more interested in greater issues. A must read for all with an interest in Clinton.

4.0 out of 5 stars Twenty Years of "Slick Willie", June 23, 2004

By 

Bryan Carey "Bryan Carey" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Surprises: Two Decades of Clinton-Watching (Hardcover)

Paul Greenberg is an editorial editor for the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette and a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. Residing in the state of Arkansas and specializing in political commentary, Greenberg had the opportunity to follow and observe the Clinton legacy for more than twenty years when he published this book, "No Surprises", in 1996. Starting with the Clinton presidency and continuing through his first term as president, Greenberg has voiced many opinions about Clinton and his policies, many of which are included in this book.

Rather than writing this book in the normal sense, Greenberg instead chose to make this book a collection of previous writings about the governor- turned- president from Arkansas. Greenberg is a very articulate, thoughtful journalist who has the ability to keep readers interested even when the reader may not agree with his viewpoints. When it comes to Bill Clinton, Greenberg's feelings are obviously mixed, based on the articles that he chose for inclusion in this book. In some instances, Greenberg praises the governor/president for doing the right thing. Other times, Greenberg is highly critical of "young smoothie", particularly with Clinton's tendency to agree with whatever views his present audience espouses. Throughout his entire political career, Clinton has been known to do this, and he has the practice down to an art, seeming to agree with anyone at anytime, even when the opinions he voices and the people he agrees with are contradictory with each other.

Greenberg is the man who coined the phrase "slick willie" and the name stuck with Clinton throughout his political career. You can sense a feeling of frustration on the part of Greenberg toward the former governor/president as you read these articles. Greenberg seems like he really wants to like Clinton and support him more than he already does, but some of Clinton's tactics are just more than the journalist can stomach.

Paul Greenberg is a very compelling and respectful writer. Unlike the numerous Clinton- bashing books out there, "No Surprises" is respectfully written and compelling to read. Greenberg avoids negative bashing, even when he feels that Clinton has made an enormous mistake in governing. It all makes for a very entertaining read from this talented journalist from Arkansas.