How the Clinton Administration turned the White House into Animal House.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
By now the whory notion of doing a tell-all book about your boss, the President, is a hoary one too. (It dates back to Ike, who got the treatment from one of his doctors.) But with this book, the Clinton administration breaks new ground by being on the receiving end of a kiss-and-sell from a member of the White House security staff. Aldrich was an FBI agent assigned to the White House under both Bush and Clinton who, as this book makes clear, didn't think the changeover was progress. He mostly fixes on anthropological differences: the Bush staffers were neat and straight, the Clintonites were sloppy and had kinky work- shift sex a stone's throw from the Oval Office. Who knows if it's true? Who knows if Aldrich was debating between this and other more devastating forms of revenge available to a presidential guard?
From Library Journal
Aldrich, who spent 30 years with the FBI, the last five as an agent responsible for background checks on White House staff, does not earn much sympathy with this ear-to-the-gutter expose of the Clinton administration. Other books, such as Roger Morris's Partners in Power (LJ 8/96) and Meredith Oakley's On the Make (LJ 7/94), detail the rudeness of the Clintons and the people that surround them, but Aldrich lashes back at the lack of cooperation he received with repetitive character assaults, allegations, and blanket condemnations. Former White House Counsel Bernard Nussbaum is a "short, pushy, dissembling New York lawyer." Vincent Foster, with whom Aldrich had some contact, was not likely depressed because Aldrich didn't notice it. (Neither did Foster's best friends, including the Clintons). Hillary Clinton, "Mrs. President," was in charge of all hiring and preferred "tough...lesbian women...and gay men." The book concludes with the background investigation of the Clintons that Aldrich would have submitted had he been given the opportunity. Not surprisingly, it concludes that the Clintons are not fit for the White House. Not recommended.?Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book made me angry .. yet I couldn't put it down. Rumors from many sources had reached me prior to reading this book .. the Monica bit made me sick .. yet I've noted that this book was written prior to the Monica affair...most curious for a "fabrication"as some would like us to believe. Living here in DC folks often come in contact with those who give you "tidbits".. when I add up the tidbits .. and the known facts, this mess slams me in the face. An interesting note.. at present, Clinton is immune from prosecution and civil suits until he leaves office...BUT what if his wife becomes a Senator? Isn't a Senator's spouse immune too? Seems a convenient way to avoid prosecution. I guess what makes me even angrier is that I am trying to teach my students to be good citizens, to have faith in the system ... how do I answer their challenges when the White House has so little reguard for common decency? I'm A single parent who works hard, pays taxes, and finds that my dollars are squandered. This book is REAL .. that's the scary part .. and it's only the tip of the iceburg. This is a must on the read list .. thank you Gary for having the guts to write this ... most are too afraid.
27 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this book very interesting. I'm British, but I take an interest in American politics. In this book ex-FBI agent Gary Aldrich relays his impressions and experiences of the Clinton White House.
AS is obvious from some comments in reviews here, the fact that the book has the political arena as its background means some strong reactions will be stirred almost by default.
But I did not find Aldrich was trying to score political points. His is actually something of a matter of fact analysis of more nuts and bolts issues surrounding the functioning of the White House. And he obviously cares very much about the dignity, efficiency and security of the place. And indeed, through his work he is obviously very knowledgeable about it. Which was one reason I found the book interesting, because it allows a glimpse into some of the basic mechanics of the place at the centre of American politics.
But even though I guess political loyalties will be fired up, it is quite plain to me that the book transcends these, and is in fact about what endures in the system of government beyond them. And although some individuals might get hot under the collar because of political considerations, nevertheless I suggest persons of any political persuasion should really be able to see the issues run deeper.
As for the reliability of the book, surely, the obvious basic fact of the matter is that Aldrich is an eminently credible and authoritative source. His job was to dispassionately and meticulously assess character in the highest office in the land for the sake of the standing of that office. A job he evidently took pride in, took very seriously indeed, did well and was respected for. It's obvious to me the man had Public Servant written all over him. I suggest he has proven a faithful servant to his nation.
I do not sense political opprtumism in this book, but moral courage. Aldrich seems to me to be a decent guy who felt it wrong to just shut up. And in so doing he offers an affirmation of the existence of bedrock decency in law enforcement agencies, itself no small matter.
I can't imagine he took the decision to publish lightly. It seems there was something very wrong in the corridors of power and Aldrich felt duty bound to alert the country. No matter what actual political persuasion Aldrich himself may have, this book is not in itself about that, and I think it's only reasonable to recognise this in assessing it.
I think the book is actually well written, which is part of its effectiveness. But it's not the fancy writing of the novella, its that of the informed, matter-of-fact report. Aldrich cuts to the chase, and his style is fluid and concise, making it very easily readable.
I highly recommend it. It obviously raises specific concerns, but more than that I think it raises fundamental questions about the nature of government in the USA; questions, for instance, pertaining to distinctions between process and personality, important issues when considering the mechanics of democracy.
AS is obvious from some comments in reviews here, the fact that the book has the political arena as its background means some strong reactions will be stirred almost by default.
But I did not find Aldrich was trying to score political points. His is actually something of a matter of fact analysis of more nuts and bolts issues surrounding the functioning of the White House. And he obviously cares very much about the dignity, efficiency and security of the place. And indeed, through his work he is obviously very knowledgeable about it. Which was one reason I found the book interesting, because it allows a glimpse into some of the basic mechanics of the place at the centre of American politics.
But even though I guess political loyalties will be fired up, it is quite plain to me that the book transcends these, and is in fact about what endures in the system of government beyond them. And although some individuals might get hot under the collar because of political considerations, nevertheless I suggest persons of any political persuasion should really be able to see the issues run deeper.
As for the reliability of the book, surely, the obvious basic fact of the matter is that Aldrich is an eminently credible and authoritative source. His job was to dispassionately and meticulously assess character in the highest office in the land for the sake of the standing of that office. A job he evidently took pride in, took very seriously indeed, did well and was respected for. It's obvious to me the man had Public Servant written all over him. I suggest he has proven a faithful servant to his nation.
I do not sense political opprtumism in this book, but moral courage. Aldrich seems to me to be a decent guy who felt it wrong to just shut up. And in so doing he offers an affirmation of the existence of bedrock decency in law enforcement agencies, itself no small matter.
I can't imagine he took the decision to publish lightly. It seems there was something very wrong in the corridors of power and Aldrich felt duty bound to alert the country. No matter what actual political persuasion Aldrich himself may have, this book is not in itself about that, and I think it's only reasonable to recognise this in assessing it.
I think the book is actually well written, which is part of its effectiveness. But it's not the fancy writing of the novella, its that of the informed, matter-of-fact report. Aldrich cuts to the chase, and his style is fluid and concise, making it very easily readable.
I highly recommend it. It obviously raises specific concerns, but more than that I think it raises fundamental questions about the nature of government in the USA; questions, for instance, pertaining to distinctions between process and personality, important issues when considering the mechanics of democracy.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is not a literary masterpiece, however this is a must read. I was simply amazed by the content of this book. Aldrich has done this country a fine service by chronicling the shenanigans at the Clinton White House.
I too recognize the singular incident which critics have taken Aldrich to task on, but clearly this book is a first hand account of the Clinton disorganization. Throughout my reading of this book I kept asking myself "where is/was the media?" For instance, Aldrich details the sex and drug activities
in the White House (a charge made by the Speaker) and the media turns a blind eye. After reading this book you will understand the courage it took to write this account.
I too recognize the singular incident which critics have taken Aldrich to task on, but clearly this book is a first hand account of the Clinton disorganization. Throughout my reading of this book I kept asking myself "where is/was the media?" For instance, Aldrich details the sex and drug activities
in the White House (a charge made by the Speaker) and the media turns a blind eye. After reading this book you will understand the courage it took to write this account.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Something's not right here.
Alright, let me just preface this by saying I haven't read the book yet. But that's not really the point. Read more
Published 6 months ago by A Very Frustrated Potential Customer.
Unlimited Access
This was a good read....it did open my eyes to alot of stuff that went on in our White House during this administration. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Tess0306
Semi-propagandist tome, with interesting bits and pieces
The writer is an ex-FBI agent assigned to the "new school White House", if you will, an exponent of tie in place Republican administrations, sloshing around in the mud at Woodstock... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Phil S.
Great book, should be required reading in all public schools.
If it isn't true, why wasn't he sued?
This book shows how low the American people have become that they have no clue what is going on. Read more
This book shows how low the American people have become that they have no clue what is going on. Read more
Published on November 28, 2009 by Surf Dude
Great Purchase
My book came in very good condition and the price was beyond belief. Finding the book was ease on Amazon. com. Read more
Published on October 24, 2009 by Dan Gannon
Unlimited Access
Written by a Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent assigned to the Whitehouse during the Bush (41st President) and Clinton (42nd President) administrations time in the... Read more
Published on October 23, 2009 by Robin L. Liberty
Troubling But True Information
Read this book several years ago. One instance of Clinton negligence stands out: His sneaking out of the White House at night with NO Secret Service protection. Read more
Published on October 7, 2009 by Frank
One of the Worst Books I've Ever Read
This was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. (Skimmed the last 50 pages hoping against hope to find something worth reading. Read more
Published on June 6, 2009 by ShouldaKnownBetter
Sad but True
This book shows what not only the Clintons did to break the law, but what I expect Obama and his people to continue to do to hide the truth about him and his staff. Read more
Published on January 15, 2009 by Former_Democrat
As Urgent Today as when published
Unlimited Access is pertinent in 2008 as elections draw near. Competence, loyalty and moral clarity remain essential. Read more
Published on September 29, 2008 by H. Duane Barnhart
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