Bill Clinton

Two New Books Take the 1990s as a Pivotal Decade

by Henry M.J. Tonks

Books by Lily Geismer and Nicole Hemmer look at the changes that took place within the Democratic and Republican parties (respectively) during a decade that was supposed to be the end of history. 

How the "Third Way" Made Neoliberal Politics Seem Inevitable

by Lily Geismer

The Third Way never presented a coherent case for what it stood for or how it might balance the roles of the market and the state. But it led to a generational reworking of the role if government and a sidelining of mass political movements. 

We're Living in Ken Starr's America

by David Greenberg

With two proceedings against Donald Trump and Republicans promising one against Joe Biden if they retake the House, we live in an age where impeachment is a part of national politics. Ken Starr can take as much credit or blame as anyone. 

1989-2001: America's "Lost Weekend" When the Nation Blew its Shot at Peace and Prosperity

How did the United States go from victory in the Cold War and an economic boom to the brink of collapse? A decade of political rhetoric denying any useful role for government was a factor. 

Lily Geismer on the Dismal Legacy of the "New Democrats"

A reviewer calls a new book on the 1990s a sobering look at the effects of tying social policy to the market. 

Lily Geismer: The Clinton Legacy is Well-Intentioned Failure

"I wanted to challenge the common view that the story of US politics after 1968 is solely about the rise of the right, and that the Democrats adopted the policies that they did as a way of playing electoral defense."

Bill Clinton Defends Handling of Post-Soviet Russia

"The failure of Russian democracy, and its turn to revanchism, was not catalyzed in Brussels at NATO headquarters. It was decided in Moscow by Putin."

Review: Lily Geismer's Denunciation of Clintonism Ignores Clear Economic Improvement

by David Greenberg

Historian Lily Geismer's book is meant as a sharp criticism of Clintonian economic policy, but ignores the broad range of policies and the record of reduced poverty, says one reviewer. 

Biden Doesn't Need a "Sister Souljah" Moment

by Seth Masket

The evidence that the Democrats can win White voters by signalling disapproval of Black protesters is slim; why do strategists keep insisting on distancing themselves from a core constituency?

(Review) "Impeachment" Reminds us Monica Lewinsky Wasn't the Villain

The lurid details of Ken Starr's report on the Clinton-Lewinsky affair have hidden the fact that Starr dragged Lewinsky into the public eye in his zeal to punish Clinton; her life was upended while he suffered no consequences. 

"Impeachment" Shows How Different the Clinton Scandal Looks with Women at the Center

by Nicole Hemmer

"Monica Lewinsky fits squarely in this retelling of the work and experiences of women in the 1990s, as well as broader efforts to grapple with the influence of the decade on our current political travails."

The Gatekeeper

by Adam Tooze

Paul Krugman's career as a politically influential economist has reflected the political dead end of the Clinton-era ideal of technocratic governing. His new book suggests that the intellectual authority of the economics profession may no longer prevent active government or deficit spending. 

Vernon Jordan, Civil Rights Icon and Former Clinton Adviser, dies at 85

"Born Aug. 15, 1935, in Atlanta, Jordan grew up in the segregated South and became an influential leader in the civil rights movement, Washington politics and Wall Street."

When Did America Stop Being Great?

by Nick Bryant

Nick Bryant began observing America as a 16 year old at the patriotic spectacle of the 1984 Olympics. His book traces the path from "Morning in America" to "American Carnage," fixing some blame but also seeking a way through. 

How Did "Bipartisanship" Become a Goal In Itself? (Podcast)

TNR's "Politics of Everything" podcast discusses how bipartisanship came to be the end of politics instead of a means to achieve other goals. Features historian Julian Zelizer. 

Stop Worrying About Upper-Class Suburbanites

by Lily Geismer and Matthew Lassiter

Two suburban historians argue that the changing demographics and political composition of American suburbs mean the Democrats' strategy of courting white moderates will foreclose building the ethnically and economically diverse coalition they need to win. 

The Virtual Democratic Convention Ignores Milwaukee At Its Peril

by Mike Amezcua

The 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago offers a cautionary example for Democrats today: the party's success depends on recognizing and meeting the needs of its constituents. 

How Bill Clinton Turned a Dreadful Convention Speech into Political Stardom

by Robert Fleegler

Clinton used a series of television appearances and self-deprecation (and a saxophone) to recover from bombing at the 1988 Democratic convention.   

Stokely Carmichael Didn’t Deserve Bill Clinton’s Swipe During John Lewis’s Funeral

by Hasan Kwame Jeffries

This mischaracterization of Carmichael serves a purpose. It allows people to dismiss his critique of America.

Will White Liberals Keep Faith With This Historical Moment?

by Elwood Watson

White liberal allies to today's Black protest movements must dig in for the long haul and remember the words of Audre Lorde: "The war against dehumanization is ceaseless."