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The Seduction of Hillary Rodham
David Brock, America's most controversial journalist, has taken on the most controversial first lady in history, producing a boldly incisive yet surprisingly sensitive portrait. The Hillary Rodham who emerges from these pages is not just a fascinating and important figure in her own right but the figurehead and unofficial leader of an activist liberal cohort that was born in the social and civil unrest of the 1960s and has risen to the highest levels of American government. A political biography of the highest order, The Seduction of Hillary Rodham is the story of one strong-willed woman's struggle to maintain her personal and political integrity in the face of powerfully seductive the allure of a religiously inspired progressive ideology that engendered easy certitudes; the temptations of exercising unencumbered political power in a one-party state; and above all, the appeal of Bill Clinton, a charismatic, talented, but deeply flawed man who may have been both the best and worst thing that ever happened to Hillary Rodham.
With unparalleled depth, Brock profiles Hillary's early mentors; delves into the byzantine world of Arkansas politics; and describes in explicit detail what Hillary has done to ensure Bill's meteoric rise to the top of American politics. Along the way, Hillary comes to terms with the strains in her marriage and undergoes multiple makeovers for the sake of an unprecedented political partnership. She plays an extensive role in staffing the Clinton White House and shaping its agenda, but her vaunted health care initiative ends in spectacular collapse and much of the still-brewing Whitewater scandal is laid at her door.
Concluding that Hillary is neither the selfless and untarnished icon that her allies would portray nor the scheming Lady MacBeth of conservative demonology, Brock illuminates the character and actions of one of America's most poorly understood and unfairly maligned public figures.
With unparalleled depth, Brock profiles Hillary's early mentors; delves into the byzantine world of Arkansas politics; and describes in explicit detail what Hillary has done to ensure Bill's meteoric rise to the top of American politics. Along the way, Hillary comes to terms with the strains in her marriage and undergoes multiple makeovers for the sake of an unprecedented political partnership. She plays an extensive role in staffing the Clinton White House and shaping its agenda, but her vaunted health care initiative ends in spectacular collapse and much of the still-brewing Whitewater scandal is laid at her door.
Concluding that Hillary is neither the selfless and untarnished icon that her allies would portray nor the scheming Lady MacBeth of conservative demonology, Brock illuminates the character and actions of one of America's most poorly understood and unfairly maligned public figures.
452 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1996
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
David Brock
123 books32 followersDavid^Brock.
There is more than one author by this name in the database.
David Brock is a journalist currently living in Washington, DC. He started out in professional journalism with a piece in "The Wall Street Journal", that caught the attention of John Podhoretz, who was assigned with starting a magazine for the conservative daily newspaper, "The Washington Times".
He worked as a news reporter for a while at "Insight" (the Washington Times' magazine) until eventually moving up to work for the paper, itself. His prominence in the conservative movement as a journalist got him a job at the American Spectator. During his time at the Spectator, Brock became very well known for filing "hatchet jobs" against then-President Bill Clinton (William Jefferson Clinton) and the first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
He wrote the hugely popular book, "The Real Anita Hill", which attempted to paint Anita Hill (who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment while he was being confirmed to the Court) as being a liar who could not be trusted (Brock labeled her "a bit nutty and a bit slutty").
He eventually "broke" with the conservatives and went on to try to make amends for his character assassination and fabrication of the truth while he was in the movement.
He detailed these fabrications and denounced much of his own earlier work in his 2002 book, "Blinded By The Right".
He is now the CEO and founder of "Media Matters for America", a progressive media watchdog group thats mission is to find and correct conservative misinformation in the mainstream press.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Regis
There is more than one author by this name in the database.
David Brock is a journalist currently living in Washington, DC. He started out in professional journalism with a piece in "The Wall Street Journal", that caught the attention of John Podhoretz, who was assigned with starting a magazine for the conservative daily newspaper, "The Washington Times".
He worked as a news reporter for a while at "Insight" (the Washington Times' magazine) until eventually moving up to work for the paper, itself. His prominence in the conservative movement as a journalist got him a job at the American Spectator. During his time at the Spectator, Brock became very well known for filing "hatchet jobs" against then-President Bill Clinton (William Jefferson Clinton) and the first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
He wrote the hugely popular book, "The Real Anita Hill", which attempted to paint Anita Hill (who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment while he was being confirmed to the Court) as being a liar who could not be trusted (Brock labeled her "a bit nutty and a bit slutty").
He eventually "broke" with the conservatives and went on to try to make amends for his character assassination and fabrication of the truth while he was in the movement.
He detailed these fabrications and denounced much of his own earlier work in his 2002 book, "Blinded By The Right".
He is now the CEO and founder of "Media Matters for America", a progressive media watchdog group thats mission is to find and correct conservative misinformation in the mainstream press.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Regis
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 7, 2019
Rating: 4*
This book, published in 1996, may as well have been published last week. Reading it made me realize that Hillary Clinton has always been a subject of media scorn and countless conspiracy theories. In the preface of the book it says:
"More than almost any other figure in recent history, Hillary has elicited strongly polarized reactions from Americans across the social spectrum - impassioned paeans from her supporters and vitriolic attacks from her foes. Newsweek posed the question on its cover in February 1996: 'Saint or Sinner?' Oddly, there seems nothing in between... Sally Quinn, the reigning doyenne of Georgetown society, was quoted in the New Yorker as saying, 'There's just something about her that pisses people off."
In 1996 I was 12 years old. I was not attuned to politics or the news. I remember very little prior to the Monica Lewinsky scandal - which this book is published prior to. But since the time I was more cognizant of politics, Hillary seems to have always been a part of it in some way. So at this point, and especially after her failed run for president in 2016, I feel I have an understanding and a respect for her. At times this book had me upset, at other times I was cheering the author on. I feel like this means the book must be at least somewhat balanced. He gives no attention to conspiracy theories and sticks with fact. Some of those facts make Hillary look like a genius and a kind and altruistic person. Other things make her look paranoid and pushy, and a bit power hungry. As quoted from the book above, there oddly seems to be no room for her to be an actual, flawed person. Somewhere between saint and sinner. More from the book:
"The problem for Hillary was that she was never viewed as just another politician. She was a symbol, even an icon, and as such she was expected to remain untarnished by the crass calculations and gimmickry that typically characterized American politics."
I would say the bulk of this book focuses on the Whitewater scandal for which Hillary was the main target. Anyone who believes that liberal media has tried to side with Hillary and cover up any scandals has not been paying attention: "Hillary's image and reputation were gradually worn down and the same liberal establishment of which she was still a charter member turned against her with a vengeance... The unforgiving tone of the media criticism from forty-something liberal reporters and columnists toward Hillary reflected a personal disappointment in her that they evidently did not feel toward Bill."
This also seemed a theme in the book. Hillary was always the fall guy. Nobody expected much from Bill Clinton. It is evident that he never would have been re-elected to governor of Arkansas, let alone become president, were it not for Hillary. Hillary was thus held to higher standards, but more than anything, expected to conform to the norms of a first lady. Hillary's ambition made many uncomfortable. Her desire (and competency) to be more involved in the White House politics and policy was concerning to many who feared a precedent of nepotism and control from the White House. These fears were not realized however, as Hillary was not able to accomplish what she set out to do. It is not clear if the resent from the Republican side caused them to refuse to work with her on her health care initiative, or if her pushiness did not allow for compromise. Probably a combination of the two.
The real take-away from this book, particularly in today's context and with the foresight of what happened in 2016, is that Hillary would have made a much more competent president than Bill. The womanizing, the questionable business dealings of Whitewater and other shady associations in Arkansas. Had Hillary never fallen for Bill and all his flaws and scandals could she have had a much better chance of running for president on her own accord? Or perhaps focused on her legal career and possibly found a seat on the supreme court (the vision her mother always had for her)? I wonder if she ever thinks about what her life may have been if she'd never fallen for Bill. I certainly do.
This book, published in 1996, may as well have been published last week. Reading it made me realize that Hillary Clinton has always been a subject of media scorn and countless conspiracy theories. In the preface of the book it says:
"More than almost any other figure in recent history, Hillary has elicited strongly polarized reactions from Americans across the social spectrum - impassioned paeans from her supporters and vitriolic attacks from her foes. Newsweek posed the question on its cover in February 1996: 'Saint or Sinner?' Oddly, there seems nothing in between... Sally Quinn, the reigning doyenne of Georgetown society, was quoted in the New Yorker as saying, 'There's just something about her that pisses people off."
In 1996 I was 12 years old. I was not attuned to politics or the news. I remember very little prior to the Monica Lewinsky scandal - which this book is published prior to. But since the time I was more cognizant of politics, Hillary seems to have always been a part of it in some way. So at this point, and especially after her failed run for president in 2016, I feel I have an understanding and a respect for her. At times this book had me upset, at other times I was cheering the author on. I feel like this means the book must be at least somewhat balanced. He gives no attention to conspiracy theories and sticks with fact. Some of those facts make Hillary look like a genius and a kind and altruistic person. Other things make her look paranoid and pushy, and a bit power hungry. As quoted from the book above, there oddly seems to be no room for her to be an actual, flawed person. Somewhere between saint and sinner. More from the book:
"The problem for Hillary was that she was never viewed as just another politician. She was a symbol, even an icon, and as such she was expected to remain untarnished by the crass calculations and gimmickry that typically characterized American politics."
I would say the bulk of this book focuses on the Whitewater scandal for which Hillary was the main target. Anyone who believes that liberal media has tried to side with Hillary and cover up any scandals has not been paying attention: "Hillary's image and reputation were gradually worn down and the same liberal establishment of which she was still a charter member turned against her with a vengeance... The unforgiving tone of the media criticism from forty-something liberal reporters and columnists toward Hillary reflected a personal disappointment in her that they evidently did not feel toward Bill."
This also seemed a theme in the book. Hillary was always the fall guy. Nobody expected much from Bill Clinton. It is evident that he never would have been re-elected to governor of Arkansas, let alone become president, were it not for Hillary. Hillary was thus held to higher standards, but more than anything, expected to conform to the norms of a first lady. Hillary's ambition made many uncomfortable. Her desire (and competency) to be more involved in the White House politics and policy was concerning to many who feared a precedent of nepotism and control from the White House. These fears were not realized however, as Hillary was not able to accomplish what she set out to do. It is not clear if the resent from the Republican side caused them to refuse to work with her on her health care initiative, or if her pushiness did not allow for compromise. Probably a combination of the two.
The real take-away from this book, particularly in today's context and with the foresight of what happened in 2016, is that Hillary would have made a much more competent president than Bill. The womanizing, the questionable business dealings of Whitewater and other shady associations in Arkansas. Had Hillary never fallen for Bill and all his flaws and scandals could she have had a much better chance of running for president on her own accord? Or perhaps focused on her legal career and possibly found a seat on the supreme court (the vision her mother always had for her)? I wonder if she ever thinks about what her life may have been if she'd never fallen for Bill. I certainly do.
December 17, 2007
With the pending 2008 Presidential election potentially including a former first lady, I found myself curious to know more about her. The level and substance of the controversy surrounding the Clinton administration left, if not a bad taste in my mouth, at least a need for a drink of water.
I'm not political maven, no politics buff, so I appreciate David Brock's treatment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life in The Seduction Of Hillary Rodham. He doesn't exactly hold back on the political jargon, policy lingo or governmental legalese, but he does a nice job of getting the details laid out in an orderly, easily understandable fashion.
Having read The Seduction..., I feel like I know Hillary Rodham Clinton better. I also feel like, in spite of what I would call her political shortcomings, that I like her more and understand her better. Also, from the way things went down according to Brock, Hillary more or less already was President. Instead of "What Would Jesus Do?" t-shirts, we need t-shirts saying, "What Did Bill Do?" Maybe Hillary should get a third term, y'know?
Because this book was written at the tale end of the first Clinton administration and published in 1996, there is a LOT of the Clintons' story that is missing. I'd still say this is a valuable book to politicos and Clinton researchers because Brock has done a great job of illuminating the story of Hillary's pre-Presidential life.
I'm not political maven, no politics buff, so I appreciate David Brock's treatment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life in The Seduction Of Hillary Rodham. He doesn't exactly hold back on the political jargon, policy lingo or governmental legalese, but he does a nice job of getting the details laid out in an orderly, easily understandable fashion.
Having read The Seduction..., I feel like I know Hillary Rodham Clinton better. I also feel like, in spite of what I would call her political shortcomings, that I like her more and understand her better. Also, from the way things went down according to Brock, Hillary more or less already was President. Instead of "What Would Jesus Do?" t-shirts, we need t-shirts saying, "What Did Bill Do?" Maybe Hillary should get a third term, y'know?
Because this book was written at the tale end of the first Clinton administration and published in 1996, there is a LOT of the Clintons' story that is missing. I'd still say this is a valuable book to politicos and Clinton researchers because Brock has done a great job of illuminating the story of Hillary's pre-Presidential life.
December 19, 2016
When I first started this I had hoped that Hillary would be President by the time I finished it. It certainly looked like it at the time. Well we all know by now it didn't happen for a multitude of reason's. I'm not sure I buy into the premise that Hillary was somehow seduced by Bill Clinton or politics. With her intelligence and drive I think she would have found herself in public service somewhere. It's a straightforward assessment of Hillary in the 90's which much hasn't changed with her.
July 8, 2021
It's useful when we find a bio that tells gives us some insights into how politicians think. what .
This political-biography book, published in 1996, provides a wide and deep story of how Hillary Rodham created the woman in politics, especially in the high level is the US. Published in 1996, the book doesn't directly speak about her desire for the Presidency.
A strength of this bio is that we can have some access to the people who drove her passion for changing e world. Such of this came from a "young" minister in the 1960's who worked with teenagers. for her church in her teens. One (and a p-powerful one) The first challenge to "change the world" was a young minister whose job was to prepare youths in the church "change the world>' This chapter is called A Seminar for Radicals.." It's a good chapter for any church leader or teacher.
There's some romance of course when Hillary and Hillary met and found a similar goal: to be in politics AND change the world. Much of the book tries to balance that goal.
The book is long but also in depth. Offer I wondered how the author goes the information, and especially the dialogue. But it's a good book for readers who ask questions about politics and what drives people into that work. .
This political-biography book, published in 1996, provides a wide and deep story of how Hillary Rodham created the woman in politics, especially in the high level is the US. Published in 1996, the book doesn't directly speak about her desire for the Presidency.
A strength of this bio is that we can have some access to the people who drove her passion for changing e world. Such of this came from a "young" minister in the 1960's who worked with teenagers. for her church in her teens. One (and a p-powerful one) The first challenge to "change the world" was a young minister whose job was to prepare youths in the church "change the world>' This chapter is called A Seminar for Radicals.." It's a good chapter for any church leader or teacher.
There's some romance of course when Hillary and Hillary met and found a similar goal: to be in politics AND change the world. Much of the book tries to balance that goal.
The book is long but also in depth. Offer I wondered how the author goes the information, and especially the dialogue. But it's a good book for readers who ask questions about politics and what drives people into that work. .
October 29, 2018
Well researched, beutifully written book.
June 28, 2020
A fascinating look from another point of view than the Clinton autobiography. A real eye opener. A wild story, full of interesting "insider" stories and gossip about the Clintons and their circle.
March 25, 2023
this book sucks but it confirms my suspicion that I would have the hots for Hillary Clinton in her 20s
June 2, 2012
Highly detailed life story of Hillary Clinton. She clearly has a lot more smarts than her hub, if not the political savvy and charm. A bit of a slog to read.
October 13, 2013
She is a scary, uncompromising figure in this book. Given the power of the Presidency, the government would become the ultimate caretaker at the expense of the individual
October 15, 2014
Published in 1996, this book is quite dated now, but I found the description of her early life and life with Bill in Arkansas quite interesting. Well written and fairly impartial.
January 22, 2016
So boring, old news.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews