Note: I've probably read half a dozen books in the past month and a half, and the "homework" aspect -- writing about my impressions -- has been weighing me down. It turns out I'd rather read for enjoyment than to have something to "turn in" every time. Sorry about that; I will attempt to pick back up where I left off. A couple of books, however, are going to go unremarked upon....but this one certainly merits discussion.
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In Rewriting History, author Dick Morris argues that Hillary Clinton is really a different person from "Hillary, the brand". Morris draws upon his years of experience in working with the Clintons, starting from Bill's run for governor in Arkansas to describe Hillary's transformation from the ambitious, activist governor's wife to the Senator Clinton of today.
If one were to draw an inference from what Morris has to say, it would be that Hillary Clinton is a disingenuous, power and wealth hungry woman who has a decent shot at becoming the President of the United States in 2008. He details such things as her susceptibility to influence by "gurus", her failed attempts as first lady to influence the course of the nation's politics, her abject greed in courting gifts from wealthy supporters of Bill Clinton, and her continual attempts to remake her public image in such a way as to display herself in the best possible light.
To be frank, this sort of writing comes with an enormous responsibility on the part of the reader to judge what is said critically. Morris describes the point at which his attitude towards the Clinton family changed for the worse, and obviously this book is the product of that failed relationship. He, unfortunately, calls his own credibility into question when he admits that he has told a different version of the same events in earlier books; one wonders why we're supposed to believe him now? On the other hand, much of what is said is independently verifiable, and meshes well with the general impression I've had of Hillary since the early 1990s. Is it really fair of me to expect the unvarnished truth from such a "tell-all" book? I'm not sure it is. However, I think it bears mention that about 20% of the book seems like hyperbole to me. Perhaps Morris is guilty of trying to overstate his case.
What is interesting, however, is the length Morris goes to in challenging the assertions that Hillary has made in her own books. Some of the "facts" directly contradict what she's saying, and given the accusation made against her -- that she's a bold-faced liar, given to misrepresentations in the name of supporting her "brand" -- the contrast is eye-opening to say the least. If Hillary were not a public figure, this book would almost certainly result in a lawsuit for defamation of character. Given that she's a politician with clear aims toward the Oval Office, she becomes fair game. The question I have is whether or not Morris' writings will change the opinion anyone has of her, especially when you consider that it was published in 2004, before the most recent presidential election. Will it still be part of the public discourse in 2008? Only time will tell.
The book is sometimes gentle with Hillary, sometimes harsh. I think at times Morris was trying to play the part of the iron fist in the velvet glove in his treatment of his subject. Make no mistake, however, the net effect is strongly negative and anti-Hillary.
As far as my impression of the read: this was not a 'fun' book to read -- it was more like work. I read it because I was made aware of it inadvertently, and it seemed like an important piece of work that would help me understand one of the most potent political figures of these times. I would not recommend it for enjoyment reading, but I still encourage you to pick it up and think carefully about what it says. It seems worthwhile, given the current political climate.
Rewriting History: ISBN 0-06-073668-2, Regan Books, hardcover, 303 pages (including index and citations) $24.95
