Clinton

Few power couples have stirred such strong, conflicting emotions as Bill and Hillary Clinton. Directed by Barak Goodman and narrated by Campbell Scott, this PBS-aired American Experience documentary profile of the 42nd President details William Jefferson Clinton's natural political instincts, determination, and resiliency, as well as his personal flaws, particularly his serial womanizing. Bill was lucky to find his match in Hillary, whose intelligence, hard work, and political savvy equaled and often exceeded her husband's skills. Clinton never knew his father, who died shortly before his birth, and his stepfather was an alcoholic abuser, which only drove young Bill to work harder, perhaps in an attempt to redeem and rescue his family. This four-hour portrait covers Bill and Hillary's political swings through Arkansas, Bill's early posts, and the hints of recklessness and scandal, as illustrated by Clinton's affair with Gennifer Flowers. After Bill's improbable rise to the White House, the Clintons were surprised by the partisan, often vicious infighting in Washington. The documentary covers early missteps in the Clinton administration—the "Black Hawk Down" crisis in Somalia, foreign affairs problems in Rwanda and Bosnia, the suicide of friend and adviser Vince Foster, and the disastrous attempt at healthcare reform. Clinton bounced back with his healing efforts after the Oklahoma City bombing, and his astute handling of the budget showdown which led to a government shutdown. But Clinton was dogged by allegations of scandal such as the Whitewater real estate deal and, of course, his affair with Monica Lewinsky, which led to impeachment charges. Throughout, Clinton managed to stay one step ahead of his enemies, although his supporters mourn the squandered opportunities in his second term. Clinton is an evenhanded portrait of a man who practiced the "politics of the possible," a politician who, in the end, was still loved and loved being President. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)