The Clinton Tapes

Wrestling History with the President

By: Taylor Branch

Narrated by: Taylor Branch

Taylor Branch’s groundbreaking book about the modern presidency, The Clinton Tapes, invites readers into private dialogue with a gifted, tormented, resilient president. Here is what President Clinton thought and felt but could not say in public.

This book rests upon a secret project, initiated by Clinton, to preserve for future historians an unfiltered record of presidential experience. During his eight years in office, between 1993 and 2001, Clinton answered questions and told stories in the White House, usually late at night. His friend Pulitzer Prize–winning author Taylor Branch recorded seventy-nine of these dialogues to compile a trove of raw information about a presidency as it happened.

Branch’s firsthand narrative is confessional, unsparing, and personal. He admits straying at times from his primary role—to collect raw material for future historians—because his discussions with Clinton were unpredictable and intense. What should an objective prompter say when the President of the United States seeks advice, argues facts, or lodges complaints against the press? The dynamic relationship that emerges from these interviews is both affectionate and charged, with flashes of anger and humor. President Clinton drives the history, but this is also a story of friendship.

The Clinton Tapes highlights major events of Clinton’s two terms—including wars in Bosnia and Kosovo—the failure of health care reform, peace initiatives on three continents, the anti-deficit crusade, and titanic political struggles from Whitewater to American history’s second presidential impeachment trial. Along the way, Clinton delivers colorful portraits of countless political figures and world leaders from Nelson Mandela to Pope John Paul II.

These unprecedented White House dialogues are a staple of presidential scholarship. Branch’s masterly account opens a new window on a controversial era and Bill Clinton’s eventual place among our chief executives.©2009 Taylor Branch; (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

The Clinton Tapes

I think the author (Taylor Branch) did a wonderful job capturing many behind the scenes aspects of the Clinton years in the White House, both personally and professionally. Also, I give credit to the President for having the guts to trust Mr. Branch with such intimate details of his private life.
Additionally, the author deserves many cudos for his strong journalistic compass, balanced treatment of the material, and laudable ethical example for others who have close access to Presidents...not to breach their sacred trusts by writing kiss and tell stories...attempting to get the last word on some issue or seeking their 15 minutes of fame and fortune!
Capt. Roy

Conversations with a post-Cold War President.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Clinton Tapes to be better than the print version?

It was good, but pitty it was the abridged version.

What other book might you compare The Clinton Tapes to and why?

Afraid I can't think of any book to compare it to.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not quite sure to be honest.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I didn't know Bill Clinton often smoked cigars, let alone played cards.

Any additional comments?

None.

No Transcritps Here

Unlike the Audible tapes taken from the Johnson administration, this book contains no traanscripts. Rather, Branch retells his experience of interviewing Clinton throughout his administration. This is a fine story which Clinton fans and Clinton haters will both enjoy.

Taylor branch has written well and narrates the book well also. His characters take on real life. The Clintons and their daughter become more human than ever. Anyone with an interest in the presidency will obviously find this a good book. All Americans will understand the Clinton era better as a result of Branch's work.

Kept my attention

Very interesting personal account of the Clinton Presidency. I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand this President in a more humanistic light.

Boring!

The narrator's voice is extremely droning. It makes even the more interesting bits of the book sound drab. I was excited when this book came out, but I found myself trudging through it like a root canal. Can't recommend it.