Passion for Truth: From Finding JFK's Single Bullet to Questioning Anita Hill to Impeaching Clinton

by Arlen Specter

Book Overview

An honest look at some of the most controversial and earth-shaking American events of the last half-century, includes the Kennedy assassination and President Clinton's impeachment, as seen through the eyes of a veteran senator. Reprint. 15,000 first pirnting.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060958103
• ISBN13: 9780060958107
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 606 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Still Vital and Relevant

Well, it's probably the ultimate in Washington narcissism to review your own work, but it seemed important to note for the record - now six years after initial publication - that Passion for Truth remains vital and relevant. Just last week, The New Yorker magazine quoted and cited the book extensively in a major piece on Sen. Specter, who now chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. The book, alas, would have drawn far more initial attention if it had come out after the Senator took his larger role on the national stage. But it's still all there, and just as important and insightful.

Full of interesting things

I am no particular fan of Senator Specter, but I found this book very well-written and full of fascinating inside accounts of events we all followed with great attention. As expected, there is very little modesty displayed in this book, but then Senator Specter has had a very successful career. This book captures one's interest from the start, and I found that I could read it even tho my wife was listening to tv in the same room! It was just so much more interesting than what was being said on tv. His account of the questioning of Anita Hill is especially riveting, and he does a good job of showing that she did actually change her testimony over the noon recess, thus showing that her credibility was rightly considered suspect. On the Bork nomination I happened at the time to disagree with Senator Specter's position, but he does a fairly good job justifying his opposition to Bork. Anyone who has followed national news for the past 40 years will find reading this book a rewarding experience, I would think

Finally, Specter Proves The Unenlightened Wrong With Facts!

Arlen Specter has always surprised people with his actions. First, he ran for District Attorney as a Republican in heavily Democratic Philadelphia and won. He then prosecuted the high and the mighty, labor racketeers as well as the white collar criminals. Although he lost his first bid to become senator he never gave up. Arlen won the senate seat when Democrats outnumber Republicans 3 to 1 in Pennsylvania.At the same time, he had the courage to stand and take on the most politicians avoid because of the fear of controversy.When the Warren Commission was criticized by yahoo conspiracy theorists looking to make a buck by confusing real facts and spreading false rumors, Specter stood steady in the face of their empty-headed mockery.How do I know, just go to Dallas's Dealy Plaza and see just how close and small of area it actually is in real life. The distance from the sixth floor is very modest, to say the least. The grassy knoll everyone talks about, well it is only a 15 second slow jog leading to viewing a parking lot over 300 yards long. No one could shoot and leave the area as quickly as the quackery's claim. It is ironic that Oliver Stone's movie "JFK" is actually believed by the masses. Stone purposely changes the facts in every movie from "Born On The Fourth Of July," (Biography of Ron Kovic), to "Nixon," to sell movie tickets. Yet, in the book, Specter shows exactly how the Warren Commission used sound reasoning based on the evidence in its findings. If you go to Dallas and visit the various museums you come to understand how these crazy conspiracy guru's started by lying! Still, Specter's facts clearly points out how the Warren Commission Report still rings true today.Additionally, during the Clarence Thomas Confirmation Hearings, it was Specter who was able to point out the inconsistencies of Anita Hill's alleged witnesses, and he tells it all in this book. He also admits where he was insensitive which is a mark of a considerate and consciousness man of honor.Moreover, Senator Specter refused to abandon the Burning of Waco and shootings at Ruby Ridge without holding hearing for the truth, without apologies in this book. This did more to alleviate the fascist flock bent on attacking anyone and everyone as seen in the Oklahoma City bombing. Once the truth got out the anti-government movement disappeared as justice took it course.Finally, he went against his own party when judging Clinton at impeachment. He believed any prosecution of a popular president must come after the presidency before removing the mandate from the people for the good of the country.The book is a response to all chicken little illogical arguments based on emotions, sham and hysteria. The author does it by using his own outstanding mind by getting to the bottom of every major political investigations of the last 40 years.Likewise, he is a moderate because the majority of Pennsylvanians are Conservative Democrats or Moderate Republicans, he reflects his constituency. Spec

"For all you history lovers...."

I have read the Senator's book from cover to cover and can tell all what a great book for everyone and anyone who loves history. I was proud to be an Assistant District Attorney under Arlen Specter and I was also one of the youngest state senators elected in Pennsylvania; with these positions in my background, I have a personal knowledge of the facts listed in this book. Passion for Truth gives one a personal history of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the nation from 1905 to present day. I have found most books I've read, written by Senators, with not much to say but this book is chockful of information for all. In fact, I have purchased over 100 books to give as holiday gifts to my friends and family; I have also interviewed Sen. Specter on my radio show and its no mere co-incidence that this was one of my highest rated programs on the air. I will also be interviewing Charles Robbins, the co-author of this book on December 15th. Sincerely, Bob Rovner

Passion for Truth Brings Passion to Politics

I roomed with Charles Robbins, the co-author, for three years in college, so I had to buy Passion for Truth! Nevertheless, I can confirm that this book is a most interesting read. Specter writes about a handful of important moments in recent US history - the Warren Commission, the Bork and Thomas supreme court confirmation hearings, and Clinton's impeachment. Passion for Truth is an easy read, so its 500+ pages are not overwhelming. Senator Specter himself is an anti-hero of sorts. The events described in this book are much more interesting and important than he is (although he might argue that point), however the senator's ringside seat at several major historical events affords him a unique perspective. The chapters on Clinton's impeachment completely wrapped me around the axle - the authors have done such a good job describing the behind-the-scenes process that I found myself infuriated once again, just as I felt during the actual impeachment process. For anyone interested in how our government works in practice, rather than in theory, Passion for Truth provides a window into the Washington morass.