The Truth of Power: Intellectual Affairs in the Clinton White House

by Benjamin R. Barber

Book Overview

Benjamin Barber was first invited to Camp David in 1994, along with other prominent members of the academic community, to participate in a "seminar" with President Clinton on the future of Democratic ideas and ideals. Afterwards, he became a steady informal adviser to the White House. For a politically committed professor like Barber, the opportunity was exhilarating--here was an opportunity to put ideas into action, to link ideas to power. The result...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393020142
• ISBN13: 9780393020144
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

An intellect that atrophied

Unlike the author--who consulted with Clinton on his State of the Union speeches--most of us are too embarrassed to admit we were seduced by Clinton's intellect. Through the vehicle of memoir, Prof. Barber is at once candid about his expectations of the President, his own ambition, his seduction, and his ultimate disappointments. The best parts of this book are Prof. Barber's discussion about the way that language shapes our understanding of civic life; and how Clinton's inability to use language effectively left his legacy empty.