ALL TOO HUMAN

by George Stephanoploulos

Normally you would expect a book written by a friend and close advisor to the President to remain unpublished until completion of the President's term in office. Such a delay would be a courtesy to avoid embarrassment resulting from detailed revelations in the book.

Because this book was published before the end of President Clinton's second term, I expected it was going to be a "stab them in the back" and "get even" type of book authored by a disgruntled ex-staffer.

For the first one hundred pages, or so, I was sure I was reading a "get even" book about an "all too human" President. However, the astonishing admission of driving ambition, monumental ego and specific accounts of devastating mistakes were not reserved for the President.

Mr. Stephanopoulos admitted that he, too, was "all too human." The book became a fasinating account of two very human people managing to work together towards accomplishing something good for the country despite the incredible pressure of the oval office, the political stage and their own human weaknesses.

The book, I think, was published before the end of the President's term as an attempt to defend and support the President and his administration. The defense is based on full disclosure, warts and all, rather than spin and hide.

The great irony of the book is that the President sees it as a betrayal rather than a defense.

One other irony is, that despite the passionate support contained in this book, it was necessary for Mr. Stephanopoulos to add a footnote commenting on the Lewinsky affair that occourred after he left the staff. He felt the affair, and the way it was handled, were indefensible.

If you are a political junkie, as I am, definitely spend your money to buy this book.

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