In between my current work as a well-paid gofer, I’ve been starting a lot of good books lately (someday, I may even finish one). I’ve been giving the most attention to Rewriting History by Dick Morris, a long-time political advisor to the Clintons. It is a very interesting glimpse into Hillary Clinton behind the facade. Interestingly, even though Morris parted ways with the Clintons years ago and is no big fan of the Hillary movement, his book is not dripping with venom. Morris’ writing reflects measured fairness and keen observation, which speaks to his credibility in an industry where most pundits cannot bear to hide their vitriolic disdain for their favorite villains. This book actually reminds me of another famous exposé of a powerful public figure who was revered yet shrouded in mystery: Dr. Li Zhisui’s The Private Life of Chairman Mao. An unusual and imperfect comparison, I know, but there it is.
One thing that I was not expecting when I began reading this book was to actually feel some pity for Hillary, not pity for the role of victimized career-woman and devoted mother which she tries to project, but pity for the creature she has become in the course of her political career. Unfortunately, politics tends to be dirty, dirty business, and while I do think Hillary Clinton has rolled in the mud quite willingly, it nevertheless saddens me that the political arena is such that she and so many people like her feel that to do so is the only way to succeed.
