High Hopes: The Clinton Presidency and the Politics of Ambition

In this perceptive psychological portrait of Clinton and his presidency, expert Stanley Renshon investigates whether Clinton has demonstrated the requisite qualities of judgment, vision, character and skill to face domestic and international challenges. Renshon incisively analyzes Clinton's sweeping ambitions, his enormous confidence in himself and his goals, and his success in convincing people that he genuinely cares about them. He reveals a Bill Clinton whose capacity for political success is often undermined by the very traits for which many praise him. Now in paperback with a new introduction, the book follows the development of Clinton's character from his early family experiences to his highly successful adolescence and long political career. Renshon illustrates how each step along the way--his childhood, the issues surrounding his draft-dodging, his marriage to Hillary Rodham whose own psychology has both helped and hurt him, and his tenure as governor--is crucial to understanding his erraticand controversial presidency. He also explores the nature of the Clinton marriage as a political partnership and why this talented man has failed to live up to his promise.

Stanley A. Renshon is Professor of Political Science at the City University of New York.