The truth of power
Subtitle: intellectual affairs in the Clinton White House
By: by Benjamin R. Barber.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Published: 2001
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 320
Subjects: Clinton, Bill, 1946- -- Knowledge and learning; Clinton, Bill, 1946- -- Friends and associates; Presidents -- United States -- Biography; Presidents -- United States -- Intellectual life; Intellectuals -- United States -- History -- 20th century; Executive power -- United States -- Case studies; United States -- Intellectual life -- 20th century
Genres: Biography.; Case studies.
Description: "President Clinton had a romance with big ideas. He intently cultivated intellectuals, seducing them with his characteristic charm and with the promise of real influence on the political stage. Yet most often he disappointed the big thinkers whose advice he sought.".

"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 a chance to put ideas into action, to link ideas to power. The result was enlightening, if unexpected.

The most unpredictable factor was the president himself: a man of astonishing intellectual gifts, a consummate listener and synthesizer of ideas, who nonetheless failed to present a stirring vision that could endure beyond his term in office.".

"Barber provides a meditation on truth and power - and the truth of power, which is the responsibility of the elected not to an idea but to the electorate. He identifies the fault lines that future progressive candidates must straddle if they are to win - and the gift they must have, if they are to be great, of calling forth the best in their fellow citizens.

In the end, Barber gives us a unique portrait of our compelling and maddening ex-president, and the hopes and disillusionments he represents."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes index.