His early life played an important part in his political life, and this seems true of most political figures. Politics is partly about power, and partly about convictions, and this is a strong point that comes through in Clinton's book. In addition, when he was a child, he was greatly influenced by President Kennedy, and this carried through to his own administration, which he called "Camelot" for a while, after the name for the Kennedy White House.
It is also clear from this book that many historical events also inspired and influenced Clinton. He came of age at a time when the country was divided over Vietnam, and there were vast differences between young and old, Republican and Democrat. His life was influenced by these historic events, and he carried much of that influence and how it affected him with him into his political career. It is what made him a moderate Democrat, and what helped him create the programs and social plans that he did during his Presidency, such as reforming welfare, adding police across the nation, and balancing the national budget. Since Clinton always had money problems throughout his life, and was always...
This is clear in his pursuit of Hillary Rodham. She did not agree to marry him for quite a while, but he pursued her diligently, and finally won her over. It is interesting to see his tenacity and determination, and it makes it easier to see how he held on politically to become President. Each point in the book is subtle, and while Clinton admits he is "human," he also does not openly confront some of the most scandalous times in his career. He does write, "What I had done with Monica Lewinsky was immoral and foolish. I was deeply ashamed of it and I didn't want it to come out" (Clinton 2854). Clinton may be most remembered for his affair with Lewinsky, but it is clear that throughout his life he was a dedicated and even idealistic politician, who's own history influenced his political and personal decisions.
References
Clinton, William Jefferson. My Life. New York: Borzoi…
