by Jim Lichtman
Scribbler’s Ink Press
book review by Mihir Shah
“‘What [Starr] did was over the top,’ Merletti said. He did not use good judgment. He went way beyond the parameters of common sense.’”
The names Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky will forever be intertwined for all the wrong reasons. With the end of the twentieth century nearing, the world’s eyes were seemingly on the sitting president’s extramarital affair. While this topic will undoubtedly be covered in the history books for generations to come, Lichtman’s research, which includes speaking to many of the chief players, has resulted in a candid presentation of the content that is simultaneously insightful and entertaining.
In many ways, Lichtman’s work magnifies the mettle and intestinal fortitude of the Secret Service (and one Lew Merletti) and the extent to which political agendas and gamesmanship can go, as seen in the relentless nature of independent counsel Kenneth Starr. Originally assigned to investigate Clinton for the Whitewater scandal, Starr hones in on Clinton and his truthfulness while testifying to the nature of his relations with Lewinsky. What shows on the surface, however, is not remotely close to the chaos brewing beneath it, as Lichtman so deftly demonstrates time and time again. Whether revealing conflicts of interest, key figures not following through on their word, or the deliberate throwing of ethics to the side and pressuring a high-profile witness, the narrative unravels the drama at its seams, shining light on the undercurrents of the White House and the political game of chess that was unfolding out of the public eye.
At the core, what’s brought into the limelight is one man’s resolve to maintain his integrity no matter the public stage, no matter the accusations and allegations, and keep his focus on duty. Ironically, it is the other man, Ken Starr, and his resolve to leave no stone unturned in pushing for impeachment at all costs that creates a riveting dichotomy. From the opening line of the prologue, where Lichtman is interviewing Merletti, the director of the US Secret Service at the time, audiences became privy to the old-school, do-your-job mindset, one that Merletti exhibits throughout the investigation as aptly exemplified in the book.
As the author peels back layer after layer, readers get to not only see the inner workings of the Secret Service and their doggedness in protecting the position of the presidency of the United States of America but are also exposed to the countless moving parts and how tenuous every action can become, perhaps best highlighted by the confrontation of government personnel and Monica Lewinsky. Relatively unknown in comparison, Jo Ann Harris’ role in this entire process is believed to be sealed, adding another dimension of intrigue that Lichtman helps to bring to the forefront. In fact, reading Licthman’s work is akin to reading a history textbook with a plot, one that will keep readers anticipating and wondering what will happen next.
Familiar names such as attorney Frank Carter and Robert Fiske have roles on the periphery, yet every character matters, as does every decision, and that is exactly what Lichtman is on point about in this battle between confidentiality and “truth at all costs.” The manner in which Lichtman weaves in his references feels like a blast from the past, such as when he incorporates the 1998 headlines from four major publications back to back. Lichtman’s research clearly indicates that even the media was prominently involved. Ultimately, rather than a critique of right or wrong, truth or lie, Lichtman zeroes in on simply telling the story as best as he can, utilizing his research and sources. The end result brings a unique humanness to the entirety of pure chaos that enveloped the Clinton and Lewinsky scandal, and it is this authenticity that makes the book a surefire must-read for all audiences, especially those that crave political and historical drama.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
US Review of Books 