Archive '03 - All Too Human (book review)

George Stephanopoulos: ALL TOO HUMAN

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work for the President of the United States, look no further than George Stephanopoulos’ 1999 book, ALL TOO HUMAN: A POLITICAL EDUCATION. Stephanopoulos , you may recall was one of Bill Clinton’s chief campaign aides during the 1992 election and served as his spokesman and adviser during Clinton’s 1st term. There's a very "West Wing" feel to his book.What makes it unique is that Stephanopoulos takes an unusually frank approach to his own shortcomings and insecurities.

The first few chapters focus on the campaign, but it really starts to get interesting once they’re in the White House. Inside strategy discussions on gays in the military, The Brady Bill, Haiti, and just about every other issue that made the news in Clinton’s first term are reviewed. Stephanopoulos began in the administration as Press Secretary, but proved so inept that he was quickly switched to the more nebulous position of advisor to the President. I’m not being critical. He tells us he was inept. In fact, he spends most of the book in some kind of hot water. While he remains one of Clinton’s most trusted advisors, Hillary and Gore seem none too fond of him. After he gains the reputation of a serial leaker (he denies the charges), even Clinton seems to distance himself. Stephanopoulos blames no one, but himself for these episodes and its clear how much he respects and looks up to Clinton.

Every great story needs a great villain and ALL TOO HUMAN has a doozy. Dick Morris was Clinton’s top secret advisor who advocated a policy of “triangulation” as the key to reelection. Clinton would embrace Republican legislation and run against, instead of with, the Congressional Democrats. His tenure at the White House ended when he was caught in a “toe sucking” incident with a prostitute.Stephanopoulos fancies himself the liberal conscience of the White House and hates Morris with a passion. (“Spare me the unctuous bullshit, you insincere prick!”) I’ve read much outside this book that makes me concur the Morris was quite psychotic. Upon meeting Stephanopoulos for the first time he says “Thank you for winning the last election, so I can win the reelection.” During a staff meeting, he allegedly jumps on the couch and yells, “The next statement I want to hear on Bosnia is broom!….broom!….broom!” (To be fair to Morris, Clinton was reelected under this strategy.)

When the Monica scandal hit, Stephanopoulos was already a commentator on ABC’s This Week program. He became very critical of Clinton during this period and was accused by many of being a disloyal backstabber. One can understand how he felt, but he offers no real excuse for his lack of loyalty, other than journalistic duty. The book's title is very appropriate.