One sentence summary:
“All Too Human: A Political Education” by George Stephanopoulos is a memoir that details his experiences as a political strategist and advisor to President Bill Clinton.
Book genre:
Memoir/Political Non-fiction
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is George Stephanopoulos’ personal and professional journey in the world of politics, including his time as a strategist and advisor to President Clinton.
Key ideas:
- The inner workings of American politics and the relationship between politicians and their advisors.
- The power struggle and conflicts between different factions within a political party.
- The complex and often ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of political success.
- The personal toll and sacrifices that come with working in the world of politics.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
Part 1: Early Career
This section details Stephanopoulos’ childhood, upbringing, and early education. He then goes on to describe his time as a speechwriter for the failed presidential campaigns of Michael Dukakis and Al Gore.
Part 2: Joining the Clinton Campaign
Stephanopoulos recounts his experiences as a communications director for Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign. He gives insight into the strategies, successes, and failures of the campaign.
Part 3: White House Years
In this section, Stephanopoulos delves into his role as a senior advisor to President Clinton during his two terms in the White House. He discusses the intense pressure and constant crises that came with the job, as well as the scandals that plagued the administration.
Part 4: Leaving the White House
The final section of the book focuses on Stephanopoulos’ decision to leave the White House and his reflections on his time in politics. He also discusses the future of American politics and the lessons he learned from his experiences.
Key takeaways:
- The intense and fast-paced world of American politics.
- The importance of relationships and alliances in the political sphere.
- The moral and ethical challenges of working in politics.
- The personal sacrifices and toll that come with a career in politics.
- The unpredictable and often chaotic nature of the job.
Author’s background and qualifications:
George Stephanopoulos is a political commentator, journalist, and author. He is a graduate of Columbia University and served in the Clinton administration as a senior advisor and communications director. He also worked as a political analyst for ABC News and currently hosts the show “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”
Target audience:
The target audience for this book is anyone interested in American politics, especially those interested in gaining insight into the inner workings of the Clinton administration. It may also appeal to those interested in personal memoirs and political non-fiction.
Publisher and first publication date:
This book was published by Little, Brown, and Company in 1999.