All Too Human

1. From Campaign Trail to White House: The Unexpected Journey

"I was becoming part of the family."

From underdog to victor. George Stephanopoulos's journey from a relatively unknown political operative to a key player in the Clinton White House was as unexpected as Clinton's own rise to the presidency. The 1992 campaign started with long odds against established candidates like Mario Cuomo and Bob Kerrey. However, Clinton's charisma, political acumen, and ability to connect with voters propelled him to victory.

Building a team. The campaign brought together a diverse group of talented individuals, including James Carville, Paul Begala, and Dee Dee Myers. This team would form the core of Clinton's White House staff, with Stephanopoulos playing a central role as Communications Director and later Senior Advisor.

Key campaign moments:

• New Hampshire primary comeback
• "It's the economy, stupid" strategy
• Successful debate performances
• Selection of Al Gore as running mate

2. The Clinton Scandals: Navigating Whitewater and Personal Controversies

"We'd survived our first bimbo eruption."

Constant crisis mode. From the early days of the campaign through the first years of the administration, the Clintons faced a barrage of scandals and controversies. These ranged from allegations of financial impropriety in the Whitewater land deal to accusations of sexual misconduct.

Damage control strategies. Stephanopoulos and the White House team developed a series of tactics to manage these crises:

• Rapid response to allegations
• Controlling the narrative through strategic media appearances
• Dismissing accusations as partisan attacks
• Leveraging Clinton's personal charisma and political skills

The cumulative effect of these scandals created a siege mentality within the White House and strained relationships with the press and Congress. However, Clinton's ability to weather these storms and maintain public support became a defining characteristic of his presidency.

3. Policy Battles: Healthcare Reform and NAFTA

"Health care was our real chance to achieve a grand ambition."

Ambitious agenda. The Clinton administration came into office with bold plans for domestic reform, particularly in healthcare. First Lady Hillary Clinton led the charge on developing a comprehensive healthcare plan, which became a centerpiece of the administration's first-term agenda.

Political realities. Despite initial optimism, the healthcare reform effort faced significant opposition from Republicans, the insurance industry, and even some Democrats. The complexity of the plan and effective opposition messaging ultimately led to its failure.

NAFTA negotiations:

• Controversial within Democratic Party
• Required bipartisan support
• Stephanopoulos initially opposed but came to support it
• Successful passage seen as major victory for administration

These policy battles highlighted the challenges of governing and the need to balance idealistic goals with political pragmatism.

4. Foreign Policy Challenges: Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia

"What would they have me do? What the fuck would they have me do?"

Inheriting complex situations. The Clinton administration faced several foreign policy crises early in its tenure, many of which were holdovers from previous administrations. Somalia, in particular, proved to be a challenging and ultimately tragic situation.

Learning on the job. Clinton and his team, including Stephanopoulos, had to quickly adapt to the complexities of international diplomacy and military intervention. The Somalia debacle, which resulted in American casualties and a hasty withdrawal, had a profound impact on the administration's approach to foreign interventions.

Key foreign policy challenges:

• Somalia: Black Hawk Down incident and withdrawal
• Haiti: Dealing with military junta and restoring democracy
• Bosnia: Navigating complex ethnic conflicts in the Balkans

These experiences shaped Clinton's foreign policy doctrine and influenced future decisions on military interventions and peacekeeping operations.

5. The Art of Political Spin: Managing Media and Public Perception

"Speed Kills ... Bush."

War Room mentality. The Clinton team, led by Stephanopoulos and Carville, revolutionized political communication with their "War Room" approach. This strategy emphasized rapid response, message discipline, and proactive media engagement.

Evolving media landscape. The administration had to navigate an increasingly fragmented and 24-hour news cycle. This required constant vigilance and innovative approaches to shaping public perception.

Spin tactics:

• Preemptive response to potential negative stories
• Strategic leaks and background briefings
• Leveraging Clinton's personal charm in media appearances
• Crafting compelling narratives to frame policy decisions

The intense focus on media management and spin sometimes came at the cost of policy substance and long-term strategy, creating tensions within the administration.

6. Inside the West Wing: Power Dynamics and Personal Relationships

"Proximity, like celebrity, is a source and sign of power."

Intense environment. The West Wing was a pressure cooker of ambition, rivalries, and constant crisis management. Stephanopoulos provides an insider's view of the complex relationships and power dynamics at play.

Key players and relationships:

• Bill and Hillary Clinton's partnership and individual roles
• Al Gore's influence and ambitions
• Staff rivalries and alliances (e.g., Stephanopoulos vs. Gergen)

The high-stakes nature of White House work created an atmosphere where personal loyalty, access to the president, and ability to shape policy were constantly in flux. Stephanopoulos's own role evolved over time, reflecting these shifting dynamics.

7. The Paula Jones Lawsuit: A Harbinger of Future Troubles

"Paula leveled her charge from the epicenter of anti-Clintonism."

Initial dismissal. When Paula Jones first made her allegations of sexual harassment against Clinton, the White House team, including Stephanopoulos, largely dismissed it as a partisan attack with little credibility.

Underestimating the threat. The decision not to settle the case early on would prove to be a critical mistake. The lawsuit would drag on for years, eventually leading to the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Clinton's impeachment.

Long-term consequences:

• Ongoing legal battles and depositions
• Distraction from policy agenda
• Ammunition for Clinton's political opponents
• Set the stage for future scandals and investigations

The Jones lawsuit demonstrated the potential for seemingly minor issues to escalate into major crises, a pattern that would repeat throughout Clinton's presidency.

8. Lessons in Crisis Management: Handling Scandals and Investigations

"You never believed in us. In New Hampshire, it was just me and Susan [Thomases] and Harold [Ickes] who believed in us."

Constant firefighting. The Clinton administration faced an unprecedented level of scrutiny and investigation. Stephanopoulos and the White House team had to develop strategies for managing multiple crises simultaneously.

Evolving approaches:

• Initial defensive posture and denial
• Gradual move towards more transparency
• Balancing legal and political considerations
• Managing internal White House tensions

The experience of weathering numerous scandals and investigations taught valuable lessons in crisis management, but also took a toll on staff morale and the administration's ability to focus on its policy agenda.

9. The Price of Public Service: Personal Sacrifices and Ethical Dilemmas

"Never say, do, or write anything that you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the Post, or the cover of Time."

Personal toll. Stephanopoulos's account reveals the intense personal and professional pressures of working in the White House. The constant scrutiny, long hours, and ethical dilemmas took a significant toll on his mental health and personal relationships.

Ethical challenges:

• Balancing loyalty to the president with personal integrity
• Navigating the gray areas of political spin and truthfulness
• Dealing with the consequences of mistakes and misjudgments

The experience raised profound questions about the nature of public service and the personal sacrifices required. Stephanopoulos's journey from idealistic campaign staffer to battle-hardened White House insider illustrates the transformative nature of power and the complexities of modern American politics.

Last updated: October 19, 2024