Counsel to the President

Describes Clifford's career as counsel and confidant to three presidents

Presidential adviser Clifford had a hand in the launching of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the birth of the present national security system and other seminal events in the post-WW II era. He served as President Kennedy's personal lawyer, was Lyndon Johnson's closest adviser during the Vietnam war and succeeded Robert McNamara as secretary of Defense. Though he has much of interest to say about the presidencies of Johnson and Carter in particular, Clifford's re-creation of the Truman years (about a fourth of the book) is most memorable and deeply felt. His admiration for Harry Truman as a chief executive and as a man is profound. Written with former assistant secretary of State Holbrooke, Clifford's memoir is a treasure of historical information, vivid anecdotes and sharp insights into Washington politics and policy over the past four and a half decades. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This long and fascinating memoir is a fitting reminder of Clifford's remarkable political career. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s he seemed to be on the spot, ready to advise presidents and offer his wisdom on the issues of the day. Yet Clifford's impact on American politics began much earlier, with the presidency of Harry Truman who named him Special Counsel. Clifford retained this title under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson and was a key figure in many of the pivotal policy decisions of the Sixties (especially the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam escalation). This memoir is both a political history of the postwar years, as well as an intimate inside look at the workings of power. Clifford's portraits of major political figures are fresh and illuminating, and the book is filled with useful anecdotes both from his public and private life. He concludes with some ruminations on the Reagan-Bush years and broader reflections on history and politics. An essential book for most libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/91.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.