So how should we remember the Clinton presidency? Cultural critic Greil Marcus has an odd idea. He says Clinton may be the true heir... of Elvis Presley. Next time on To the Best of Our Knowledge, why Clinton sparked such fierce passions, and hatreds. Also, how women shaped American politics 200 years ago.
Greil Marcus tells Steve Paulson that there are uncanny parallels between Bill Clinton and Elvis Presley: both were flawed men, Southerners, and outsiders who were never accepted despite their fame and success. Marcus makes the case at length in his book "Double Trouble." And we hear some music from the King.SEGMENT 2:
David Brooks, senior editor at The Weekly Standard, tells Jim Fleming that pure intellect doesn't really help the President. He says Presidents can be idea-people or people-people, and that the good managers tend to be more successful. Jim Nelson, an editor at Gentleman's Quarterly, tells Steve Paulson about the curious tradition of male cheerleaders who become prominent Republican politicians. Examples include George W. Bush, Trent Lott and Dwight D. Eisenhower.SEGMENT 3:
Historian Joseph Ellis tells Jim Fleming that the founding fathers didn't actively campaign, but they got up to plenty of dirty tricks. They bad-mouthed each other, bought "journalists", and in one infamous case,(Burr v. Hamilton) actually fought a duel. Ellis calls his book "Founding Brothers." Also, historian Catherine Allgor tells Anne Strainchamps about the significant political power wielded by women, especially the First Ladies, in the early American republic. Allgor's book is "Parlor Politics."Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 01-01-14-A.
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