A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President

Unlike many authors, for whom the Clinton scandals have merely provided an opportunity for self-righteous moralizing, tabloid gossip, or both, Toobin sees those events in historical, political context, as the culmination of twenty years of effort on the part of reformers to hijack the legal system in the service of social change. He depicts Bill Clinton's impeachment as Watergate replayed as farce, in which, employing the very same laws and institutions that had been championed by liberals in the name of social reform, a far right that had been stymied by the judicially-created reforms of the civil rights and women's movements, and defeated by the courts during Nixon's impeachment, struck back against baby-boomer Clinton and his administration by means of a sex scandal. Toobin sets forth his theory through media reports, personal interviews and the legislative record, arguing factually and persuasively for a "vast conspiracy" far vaster and, at the same time, less consensual, than that envisioned by Hillay Clinton, an unwitting collaboration of right and left that ultimately discredited both, while diminishing the American people's respect for all three sectors of government. He misses none of his story's ironies, depicting the ineptness of the special prosecutor-who-was-not-a-prosecutor, the confusion and outrage of liberal Democrats as the very same tools that they had employed in the interest of social justice were coopted by the right, and the the almost Shakespearian psychodrama of flawed character, bad motives and bad luck that transformed a few tacky back-room sexual encounters into a national political crisis. A former federal prosecutor, Toobin paints a damning picture of the ineptitude of the independent counsel's office, where confusion and inexperience reigned, while not sparing either the President or his advisors for their bad judgment. While it may make some people angry, this book is worth reading, and worth thinking about.

Toobin's account of the Clinton-Lewinsky-Tripp-Starr-Goldberg-Congress, etc., scandal spares no one. It amazed me to read the reviews calling this a 'left-wing' apologetic for Clinton's behavior. They obviously did not read the book or allow any facts to enter into their thought processes. The whole case is like a Shakespearean tragedy where there are no heroes and no good guys. All are punished. Toobin's account, like no other demonstrates this. His almost savage wit describes the almost pathetic machinations of people in all sides of this tragedy. This is the best book on the subject I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

Jeffrey Toobin has brought to light the facts behind the witch-hunt. He brings forth information about the significant cast of characters such as Paula Jones, Lucianne Goldberg and Linda Tripp that most of the public has not seen. Everyone should read this book. Toobin is very fair in his reporting - the President has his share of responsibility for the whole situation. However, his actions in no way compare to the hate and profit-motivated actions of the "vast conspiracy". Finally, a book that looks at what really happened as opposed to one written by Clinton detractors with ulterior motives.

... but Toobin has shown me how much I missed in the mainstream media, and even in the "off the beaten path" outlets like Salon. I had vowed never to read another impeachment book (burned out on the topic). I'm delighted I broke that vow. This book is filled with telling details and revealing connections among the many players (you just think you already know about them). As a fellow author I am in awe of Toobin's fine investigative skills, grasp of the big picture, and inviting writing style. I heartily recommend this title to anyone who wants to know what forces converged to create the impeachment mess. No one is let off the hook. The one thing I would have suggested, had I been Toobin's editor: delete the unnecessary put downs to specific individuals when relating factual information. It tells us more about Toobin's attitude toward the individuals than it does about the people themselves. A couple of examples: Toobin seems unable to resist making mean-spirited remarks about Paula Corbin Jones's hair bows and curls, and Monica Lewinsky's intellectual powers. I have no reason to question his accuracy; only his need to include such pointless observations.