Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000) - podcast cover

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)

BBC Radio 4•www.bbc.co.uk
Society & Culture

Bill Clinton’s second term was dominated at home by the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the attempt to impeach him, but there were major events abroad with the al-Qaeda attack on US embassies in east Africa and the war in Kosovo. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).

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Episodes

President Jiang in America

Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to shoot down planes over Iraq.

Aug 02, 2023•14 min

America is Back to Normal

Alistair Cooke discusses the reality of wind chill, questionnaires for appointing cabinet officers and the secrets to old age.

Dec 29, 2000•13 min

Bedazzled and Bewildered

Alistair Cooke asks whether the doubts about the result of the Florida vote are paralysing America's government.

Dec 08, 2000•14 min

The Florida re-count, 2000

The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect either George W Bush or Al Gore as president are explained by Alistair Cooke.

Nov 17, 2000•14 min

Paralysis by Analysis

Given the closeness of the recent election, Alistair Cooke asks what sort of mandate the next President will really possess.

Nov 10, 2000•13 min

The Day of Judgement

Democrat or Republican? Gore or Bush? Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke reviews the two candidates.

Nov 03, 2000•14 min

A Supreme Diarist

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate and contemplates how he would have approached the pressing issues of the modern world. .

Oct 20, 2000•14 min

There He Goes Again

With a presidential election a month or so away, Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.

Oct 06, 2000•14 min

A Vague Beast Called Big Oil

Whilst the rising price of gasoline (or petrol to the European listener) is casusing a problem across both Europe and the US, Alistair Cooke considers who, if anyone, is really to blame for this big oil situation.

Sep 29, 2000•14 min

Just the Facts, Ma'am

In the midst of the reporting from the Sydney Olympic Games, Alistair Cooke is surprised by an article detailing the legal status of prostitution in Australia. Whilst reviewing the article he reflects on the eternal struggle between political idealism and reality.

Sep 22, 2000•14 min

Trouble with the English Language

In the run up to the presidential election Alistair Cooke considers the affect of the poll ratings, Governor Bush's language gaffs and personality contests.

Sep 15, 2000•13 min

Doing What Comes Naturally

Alistair Cooke examines the lengths athletes go to for sporting success and reflects on the history of bodily enhancement through drugs, hormones and exercise techniques.

Sep 08, 2000•13 min

Father, God, Undefined

Alistair Cooke considers the American passion for trusting in God and how religion is linked to the American constitutional rights.

Sep 01, 2000•13 min

Russia: The Victim of Democracy

Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk and what public reaction in Russia has revealed about the government's relationship with it's people.

Aug 25, 2000•14 min

Mother Nature's Wild Fires

Alistair Cooke talks about the colossal forest fires raging across the United States and explains how they've started to become an issue of political partisanship.

Aug 18, 2000•14 min

Running Mates and Carpet Baggers

Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrases "carpet bagger" and "running mate" as well as the role of the vice president.

Aug 11, 2000•14 min

From Party Convention to Coronation

On the eve of the political parties choosing a nominee for the presidency of the United States, Alistair Cooke remembers some previous party conventions.

Jul 28, 2000•13 min

Ghostly Applause for a News Blackout

Alistair Cooke evaluates the effect of the news blackouts surrounding the Israel and Palestinian peace talks and reflects on their joint history and turbulent relationship.

Jul 21, 2000•13 min

Now Read On...

Alistair Cooke remembers George Gallup, the man whose scientific polling method changed the study of government and public opinion forever.

Jul 14, 2000•13 min

Where Have all the Answers Gone?

Alistair Cooke bends his alphabet into a metaphysical helix in order to gain an understanding of the human genome.

Jul 07, 2000•14 min

Pursuing a Will-o-the-wisp

On the 50th anniversary of the United Nation's Korean War Alistair Cooke remembers the conflict that was often called the "forgotten war", including how the veto clause was written into the UN charter.

Jun 30, 2000•14 min

This Great Festival of Consumerism

Alistair Cooke ponders on how long the ordinary American family has been paying attention to Father's Day and is worried by the great festival of consumerism.

Jun 23, 2000•14 min

A Wonderful Work or a Rat Trap?

In light of a new vedict surrounding the visiting rights of grandparents, Alistair Cooke reflects on the pace at which the Supreme Court makes its decisions.

Jun 16, 2000•13 min
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