The Clinton Years (1997-2000) Podcast
Alistair Cooke on Bill Clinton’s second term including Monica Lewinsky scandal, the attempt to impeach him, the al-Qaeda attack on US embassies in east Africa and war in Kosovo.
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).
Episodes to download
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Diet, Longevity and a Custard Pie
Fri 2 Jun 2000
To eat meat, or to not eat meat? Alistair Cooke finds out the perfect diet for longevity.
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A Giant Step for Womankind
Fri 26 May 2000
Union resistance to trading with China, reminds Mr Cooke of the invention of dishwashers.
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Historic Turning Points
Fri 19 May 2000
Alistair Cooke recalls when the private life of a politician was a taboo topic.
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The China Bill and other Kickshaws
Fri 12 May 2000
Alistair Cooke reflects on China's trading privileges and a law against sizeism.
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The Outrageous David Merrick
Fri 5 May 2000
Alistair Cooke remembers the colourful life of American theatre character David Merrick.
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A Sordid Struggle
Fri 28 Apr 2000
Alistair Cooke examines the legal battle fought by Cuban Elian Gonzalez for asylum.
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Cycle of Boom and Bust
Fri 21 Apr 2000
After a stock exchange drop of 600 points, Alistair Cook remembers other booms and busts.
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The Year of the Census
Fri 14 Apr 2000
Alistair Cooke examines whether questions on the US census invade individuals' privacy.
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Never-failing, Ever-soaring, High-flying, Hi-techs
Fri 7 Apr 2000
Alistair Cook wonders what alternative sources will be found to create energy.
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The Most Significant Event of Recent Times
Fri 31 Mar 2000
Alistair Cooke considers the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion.
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A National Figure of Charm and Pity
Fri 24 Mar 2000
Alistair Cooke considers the sole survivor of a capsized boat full of illegal immigrants.
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Buying Judges and Acquiring a Patron Saint
Fri 17 Mar 2000
Alistair Cook examines Irish heritage in America and the celebrations of St.Patrick's Day.
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A Brief Joust and Tumble with Sir Galahad
Fri 10 Mar 2000
Alistair Cook looks at the rise and fall of Senator John McCain.
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Fuelling Inflation
Fri 25 Feb 2000
Alistair Cooke considers how oil price may affect the future of the US more than politics.
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Charles Schulz: A Great and Good Man
Fri 18 Feb 2000
Alistair Cooke commemorates the life of Charles Schultz, the creator of Charlie Brown.
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Fickle Crushes and Volatile Markets
Fri 11 Feb 2000
Alistair Cook remembers a forgotten lesson: the folly of economic prophecy.
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Conventional Wisdom
Fri 4 Feb 2000
Alistair Cook reflects on the history of how political parties choose their candidates.
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A Gentleman but not a Scholar
Fri 28 Jan 2000
Alistair Cook reviews how the United Nations reacted to a scolding from Senator J Helms.
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What are Animals put on Earth For?
Fri 21 Jan 2000
The news that "Fur is back", leads Alistair Cook to explore why it never really went away.
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The Death of the Old Media
Fri 14 Jan 2000
Alistair Cook uses Rip Van Winkle to understand the Time Warner and America Online deal.
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A Breathtaking Global Tour and a Resignation
Fri 7 Jan 2000
Alistair Cooke discusses Boris Yeltsin's resignation and Mr Putin's praise of the KGB.
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On Y2K Alert
Fri 31 Dec 1999
Alistair Cooke discusses the US Government’s precautions against the millennium bug.
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Park Avenue's colourful Christmas
Christmas Eve 1999
Festive fairy lights remind Alistair Cooke of a time when Christmas was less than holy.
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Old Sentiment and New Honesty
Fri 17 Dec 1999
In a vintage Letter from America from 1967, Alistair Cooke tells a Christmas story.
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Renewed Concern Over Secondhand Smoke
Fri 10 Dec 1999
Passive smoking fears make Alistair Cooke evaluate the cleanliness of the air around us.
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The Last Demo Circus of the Year
Fri 3 Dec 1999
Alistair Cooke discusses the protests against the World Trade Organisation convention.
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The Most American of All American Festivals
Fri 26 Nov 1999
Whilst turkeys roast and yams bake, Alistair Cooke reflects on traditions of Thanksgiving.
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Fortress America and Beloved Symbols of Britain
Fri 19 Nov 1999
Alistair Cooke criticises Bill Clinton’s appearance at Yitzhak Rabin’s memorial service.
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Democracy in Action
Fri 12 Nov 1999
Alistair Cooke commemorates the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.
Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
