Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1993-1996)

Bank robber Johnny Madison Williams Junior's story, leads Cooke to explore the concept of the crook as a national hero, and anticipate the fallout from the OJ Simpson trial.

The FBI's powers, the need for "community policing", and the history of protest at UC Berkley are discussed by Alistair Cooke following a riot in Harlem Heights.

America's historic obligation to preserving the peace and protecting the innocent in Greater Serbia, discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Kathleen Bailey, a straight talking organiser shakes up a world conference at Livermore, with the renewal of the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty high on political agendas.

The Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 collision with Jupiter leads Alistair Cooke to discuss the thinning of the ozone layer and the work of Arthur C Clarke.

Clinton's desire for a stronger relationship with Germany, the history of Haiti and the latest developments in the OJ Simpson case are mulled over by Alistair Cooke.

How the OJ Simpson trial is being reported on either side of the Atlantic, and some parallels with the abdication of Edward VIII are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Unceasing rumours surrounding the OJ Simpson trial make Alistair Cooke reflect on the American desire to know the verdict before hearing the facts.

The state of sport in America is assessed by Alistair Cooke as the 1994 World Cup commences. And he commemorates the final allied troops leaving Berlin.

The leadership of Clinton and Felipe Gonzalez of Spain is compared by Cooke, who explores how the public expectations of elected officials have changed.

President Clinton's relationship with the military is explored by Alistair Cooke, who considers whether his lack of active service places him in a compromised position.

The Polish contribution to the Normandy landings are examined by Cooke following the 50th D Day commemorations, including why recent allied operations have been less successful.

Silent movie actress Pearl White (1889-1938), the case against Dan Rostenkowski and the latest allegations levelled against President Clinton are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Clinton's controversial health bill, and the impact of the famous Brown v Board of Education case 1954, 40 years ago, including its unintended consequences.

The American education system is examined by Alistair Cooke, who considers the rise of progressive schools and asks whether an increase in home schooling is a viable proposition.

President Clinton's first 15 months in office and the challenges he faces both at home, and abroad including, the looming crisis in Haiti are reflected on by Alistair Cooke.

In his assessment of Richard Nixon, Alistair Cooke details the life of the only president to resign from office, including his work in China and the Watergate scandal.

Following the detention of 18 year old Michael Fay, an American citizen in Singapore, Alistair Cooke looks at what Fay's treatment can tell us about Singapore.

The manipulative power of magazines, President Clinton's reputation abroad and the public demand for representation are explored by Alistair Cooke in the wake of Whitewater.

The retirement of Justice Blackman from the Supreme Court of Justice reminds Alistair Cooke of the good, the bad and the senile aspects of law making.